— •lip^l^^ii^ ^7^ PRINCETON, N. J. ^, Presented by W-<2^ 3 \ cS'XcS^^ V^-\"V O ^ c • Divi.non Section 1 . /. f^Uzz c^ ^^v^ J. ?• ^\ ■'■«■.. » • t A COLLECTION OF THE ACTS, DELIVERANCES. AND TESTIMONIES OP OP THE PKESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FROM ITS ORIGIN IN AMERICA TO THE PRESENT TIME: WITH NOTES AND DOCUMENTS EXPLANATORY AND HISTORICAL: coNSTmrriNG a complete illustkation of her polity, faith, and mSTOBT. BY SAMUEL J. BAIRD. PHILADELPHIA: PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION. NO. 821 CHESTNUT STREET. Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by A. W. MITCHELL, M. D. In the Office of the Clerk of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BY JESPER HARDING & SON, Inquirer Building, South Third Street, Philadelphia. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. A DIGESTED collection of the permanent documents of the Presby- terian Church has long been a desideratum. The first edition of the present work was offered to the public with unfeigned diffidence. It was hailed with a universal favour and warmth of commendati%*i, which was most unlooked for, and gratefully appreciate*?". . By the General Assembly of 1866, the following resolutions were adopted : " Resolved^ That the thanks of this General Assembly are due to the Rev. Samuel J-. Baird, for the labour incurred by him in the pre- paration of the ' Assembly^'s Digest,' recently published by the Board of Publication. • ^ '• Resolved^ That the Digest is earnestly commended to the atten- tion and patronage of all in our connection; and tliat any person having suggestions to make in reference to any proposed improve- ment in the work, are invited to make them to the author thereof, before the issue of a new edition." — Minutes^ 1856, p. 535. The author has sought to evince his sense of the kind apprecia- tion bestowed upon his former labours, by endeavouring to render the present edition still more worthy of acceptance. In the thorough revision to whicH the whole work has been subjected, less assistance than was hoped has been derived from the suggestions of others. Whether from indifference to the matter, or satisfaction with the work as it is, but few suggestions have been made ; and those upon minor points. The present edition, although numbering no more pages, is so condensed as to contain, besides all that was in the former work, sixty or seventy pages of additional matter, which will be found to add materially to the value of the whole. The citations from the Assembly's records are given without quo- tation, or other marks of distinction; editorial matter is included in brackets ; and other documents are designated by quotation marks. Of dates prior to 1789, the citations are from the second f3) 4 PREFACE. edition of the " Records of the Presbyterian Churcli ;" the paging of which differs from that of the first edition, by the addition of 2, down to the 269th page, after which they coincide. From 1789 to 1820 inclusive, the references are to the volume of Min- utes issued by the Board. Subsequently the Annual Minutes are the authorities. The figures of reference to date and page of these re- cords, are inserted at the beginning of the paragraphs; in connec- tion with which the letters " P." and " N. Y." indicate the Synods of Philadelphia and New York, during the schism. Having thus completed what will probably be his final labour in this department, the author commends the work to God's blessing and the favour of his people. S. J. B. Dec. 14, 1858. PREFACE. Pkior to 1821, no more than brief extracts of the annual Min- utes of the General Assembly were published. In 1814 an overture was presented by the Rev. Thomas D, Baird for the printing of the entire Minutes, from the beginning; inasmuch as the Extracts were not only deficient in completeness, but entire files of them were not to be had. The proposition was opposed, on the ground of its involving the Assembly in an expense for which there was no pros- pect of remuneration. It however being ascertained, that a pub- lishing house in Philadelphia was ready to give one thousand dol- lars for the copy-right, it was determined to secure the whole profits to the General Assembly ; and the following resolution was adopted, viz : " Whereas, Ministers of the gospel, and lay members of our judica- tories, do need, and it is known that many of these as well as others desire to possess, the printed extracts of the General Assembly of our Church from the year 1789, it was therefore " Resolved, That the Assembly order a number of copies to be printed ; and that the profits arising from the sale be added to the funds of the Assembly." — Minutes, 181-i, p. 561, Proposals were accordingly issued. But the business of all re- ceived adequate attention from none, and the effort failed. In 1818 the subject was revived in a different form. It was ^^ Resolved, That Drs. Janeway, Neill, and Ely, be appointed a committee, and they are hereby appointed, to extract from the re- cords of the General Assembly, and of the late Synod of New York and Philadelphia, all such matters as may appear to be of perma- nent authority and interest, (including a short account of the man- ner in which missions have been conducted, and their success,) that the same may be published for the information of Ministers and people in our Churches; and that they report the same to the next Assembly."— J/mzi/es, 1818, p. 673. This committee reported to the Assembly, the next year, a work, in regard to which the following resolution was adopted : " '-psolve.d, That the work reported by this committee, be com- pleted on the plan reported ; and that when thus finished, the com- mittee be authorized to have four thousand copies printed and offered for sale at a reasonable price. " Resolved, That the Trustees of the General Assembly be requested to defray the expenses of printing the above work, and to (5) PREFACE. secure the copy-right of it ; and that the Presbyteries be requested lo promote the sale of the same." — Minutes, 1819, p. 713. The Digest was accordingly published, and the General Assembly in 1820, (p. 727,) " recommended to all the Bishops, Elders, and Deacons in the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and to heads of families, to procure it for themselves." This edition being in time exhausted, the subject of a new selec- tion came up to the Assembly. The following report was adopted : " That as the want of a new Digest has been felt and expressed by many brethren ; as the Minutes of the Assembly have now become too voluminous, to be conveniently carried to the places of meeting of the several judicatories ; as it is impossible now to supply our Ministers and Elders with entire sets of the Minutes; and as ar- rangements may be made for the publication of a new Digest, without any expense to the Assembly, they therefore recommend to the Assembly the following resolutions for adoption, viz : " 1. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, it is expe- dient that a new Digest of the acts and proceedings of the highest judicatory of our Church, be prepared and placed within the reach of all our Ministers and Elders. " 2. Resolved, That Dr. John McDowell, Mr. Winchester, and Mr. Duffield, be a committee to prepare such a Digest, and report the same to the Assembly, as soon as practicable ; provided the expense of its publication be not defrayed out of the funds of the Assembly." —Minutes, 1836, p. 262. From this appointment nothing resulted, and the subject coming up again in 1841, the following order was passed; viz: "The Board of Publication is hereby directed to take into consideration the propriety of publishing a new edition of the Assembly's Digest, ; having first caused a thorough re-examination of the Minutes of all the years embraced in the present Digest, and also a full ex- ammation of all those published since; so that the balance may contain, in a small space, and a cheap form, all the important acts of the Assembly now in force: to which may be added such statis- tical and other information; in regard to our Church, as may be judged important." — Minutes, 1841, p. 447. These successive measures having failed, the Assembly in 1843 ^^ Resolved, That it be recommended to the Board of Publication, if funds can be provided for the purpose, to print an edition of all the Minutes of the General Assembly from the origin of the body, including a summary of the statistical tables, to which shall be appended a copious Index, which shall serve as a Digest of the Assembly." — Minutes, 1843, p. 197. The volume of Minutes from 1789 to 1820, published in partial response to this resolution, however valuable, did not supply the desideratum of the Assembly ; and in 1848 a renewed effort was made to secure that object. '■^ Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare a Digest of the acts and proceedings of the General Assembly, siiice 1820, accompanied by a full and copious Index ; and that they make PREFACE. 7 an arrfingement with the Board of Publication to publish sucli an edition as they may think proper, including in the same volume the present Digest." '• The Moderator announced as the committee of five, to prepare ' a Digest — Kev. Daniel V. McLean, Eev. Giles Manwaring, Rev. John xMcDowell, D. D., Rev. William M. Engles, D. D., Rev. Willis Lord, D. D.'' — Mimites, 1848, pp. 45, 53, This committee reported to the next Assembly " that they had not been able to perform the duty ; and asked that the business be transferred to the Board of Publication. The request was granted, and the committee discharged." — Minutes, 1849, p. 246. Under this appointment the Board issued the new Digest, in 1850. It appearing that the exigencies of the Church demanded a more full and complete collection, the author of the present compilation has ventured to attempt answering this demand. Experiment soon demonstrated, that there was no alternative between a brief abstract, arbitrarily selected, and consequently unsatisfactory in its exhibi- tions, and an exhaustive collection. In preferring the latter, he was not only confirmed by the opmions of brethren with whom he had opportunity to consult, but by the action of the Assembly in 1843 recited above, in which was contemplated the republication of the entire Minutes, furnished with an apparatus of indices, &c. to serve as a Digest. My aim under the direction of the acts of the Assembl}'' on the subject, has been to produce a work which may constitute a complete thesaurus, comprehending whatever might be requisite, to enable the common reader and the church member, to know what our Church has been and has done ; no less than to place within the reach of Church officers, a full exhibition of all that she, either by precedent or act, has decided, upon the principles of her faith and order, and the rules of her discipline. Subordinate to this design, it has been a constant study, to condense the whole to the smallest possible dimensions. In addition to the extracts from the Assembly's records, there are given other documents, and notes, historical and explanatory ; serving to bring out and illustrate the proceedings of the Assembly, and the attitude of the Church, in the premises severally. In arranging the materials composing the work, reference has been had primarily to logical order. As far as consistent with due subordination to this, regard is paid to the chronological sequence of the transactions. The statistical tables have been carefully pre- ]iared, and will be found both interesting and valuable ; although the defective character of the materials, precludes more than an approxi- mation to accuracy. That defects will not be discovered in this volume, I cannot hope. Should such present themselves, they may claim indulgence. They have not resulted through negligence, or want of untiring labour and anxiety to attain accuracy and completeness. Begun, as was this compilation, amidst the prostration and debility induced by a long continued exposure to a pestilent malaria — carried on for some 8 PREFAjCE. time by a daily alternation of the writing table and the sick couch, — and at length completed, amid the labours, the anxieties, and cares, of a newly formed and arduous pastoral relation, by robbing nature of her wonted rest, until the overwrought system loathed the needed repose ; — failing in every attempt, either by importation or otherwise, to obtain the use of any such works as might have served to suggest a plan ; and compelled to work without model or precedent : straitened in all my investigations, with slight excep- tions, to the limited resources which a missionary life has permitted me to accumulate in my own library ; to collect, digest, systematize, and illustrate the accumidated deliverances of a century and a half, on every variety of subjects, has cost me an amount of anxiety, toil, and weariness, which can only be appreciated by experiment ; and which, if anticipated, would hardly have been encountered. But through the kindness of Providence my work is done ; and if I have succeeded in signalizing to any additional degree, in illustrat- ing with greater clearness, or disseminating to any wider extent, those principles of order and of faith, which have characterized our Church, since she was first planted in this goodly land ; and which have made her what she is, — a rock, immovable in her principles, amid surrounding change, — a river, pouring a widening and deep- ening tide of saving influences, for the healing of our own and other lands, — my object will have been attained ; and in it I shall be richly repaid for all the labour expended. Thk Manse, | Muscatine, Iowa, Oct. 19, 1854 ) CONTENTS. BOOK I. THE CONSTITUTION. Title 1. — Constitution prior to the Adopt ting Act, - - - - page 25 (j 1. The General Presbytery had no writ- ten Constitution. § 2. The organization was strictly Presbyterian. § 3. Relation to the Church of Scotland. § 4. First proposal to adopt a formal Constiution. Title 2. — Adoption of the Westminster Stan- dards, - • • - -p.27 § 5. Thompson's overture. — The subject laid over a year. § 6. Act Preliminary to the Adopting Act. § 7. The Adopting Act. §8. The Directory recommended. §9. The Adopting Act explained and enforced. § 10. Misrepresentations of this last explanatory Minute. § 11. Position of the New Bruns- wick party. § 12. Position of the Synod of New York. Title 3. — Revision of the Westminster Standards, - - • - jo. 34 § 13. Draught of the Book of Government and Discipline. § 14. The Confession of Faith amended. § 15. The Draught, as pub- lished by Synod. § 16. The amended Con- stitution adopted. § 17. The Creed, &c., an Appendix to the Shorter Catechism. § 18. Threatened secession of Suffolk Presbytery for these acts. § 19. The completion of the Constitution by tlie General Assembly. § 20. Revisions of the Constitution by the General Assembly. § 21. Insertion and authority of the marginal notes. Title 4. — Of Adopting the Confession of Faith, . ' . . - JO. 41 § 22. The use of Creeds and Confessions. § 23. Adoption includes the Catechisms. § 24. Ministers hostile to Creeds. Title 5. — Circulation of the Constitti. tion, j». 44 §25. Former regulations for its publica- tion. § 26. The printing referred to the Board of Publication. § 27. Unauthorized editions. § 28. Circulation of the Constitu- tion urged. Title 6. — Of Amendments, - p. 45 § 29. General Principles on the Subject. § 30. Amendments sent down for a series of years. § 31. Amendment of the doctrinal standards. § 32. Attempt to change the pro- vision respecting amendments. § 33. The article in regard to Constitutional Rules. § 34. Different interpretations of this article. § 35. The disputed article amended. § 36. The Assembly may reject amendments al- lowed by the Presbyteries. Title 7. — Commemorations of the Constitti- tion, - . . - - jt?. 51 § 37. Semi-centenary of the Assembly. — Devotional observance. § 38. Measures in commemoration of the semi-centenary. § 39. A committee on the Bicentenary of the West- minster Assembly. § 40. Ultimate action on the Bicentenary, 9 10 CONTENTS. BOOK II, THE CONGREGATION. CHAPTER I.— Its Constitution. Title 1. — Formation of New Congrega- ions, . - • - . JO. 54 § 1. (a) Manner of organizing. (6) Con;2;re- gations without officers. § 2. An order of Presbytery usually requisite. § 3. Organi- zation may be arrested by appeal. § 4. Or- ganization when the majority oppose. § 5. Supplies granted without an organization. Title 2. — Qualification of Members, p. 56 § 6. Adoption of the Confession of Faith *" not required. § 7. Conformity to the Disci- pline of the Church requisite. § 8. Persons who refuse to dedicate their children in bap- tism. § 9. Persons engaged in the sale of intoxicating drinks. () 10. Universalists ex- cluded. § 11. Sabbath-mail stage proprietors excluded. § 12. Postmasters officiating on the Sabbath excluded. Title 3. — Reception and Dismission of Members, - - - - p. 58 § 13. Members from other Churches should bring Certificates. § 14. Reception on Ex- amination.— In Revivals. § 15. Members long absent without dismission. § 16. A dismission maybe irregular, yet valid. § 17. Removal to another denomination. § 18. Withdrawal to join another denomination. § 19. Dismission indefinite. § 20. Dismis- sion of a suspended member. § 21. Release from censure upon appeal entitles to dismis- sion in good standing. § 22. Testimonials to a person wlio has been under judicial charges. § 23. Members may not be re- leased to the world. Title 4. — Of the Temporalities. - p. 62 § 24. Measures for their management. § 25. Charters should not infringe the Con- stitution of the Church. CHAPTER II.— Church Officers. Title 1. — Of Deacons, - . /;. 63 § 26. Appointment of Deacons enjoined. ij 27. The function of the Deacon. § 28 Tlie Scotch account of the Deacon's office. § 29. May a person be at once Elder and Deacon ? § 30. Control of Funds that are in the hands of the Deacons. Title 2. — Ruling Elders. - - j3. 65 ^ 31. Elders in the olden time. § 32. A Minister may not serve as a Ruling Elder. (j 33. Election by the people esscntiol. — The Ses.sion may nominate. § 34. The ciistom- ury mode of election may be changed by the Church. § 35. Election at a meetitig not called by the Session. § 36. None but church members ought to vote for Elders. § 37. The Session decides when and how many Elders to be elected. — Recourse against abuse of this power. § 38. An Elder can serve but a single Church. § 39. Elders may not be elected for a term of years. ^ 40. Restoration to communion, does not restore to the Eldership. § 41. An Elder without charge cannot sit in Church Courts. § 42. Installation required upon Re-election. \ 43. Elders who cannot acquiesce in decisions of the Superior Courts should resign. § 44. Resignation of the Eldership. § 45. El- ders in Presbytery. — Quorum and Ordi- nation questions. § 46. Action of the As- sembly of 1844, on these questions. § 47. Protest against the action on the que rum question. § 48. Reply to the foregoing pro- test. § 49. Protest on the imposition of hands in ordaining Ministers. § 50. An- swer to the protest on imposition of hands. § 51, Authority of the above replies. Title 3. — Candidates for the Ministry, p. 80 § 52. Candidates to be sought for and En- couraged. § 53. Tliorough literary training of Candidates. § 54. Letter to Rev. David Rice on thorough training. § 55. Literary qualifications waived in special cases. § 56. To what Presbytery does tlie care of a Can- didate belong? §57. Presbyteries to exer- cise a strict supervision over Candidates. § 58. Pending trials before one Presbytery, a Candidate may not be taken up by another. § 59. A three years' theological course urged. § 60. A rule of an inferior court, requiring longer time than specified in the Constitu- tion. Title 4. — Of Licentiates. - - ;>. 84 § 61. Importance of probation before ordi- nation. § 62. Precipitate licensure and or- dination condemned. § 63. Going abroad for licensure condemned. § 64. Licensure and ordination may be irregular, yet valid. § 65. Licentiates to attend tlie Church Courts. § 66. Subjects of Exegesis. Title 5.— Of Pastors, - - />. 86 § 67. Election by the people has been from , the beginning. § 68. Mode of proceeding in election. § 69. Who entitled to vote tor a Pastor. § 70. Call not allowed till dues to former Pastor are ])aid. § Pastor and Church must belong to the same Presbytery. § 72. Under special circumstances the pus- tor.il relation may result from prescriptive exercise. § 73. Installation refiiscd on ;v- c >nnt of deficient salary. § 74. Pastoral duties. § 75. Translation of Pastors. §76 Dissolution of pastoral relation. CONTENTS. 11 Title 6. — Ministers who are not Pas-\ tors, /). 90; § 77. The system of stated supplies disap- proved. § 78. Chaplains in the army. § 79. Naval Cliaplains. § 80. A Minister may not hold a plurality of incompatible cliarg^cs.J § 81. Ordination to the office ol Evangelist. ^ 82. Neg^lecters of their ministry disowned' by the General Synod. § 83. Principles of the Assembly on ncfrlcct of the ministry. ; § 84. A full minute on neglect of the work of the ministry. Title 7. — Other Deliverances respecting the Ministry, . - J9. 93 § 85. Piety and faithfulness urged, k 8fi. Measures tor promoting ministerial etficien- cy. § 87. Are Ministers viewed as mennbers of particular ClmrcliLS? § H8. May a Min- ister hold a civil office? §89. Treatment of unknown travelling Ministers. § 90. Re- moval witiiout leave of Presbytery. § 91. Non-resident Ministers. § 92. Demission for intellectual incompetence. § 93. Demis- sion on account of bodily infirmity. § 94. The Scotch doctrine on the subject. § 9.'>. Letter upon occasion of the Doctorate of Mr. Alison, — the first in our Church. BOOK III. THE ORDINANCES. dj 1. Thedistributionof ecclesiastical func- tions. § 2. Arrangement of Book Third. PART I. POTESTAS OROINIS. Title 1. — Preaching, - - jo. 101 § 3. Lay preaching. § 4. Reading ser- mons. § 5. Expository preacliing. Title 2. — Administration of the Sacra- ments, - - - - - /). 101 § 6. Where there is no organized Cluireh. § 7. Administered witiiout leiive of the Pis- tor and Session. § 8. Antipoedobajitisl ad- mitted to occisional communion. § 9. Bip- tism by an impostor. § 10. Bnptism by a deposed Minister. § 11. Profane adminis- tration of Biptism. § 12. Unitarian B.ip- tism. (j 13. Romish baptism. Title 3. — Baptism. — The Parties and, Mode, p. 105 § 14. Qualifications of the Parents. § 15. Parental engagements. § 16. What is the periodof infancy ? § 17. Orphan children of heatiien, in the aire of our Missions. § 18. Apprentices to Cliristian muster.--. § 19. Children of j)ious slaves. § 20. Lifant slaves of Christian masters. § 21. Baptism by im- mersion . Title 4 — T/ie Benediction, - p. 108 § 22. The nature of the Benediction. Title 5 — Attention to the Ordinances, p. 108 § 23. Neglect censurable. § 24. Duty of Dedication and Baptism of Cliildren. § 25. Vacant Congregations should meet for wor- ship. § 26. The Ruling Elders to act as Ex- horters in vacant t^imrches. § 27. Pastoral letter to frontier Churches. PART II. POTESTAS JURISDICTIONTS. CHAPTER I — Of Ordination. p. U] § 28. Ordination by Committee. § 29. Olden trials for ordination. § 30. Ordina- tion at a distance from the charge. §31. Ordination abroad of Ministers coming among us. § 32. Ordination of Licentiates in transitu. § 33. Ordination sine titulo. § 34. Ordinations on the Sabbatli. § 35. Ir- regularity does not necessarily invalidate or- dination. § 36. Lay ordination invalid. §37. Ordination procured by fraud. § 38. Me- thodist Ordination. § 39. Ordination of the Baptist and other Churches. § 40. Ruling Elders and Deacons ordained with imposi- tion of hands of the Eldership. CHAPTER II — Of Legislation, p. 116 § 41. Of the right of Petition. § 42. Of ■the right of dissent and protest. CHAPTER III.— Of Discipline, p. 118 I § 43. An example from the olden time. 'Title 1. — Jurisdiction over Territory, p. 119 § 44. A Church outside the bounds of a Presbytery, being placed under its care, does not convey the territory. § 45. The territo- iry of a dissolved Presbytery. § 46. A Pres- jbytery formed by the General As.sembly, and inadvertently attached to a distant Synod. j Title 2. — Jurisdiction over Persons, />. 120 I § 47. Jurisdiction over Candidates and I Licentiates. § 48. A deprived licentiate jnon-resident. § 49. The only Elders are to ibe brought to trial. § 50. The only Elder is i related to the accused. § 51. Member of a Idefunct Presbytery. § 52. An unsuccessful lattempt to join another denomination does I not annul jurisdiction. § 53. Jurisdiction 12 CONTENTS. over non-resident Ministers. § 54. Dcclina-|be full. §94. The records to be read and lure by the accused does not bar Jurisdic-'approved by the court. § 95. Records once tion. § 55. Case of Theodore Clapp. § 56. approved, can be amended only by unani- lUiousvote. § 96. Records not to be mutilated. § 97. An inferior court may not be required Jurisdiction over a deposed Minister Title 3. — Other Questions of Jurisdic- tion, . .... p. 124 ij 57. An appeal from a court not of our communion. § 58. The discipline of other Evang-flical Churches respected. §59. Dis- cipline of baptized Children of the Church. Title 4. — Other Preliminary Subjects, p. 127 § 60. Examination of Ministers on joining- Presbytery. § 61. A Minister suspected of error subject to examination. § 62. Quorum for Judicial Purposes. § 63. Of cliarges not judicially prosecuted. § 64. The accus ed held innocent of charges angrily urged, and petulantly abandoned. § 65. Censure without trial. Title 5. — Of Original Process, - p. 129 § 66. Constitution of the court. § 67. Charges must be specific. § 68. Limitation of time. § 69. Publications calculated to prejudice the court. § 70. A Minister may be suspended pending process. § 71. Of Testimony and Witnesses. Title 6. — The Decision, - - p. 131 § 72. Decisions should be definite and pre- cise. § 73. A just sentence not vitiated by censurable informality. — Respondent may claim a copy. § 74. The court may, at the same session, correct an irregular decision. § 75. Censures should be in proportion to the offence. § 76. Suspension for a specified time, when designed chiefly to vindicate the ho- nour of religion. § 77. Suspension from the Ministry precludes the function of Exhor- ter. § 78. The name of a suspended person remains on the roll. § 79. Deposition and excommunication distinct acts. § 80. The names of deposed Ministers in certain cases to be published. Title 7. — Resistance to Censure, p. 134 § 81. Resistance involves higher censure. Title 8. — Recourse against Censures, p. 136 §82. Removal oi' censures. §83. New trial may be had upon new evidence. § 84. New trial after lapse of years. § 85. If the court to erase a record, although improperly made. Title 11. — Of Review, - . p. 140 § 98. Annual review imperative. § 99. The exhibition of recent records may be re- quired. § 100. Copies from the records ac- cepted only in extraordinary cases. § 101. Members excluded from voting in review of their own records. § 102. Reasons of ex- ceptions should be stated. § 103. Neglect of exceptions is disorderly. § 104. Effect of review in judicial cases. Title 12. — Of Appeal and Complaint, p. 142 § 105. What is the difference between them ? § 106. Appeals limited to the origi- nal parties. § 107. The members of a court may severally appeal or complain. § 108. Appeals are limited to judicial cases. § 109. Appeal in the case of a call. § 110. Appeal against refusal to reconsider an unappealed decision, § 111, Complaint against refusal to conform to the decision of the appellate court. § 112. Complaint will not lie against refusal to decide a constitutional question, in thesi. Protest against this decision. § 113. Answer of the Assembly to the above protest. § 114. Due notice of the rea- ons of appeal or complaint. § 115, Wliat members of the court may sit on the trial ? 116. Burs to the process. § 117. Appeals and complaints should ordinarily pass through the regular series of courts. § 118. They may for sufficient cause be carried di- rect to tlie Assembly. § 119. Hearing of a voluminous case waived by consent. § 120. Time and place of lodging the action. § 121. Personal attendance of the pursuer not ne- cessary. § 122. For sufficient cause post- ponement may be had. § 123. Withdrawal after abuse of the inferior court. § 124. Failure to prosecute. § 125. If cause be shown, the case may afterwards be resumed, § 126. If the records are not sent up, the case may be postponed, § 127. Negligence in sending up the records censurable. § 128. refuse to grant a new trial upon the allega-j^'^c neglect of the court not allowed to in- tion of new testimony, a complaint may lie.' jure the pursuer. §129. The case sent 6 86. Superioi jurisdiction to be maintained. § 87. No censure will lie, for endeavouring in an orderly manner to have an adverse deci- sion set aside. Title 9.-0/ Reference, - - p. 137 § 88. A court may entertain a Reference not accompanied by the testimony, and it- self take it. § 8!). Reference may be direct (o the Supreme Court. § 90. A Reference saddled with appeals and complaints. §91. The principles „which govern such cases. Title 10.— r/je Records, - p. 139 § 92. No document to be recorded except by 1. nierof *hc court. § 93. The records should back on account of defect in the record. § 130. Matters foreign to tlie issue, by con- sent omitted in reading. § 131. Matter not of record, admitted by consent of parties. § 132. The order of hearing. § 1.33. The minority of the lower court to be heard. § 134. Proof of allcg-ations against an infe- rior court. § 135. Who are tlie original par- ties? § 136. In the trial of technical points, tiie character of absent parties to be protected. § 137. Withdrawal of the parties to be lite- ral. § 138. Expression of opinion on calling- the roll. § 139. After the calling of the roll, hearing refused to a member of the inferior court. § 140. Form of the question. CONTENTS. 18 Title 13. — The Final Decision, p-l^QlTnuR^.— UseoftheLot,. - j9. 187 § 141. Pursuer sustained, if the act iiij § 182. Case of the Cliurch of Hanover question be condemned. § 142. Effect of the |§ 183. Case of Tehicken Church. decision. — The action of the lower courts may be annulled. § 143. Cause remanded for revision or new trial. § 144. New trial lell of)tional to the parties. § 145. No addi- tional censure without full re-hcaring. § 146. In reversing excessive censure, the other ex- treme to be avoided. § 147. Admonition to both parties. § 148. A decision may dissolve a body erected by the lower court. § 149. May remove officers ordained or installed by the interior court. § 150. A special decision may be entered by consent. § 151. The re- cord of the decision should state the nature of the case. § 152. Inferior court required to publish the adverse decision. § 153. In- ferior Judicatories may remonstrate against decisions of the Assembly. Title 14. — Process against a Church Court, • • - - p. 165 () 154. Process against a court takes the form of complaint. Title 15. — Adjudicated Cases, - p, 165 §§ 155, 156. Bourne's Case. § 157. Case of J. Leroy Davies. § 158. Case of Samuel Lowry. — Sentence of a special session null. §§ 159, 160. Peoria Church case. § 161. Vancourt's case. § 162. Case of the Rev. Simeon Brown. § 163. Case of the Rev. G. H.Thatcher. §164. Case of the Rev. Robert S. Finley. PART III. COMMON ORDINANCES. Title 1. — Benevolence, Title 4. — Marriage. — Miscellaneous Ques. tions, - . . . . p. 183 § 184. Inconsiderate engagements. § 185. Licentiates may solemnize marriage. § 186. What is sutTicient publication. § l87. Ques- tions of divorce. § 188. Clandestine mar- riage. §189. Marriage of mission converts with heathen. Title 5. — Affinity in Marriage, - p. 191 § 190. Wife's brother's daughter. § 191. Wife's half-brother's daughter. § 192. Wife's sister's daughter. § 193. The relicts of a brother and sister. § 194. Half brotlier's wife, and wife's sister. § 195. Brother's wife. § 196. Wife's sister. § 197. Pro- posed changes in the constitution on the subject. § 198. The principle governing these decisions. Title 6. — Sacred music, . . p. 195 §§ 199, 200. The Assembly's collection of music. § 201. Family psnlmodist. § 202. Church music is under the control of the sessions. Title 7. — Ministerial support, - p. 197 (j 203. Duty of the churches. §§ 204, 205. The subject in the Assembly of 1854. § 206. Aged and invalid Pastors. Title 8.— The oath. . . . p. 204 § 207. Lawfulness of judicial oaths. Title 9. — Of prayer, . . p. 205 § 208. Posture in prayer. § 209. Social prayer-meetings. § 210. Female pra3'ing societies. § 211. Monthly concert. § 212. p. 173ich^nge to the first Sabbath in the month. §165. Appointments of the Assembly niayi§ 213. Prayer for overthrow of the papacy. not be set aside. § 166. Contributions should be to a few well selected objects. § 167. Systematic Benevolence. § 168. Clerks to put the subject on Presbyterial docket. § 169. Annual application to every Churcii member. § 170. Female Benevolent Socie- ties. Title l.—The Catechesis, - ■ p. 181 § 171. Family religion enjoined. § 172. Instruction of baptized children. § 173. Neglect in consequence of Sabbath-school facilities. §174. Children should be trained in the faith of our Fathers. § 175. Conse- cration to the Ministry. § 176. Catechizing enjoined. § 177. Recommendation of Sab- bath-schools. § 178. Sabbath-schools only auxiliaries to parents. — Subject to Sessions. § 179. Catechism in Sabbath-schools. § 180. Bible-classes. § 181. Instruction of tlie Deaf and Dumb. Title 10.— Psalmody, - - ;>. 207 §214. Early acts. — Introduction of Watts's Psalms. § 215. Conscientious scru- pies. §216. Watts's hymns allowed. §217. Frivolous or heretical psalmody censurable. § 218. The Assembly's first collection of hymns. §§ 219, — 221. The present coUee- tion. § 222. Overture from the Associate Reformed Synod, on psalmody. A selcctioa from Rouse. PART IV. REVIVALS. § 223. Testimony to the revival of 1801- 1804. §§ 224, 225. Disorders in it reproved. § 226. Vindication of the preceding warn- ings. § 227. Dangers to be avoided in re- vivals. § 228. Means of promoting revivals. — A pastoral letter. 14 CONTENTS. BOOK IV. THE CHURCH COURTS. CHAPTER I — General Principles. p. 230 ij 1. Radical principles of Presbytery. § 2. Moderator may not prorogue a stated meeting. § 3. The change, how made. ^ 4. Pro re nata meetings, when proper ; — how called. § 5. The Churches to meet the cost of attendance on Church courts. § 6. Proceedings when ther6 is not a quorum. § 7. Quorum obtained on adjournment from a pro re nata. § 8. The stated meeting failing, the court how reassembled, {a) By the Moderator. (6) By a pro re nata meet- ing. (c) By the superior court. § 9. Ab- sentees called to account. § 10. Members returning home without leave. § 11. De nomination of correspondents should be re- corded. CHAPTER II. — Of Ecclesiastical Com- missions. Title 1. — The nature of commissions, p. 233 § 12. What is a commission? (b) Scotch definitions and illustrations, (c) Practice of the Waldenses. Title 2. — Commissio7is of the General Synod, p. 236 § 13. Commissions to license, ordain, &c. (a) Commissions to ordain. (6) A comniis- sion to license a candidate, (c) A commis- siou to translate a pastor, (rf) A commis- sion to conti'iue or remove a suspension, (e) A commission to release a pastor. § 14. An extraordinary commission. § 15. Com- mittees of pacification. («) A commission to settle difliculties in Newark, (b) A com- mission to settle difficulties in New York, (c) Some of these proceedings disallowed by the Synod. ((/) A commission on difficulties at Bedford, (c) Some of its acts reversed. § 16. A commission of the General Synod of New! York. Report of this commission. § 17.' Judicial commissions. § 18. The judicial' proceedings reviewed in Synod. § 1.9. j Standing commissions of the Generiil Synods. § 20. Revision of their proceedings. § 21.' Nature of this commission defined. i Title .S. — Commissions under the present constitution, - - - - /.'. 244 §22. Commissions of Presbytery. Relusal to condemn Presbyterial commissions. § 23. Standing commissions of the Synods of Vir- ginia and Pittsburgii. § 21. A judicial commission of the Synod of Virginia. § 25. Standing connnission of the Synod of tlic Carolinas. § 2G. Commissions ol" the Synods olkcuUii...y ..iu lii.iiuis. § 27. Commissions' of the General Assembly. Proposals to create a judicial commission. Tlie Boards are commissions. CHAPTER III — The Church Session. p. 247 § 28. Quorum of session. § 29. Modera- tor of session. § 30. Sessional " registers." § 31. Reprcscntiition in the superior courts. Session represented in absence of pastor, (c) Representation of vacant congregations, (d) Elders from united congregations, (e) Elders of vacant congregations in Synod. (/) At- tendance of Elders on the superior courts enforced. CHAPTER IV The Presbytery. Title 1. — Its Constitution, - p. 249 § 32. Order of proceedings. § 33. The opening sermon preached by one not a mem- ber. § 34. Ministers without charge enti- tled to sit. § 35. One Presbytery may not transfer a Church to anotlier. § 36. Exces- sive subdivision of Presbyteries. §37. Geo- graphical bounds usually required. § 38. Geograpliical bounds disregarded. § 39. Presbytery called together by Synod — Meet- ing outside its bounds. Title 2. — Reception of native ministers, p. 251 § 40. Receptions by Presbytery set aside, under the Westminster Directory. § 41. Obsolete decisions of the Assembly on this subject. §42. Presbyteries may reject min- isters with clean papers. § 43. Proposed constitutional rule on the subject. § 44. Presbyteries may examine intrant ministers. § 45. Abuse ol' this right corrected u[K)n complaint or appeal. § 46. Examination liiado imperative. § 47. New School doc- trine on this subject. § 48. Reception of ministers trom corresponding churches. Title 3. — Reception of Ministers from for. eic/n countries, . . . p. 254 § 49. Original rule of the Synod of Phila- delphia. § 50. Case of Hunter. — Inter- course with Irish nonsubscribers declined. § 51. New overture on the subject. § 52. Act unanimously adopted. § 53. The pre- sent rule. §54. Vindication of this plan. Title 4. — Illustrations of the preceding rule, p. 260 § 55. It applies to Canada. § 56 The credentials approved by the members, a quo- rum of Synod not present. § 57. One who tor conscientious scruples retired iirom the coM'K.N ;;s5. 1^ ministry in Ireland, wishes to resume it. sub-division. § lOi). The Synod divided aud ^ 58. Probationer transferred from one the Assembly constituted. Presbytery to another. §59. Privilege lost rp, n n .■ i- .i t ,, by a return to Europe. § 60. These rules ^"^^ 2.-OrgamzaUon of the Assembly to be strictly observed. ' a nn d /• .i o i » P- ■f'-^ _ , %^. . . , ,7 , , §110. Prayer for the General Assembly. Title 5.—Dismissxon and M'«t § 22d. The boiird of direc-jThe business committed to the trustees of r^o, i , <• P™|'-^«««'-«--rTjie ^acu ty.|the. Assembly. § 2(J5. A report adopted on . I 1 ... Courts erected. - - . ». 66/ tion of the Assembly. § 47. Pastoral letter. • -^ § 48. A judicial commission of Synod. § 49.! § 91. Erection of the Elective Affinity Balch in the General Assembly. § 50. Sub- Presbytery. § 92. This Presbytery restored sequent ciiarges against him. § 51. The after dissolution. § 93. Protest against it. independent Presbytery in the Assembly. ;§ 94. Answer to flie protest. § 95. Erection Title 5. — The new-Iight heresy, p. 634iof the Synod of Delaware. § 52. The origin of it. 6 58. A commit-'/-,„ a Drrinn t^t n, n a tee to visit the Synod of Kentucky. § 54.,^"^PTER IV.-The General Assem- Proceedings of the commitfe. § 55. Pas- J^^y of 1834. - - - ^.6/0 toral address of the Synod. § 56. Sequel of § 96. The Western memorial. § 97. Ac- the Seceders. |tion of the -\sscmbly on the memorial. § 98 Title &.—The Cumberland schism, p. 640 Protest against this nction. § 99. Reply to § 57. Origin of the disorders in Cumber- l^'i's protest. § 100. Resolution of attnch- land Presbytery § 58. A commission of l""-'nt to the doctrines of the standards, the Synod of Kentucky. § 59. Proccedingsl^ 101- ^ protest rejected. § 102. The nii- of the commission. § 60. Further action of '"'"''^7 appeal to the Church at large. § 103 the Synod. § 61. Remonstrance from the jT'ie act and testimony. Cumberland party, to the Assembly. § 62.i^j^^pTER V.-The General Assembly JLetter to the Synod ol Kentucky. 6 63.' looc i^aa k 4.V. c 111 .••• J : u 1 OF 1835. - - - - p. 6o8 Another Cumberland petition, and the reply. I '^ § Ij4. Tiie Synod fully justified. § 65. Let-! § 104. The act and testimony convention. ter to the Rev. J. W. Sl(phre Sermon, b fore and after Baptism, at the Lord's Table, upon exercising Discipline, at the solrniniz..tion of Marriage, in the Sick Room, at Ordinations; and nine prayers for tlie Family. With them file following dirL-ctions are given:] •'Tlie ]\Iiuisti'r, as in prudence he shall tliiiik meet, is to alter and change this order; to leave out any portions or parts of it : to add to or vary it according to tiie numerous patterns of prayer in the Scriptures." — p. Z^. " As many as can conceive prayer, ought carefully to improve this gift of God; yet, for the sake of young and basliful heads of families, we have subjoined a few forms of family prayer, earnestly recommending it to all sueh, not to be negligent in cultivating a spirit of prayer, and to use these forms no longer than till they shall have learned to express the desires of their hearts to (Jod f()r their families with some degree of propriity." — ]).118. [A few passages from the drauglit, wl:ich may aid in the interpretation of the Consti- tution as it now stands, will be cited under the appropriate heads.] 36 THE CONSTITUTION. [bOOK I § 16. The amended Constitittion adopted. 1788, p 546. The Synod having fully considered the draught of the Form of Government and Discipline, did, on review of the whole, and hereby do, ratify and adopt the same, as now altered and amended, as the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America ; and order the same to be considered and strictly observed as the rule of their proceedings, by all the inferior judicatories belonging to the body. And they order that a correct copy be printed, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, as now altered, be printed in full along with it, as making a part of the Constitution. Resolved, That the true intent and meaning of the above ratification by the Synod, is that the Form of Grovernment and Discipline, and the Confes- sion of Faith, as now ratified, is to continue to be our constitution, and the confession of our faith and practice unalterable ; unless two-thirds of the Presbyteries, under the care of the General Assembly, shall propose altera- tions or amendments, and such alterations or amendments shall be agreed to and enacted by the General Assembly. 1788, p. 547. The Synod having now revised and corrected the draught of a Directory for worship, did approve and ratify the same ; and do hereby appoint the said Directory, as now amended, to be the directory for the worship of God, in the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. They also took into consideration the Westminster Larger and Shorter Cate- chisms, and having made a small amendment of the Larger,* did approve, and do hereby approve and ratify the said Catechisms, as now agreed on, as the Catechisms of the Presbyterian Church in the said LTnited States. And the Synod order, that the Directory and Catechisms be printed and bound up in the same volume with the Confession of Faith, and the Form of Government and Discipline ; and that the whole be considered as the stand- ard of our doctrine, government, discipline, and worship, agreeably to the resolutions of the Synod at their present session. § 17. The Creed, &c., an Appendix to the Shorter Catechism. [The first edition of the Shorter Catechism w.as entitled " Tlie Humble Advice of the Assemblie of Divines, now by Authority of Parliament sitting at Westminster, concern- ing a Shorter Catechisme ; witli the Proofs tlicreof at large out of the Scriptures. Pre- sented by them lately to both Houses of Parliament. London. Printed by A. Ma.xey for John Rothwcll at the Fountain in Goldsmiths Row in Cheapside." The second page contains the order of Parliament for its publication : — " Die Lunce, 15 Septemb. 1648. " It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, that this Shorter Catechisme be forthwith Printed and Published," &c., &c. It constitutes a small quarto of forty-three pages, which, as do all subsequent copies, contains the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Creed, appended to the Catechism; together with the following note, wliich occurs in all European editions of the Westminster standards ; and which, especially in connection with its occurrence in this, the first and separate edition of tlic Catecliism, indicates tlie relation of those formu- laries as an appendix to that work. Hence the li-nmers of our Constitution, although they omitted this note, seem to have recognized the incorporation of the Catechisms into the standards, as carrying with tliem tliese epitomes of tlie law, prayer, and the faith of the Caurch; which arc accordingly retained as a part of tlie Catechism. " So much of every question, botli in the Larger and Shorter Catechism, is repeated in tlie answer, as makcth every answer an entire proposition or sentence in itself; to the end the learner may farther improve it upon all occasions for his increase in knowledge and piety, even out of the course of cati cliizing as well as in it. "And albeit tlie substance of the doctrine comprised in that abridgment commonly called the Apostles' Creed, be fully set tbrtli in each of the Catechisms, so as there is no * [The amenilment consisted in striking out the phrase " toleratiiig a false religion ;" which was enumerated among the sins forbidden in the second commandment.] iSEC. 16.] DOCUMENTxVUY HlSTOra'. 87 necessity of inserting the Creed itself; yet it is liere annexed, not as thousfh it were com- posed by the Apostles, or ought to be esteemed canonical scripture, as tlie Ten Coinniand- nieiits and the Lord's Prayer, (much less a prayer, as ignorant pco[)le have been apt to make both it and the Decalog-uc ;) but because it is a brief sum of tiie Christian faith, agreeable to the word of God, and anciently received in the Cluirehes of Christ." That the Creed was designedly retained amolig the formularies of our church is evi- dent from the authority given to it in the Directory for worship, chapter ix. This chapter remains in the precise form in which it was adopted in 1788, in connection with the re- vision of the constitution.] § 18. Threatened secession of SuffoUc Presbytery for these acts. 1787, p. 532. A letter from the Presbytery of Suffolk addressed to the ^Moderator of Synod, praying that the union between them and the Synod may be dissolved, was read. The Synod appointed Dr. McWhorter to bring in a draught of a letter in answer thereto, and that Dr. McWhorter, Dr. Ptodgers, Messrs. Woodhull, Roe, and Davenport, be a committee to meet the Presbytery of Suffolk at Huntingdon, on the first Wedne-sday of next September at two o'clock, P. M.j and that the Presbytery of Suffolk be de- sired by timely notice, to meet with the committee, in order to enter into free and full conversation upon this subject; and the committee to make a report at the next sessions of Synod. Dr. McWhorter, agreeably to order, brought in a draught of a letter to the Presbytery of Suffolk, which was approved, and ordered to be signed by the Moderator, and sent to that Presbytery ; and is as follows : To the Reverend the Presbytery of Suffolk County : Reverend and Dear Brethren — We received a letter from you, dated April 11th, 1787, which both surprised and grieved us, by informing us " that you think it needful that the union between you and us should be dissolved." We. are surprised that a matter of so great importance, as breaking the peace and unity of the Church, should be so suddenly gone into, without our re- ceiving any information of the matter, in respect to any previous things leading to such an event. We declare that we have done nothing which we know of, that should be so much as matter of offence to you, much less a ground of withdrawment or separation. We have always supposed that you, as brethren with us, believed in the same general system of doctrine, disci- pline, worship, and church government, as the same is contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory. You inform us ''that your local situation renders it inconvenient to maintain the union." This is the same that ever it was, when we took sweet counsel together, strengthened each other's hands in the advancement of the cause of our dear Redeemer, stood firm in opposition to the enemies of our religion, and greatly comforted and encouraged one another. You say " that concurrence with the draught of the Form of Government and Discipline for the Presbyterian Church in North America, is impracti- ble." That is only a draught or overture for consideration and amendment, and we should have rejoiced much to have had your company and aid in pointing out those impracticabilities, and in altering, correcting, and com- pleting the said draught. We apprehend there are no principles in it dif- ferent from the Westminster Directory ; only the same rendered more ex- plicit in some things, and more conformable to the state and circumstances of the Presbyterian Church in America. You likewise add, '' the Churches in your limits will not comply there- with." Perhaps those Churches, from some cause unknown to us, may have hastily imbibed groundless prejudices, which by taking some pains with them, and by giving a proper explanation of the matter-, might be readily removed. We arc fully of opinion that the general principles in said i3 THE rONSTlT|UTION. [BOOK I driia^iit ;:oi)taiu the plan of church discipline and government revealed in the iVew Testament, and are conformable (allowances being made for the differences in the states of civil society, and local circumstances), to the prac- tices and usages of the best Reformed Churches. 'Wherefore, dearly beloved brethren, in the bowels of brotherly love, we entreat you to reconsider the resolution expressed in your letter. You well know that it is not a small thing to rend the seamless coat of Christ, or to be disjoined parts of that one body his Church. We are all members one of another ; there should be no schism in the body, but we shoiild comfort, encoixrage, and strengthen one another, by the firmest union in our common Lord. We are Presbyterians, and we firmly believe the Presbyterian system of doctrine, discijjline, and church government, to be nearer to the word of God than that of any other sect or denomination of Christians. Shall all other sects and parties be united among themselves for their support and in- crease, and Presbyterians divided >and subdivided, so as to be the scorn of some and the prey of others ? In order to testify to you the high sense we entertain of the importance of union in the Presbyterian body in America, we have appointed a com- mittee, viz : the Ptev. Dr. Eodgers, Dr. 3icWhorter, Mr. Roe, Mr. John Woodhull, and Mr. Davenport, to wait upon you, to converse with you, and to endeavour to remove difficulties. Therefore, we request the Moderator of your Presley tery to call the same together, to meet our committee at Hun- tingdon on the first Wednesday in September for these purposes, at which time and place our committee are appointed to attend. That you may in a spirit of candour and love reconsider your resolution and continue in a state of union with us, and that we may, by our united eflbrts, advance the king- dom of our glorious Redeemer, is the earnest prayer of your affectionate and grieved brethren. Signed by order of the Synod, Jedediah Chapman, Moderator. PhUmhlphia, May ISth, 1787. 1788, p. 544. The committee appointed to meet the Presbytery of Suffolk, on the subject of their letter, signifying a desire to withdraw from the Synod, reported that they met the Presbytery at the time and place fixed on by the Synod, and conversed the subject over with them, with the greatest treedom, candour, and amity ; and that in consequence of said free and amicable conference, the Presbytery agreed to withdraw their request, as may more fully appear by the following minute of said Presbytery, viz : ; " The Presbytery of Suffolk met at Brook Haven, April 8th, 1788, according- to ap- point:ncnt ; entered upon the consideration of the petition sent to the Reverend Synod of New York and Pliil.idelphia, at their last sessions, requesting- a dismission from their body ; and, after dejiber.itiug- on it, came to the following conclusion, viz : to withdraw the petition. And appointed the Rev. Messrs. Noah Wetmore and Nathan Woodhull to attend the Reverend Synod at their next meeti ig at Philadelphia, and present this minute to the Moderator of Synod, and transact any other business as may be found necessary by them as the representatives of this Presbytery. A true copy of the minute of Presbytery. Attested by David Rose, Clerk." [Since 1772 no member of the Suffolk Presbytery had sat in Synod, until the appear, ance of the Rev. Nathan Woodhull at this time.] § 19. The completion of the Constitution hi/ the General AasemhJij. (a) [The following minute exliibits the General Assembly assuming, in the inchoate state of the constitution, to be tlie succ;'ssor, and exercising tlie supreme powers of the Synod, without recourse to the Presbyteries.] 17S0, p. 9. The coinniittce appointed by the late Synod of New York land Philadelphia, to revise the chapter of the Directory entitled " Of the SEC. 18.] DOCUMENTARY HISTORY. 39 mode of inflicting churcli censures," laid before the Assembly the chapter, a*) by them revised ; which, being considered and amended, was finally en- acted, and ordered to be printed and published with the Constitution. (b) The Scripture Proofs compiled. 1792, p. 58. The committee appointed to consider the expediency of a new impression of the Confession of Faith, Form of Government and Dis- cipline of this Church, reported, That .... another impression ap- peared expedient, in which, if the Scripture proofs were inserted at length, it would become more acceptable, and might be of greater utility to the Churches ; and proposed that a committee be appointed, properly to select and arrange the Scripture texts, to be adduced in support of the articles in the Confession of Faith, Form of Government and Discipline ; and prepare the same to be laid before the next General Assembly. Resolved, That Dr. Robert Smith and Messrs. Mitchell and Grier be a committee to carry the above into execution. 1793, p. 66. A letter was received and read from Mr. Mitchell, one of the members of a committee appointed by the Assembly of 1792, to revise and prepare for publication an edition of the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Form of Government and Discipline of this Church, informing this As- sembly, that considerable progress Ixad been made in the business, but that it was still incomplete. Whereupon, the business was recommitted, and the Moderator, [the Rev. James Latta,] added to the committee, in the place of the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, deceased ; and they were directed to report to the Assembly in 1794. 1794, p. 88. The committee appointed to prepare the Scripture proofs in support of the doctrines of the Confession of Faith, the Catechisms, &c., of the Presbyterian Church, submitted their report ; which was read, ex- amined and approved, as a specimen of the w^ork. Whereupon Dr. Green, Messrs. John B. Smith, James Boyd, William M. Tennent, Nathaniel Irvin, and Andrew Hunter, were appointed a committee to compare the proofs prepared by said committee, and now reported to the General Assembly, with the proofs annexed to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory ; to revise the whole, prepare it for the press, to agree with the printer for its publication, and to superintend the printing and vending of the same. 1796, p. 114. The committee appointed to revise the proofs of the Con- fession of Faith, &c., and to superintend the publication and sale thereof, reported, that they had made considerable progress in the work, and had part of the book ready for publication ; but that for want of sufficient funds, they were not able to proceed in the publication of it. On motion, Jiesolved, That the committee proceed to have an impression of the Con- fession of Faith, &.G., struck off as soon as in their power; and that they take the best measures they can devise to have it executed, and upon the most reasonable terms, and that there be four thousand copies struck off; and that subscription papers be prepared as soon as possible, and distributed throughout the bounds of the General Assembly, and the members are hereby requested to interest themselves in procuring subscribers, for assist- ing the funds of the General iVssembly in defraying the expenses of the work. § 20. Revisions of the Constitution hy the General Assembly. [In the years 1804 and 1805, a revision of the Form of Government, jOK 11. do not the protesters themselves, or at least some of them, hold that it is only as Ruling Elders that Ministers are entitled to seats in our church courts ? And therefore, upon their own showing, there is no impediment arising from the composition of these courts in the way of the Ministers alone constituting a quorum. '' But, beyond all question, the safest precedents in this matter are those furnished by our own and other Presbyterian church courts, and more espe- cially those of Scotland and Ireland, from which we derived our own forms of government and discipline. " 3. The next objection urged by the protesters is, that ' the provision of our Form of Government, (Chap. x. Sec. 10,) requiring the consent of two Elders of diiferent Congregations to enable the Moderator of the Presbytery to call a special meeting, shows that our Constitution intended to guard against the possibility of holding a meeting of Presbytery without the con- sent and presence of Ruling Elders.' " That this provision was designed to guard against the holding of a special meeting without the consent of a fair proportion of the eldership assenting thereto, we admit ; but surely the protesters draw an inference altogether unwarranted, when they consider this provision designed to secure the presence of the Ruling Elders. That there may be a quorum at this special meeting, it is not necessary that any of the Ministers or Ruling •Elders, who request the meeting to be called, should be present, or eVen that the Moderator himself should be present. Before the Ruling Elders who united in the request for calling the meeting could attend said meeting, it would be necessary for their respective Sessions to commission them. " The design, therefore, of this provision was not ' to guard against the possibility of holding a meeting of Presbytery without the .... presence of Ruling Elders,' but for the reason that, as the Elders are equally inte- rested with the Ministers in the business of the Presbytery, and their con- venience should be consulted as well as that of the Ministers, it is fit that no special meeting should be called, without the consent of an equal number of Ministers and Elders. The circular letter of the Moderator is designed to secure as far as practicable the attendance of all the Ministers, and of a Ruling Elder from each Church. But neither the issuing of the letter, nor the concurrence of the two Ministers, or of the two Ruling Elders, deter- mines anything as to the question whether there can be a quorum without the presence of one or more Ruling Elders. "4. The objection derived from the import of the phrase, 'as many as may be present,' has been sufficiently answered under the first head. " 5. The fifth objection urged against the decision of the Assembly is, that ' Ruling Elders are (in Chap, v.) declared to be " properly the repre- sentatives of the people, chosen by them for the purpose of exercising government and discipline;" and to permit government and discipline to be exercised, in the absence of all the representatives of the people, as is per- mitted by this decision, seems to us, (the protesters,) to be strangely in con- flict with the representative character of our Constitution.' "The objection, if of any force, is of equal avail against a quorum of the General Assembly consisting of Ministers alone ; which, beyond all question, may be the case ; and condemns the early practice of our own Church, both before and after the adoption of the Constitution in 1788. Besides, it as- sumes what the protesters have no where attempted to prove, viz : that the Ministers of Christ assembled in Presbytery, can do no business in the ab- sence of the people or their representatives. Although the people have the right to be represented in Presbytery by their Ruling Elders, it by no means follows from this circumstance, that they must be represented, before the «EC. 48.] CHURCH OFFICERS — RULING ELDERS. 75 re^'ular business of the body can be transacted. Tlfe representative char- acter, therefore, of our Constitution forms no valid objection against the decision of the Assembly. <'6. The sixth and last objection urged by the protesters against the de- cision of the Assembly is, ' that the government of the Church may be ex- ercised by even three 31inisters who have been ordained sine titulo, and who have never been called to rule in an individual Church ;' and then follows an expression of their belief, that ' our Book can never sanction a decision which even occasionally devolves the authority of a Presbytery upon those who have never in any way been elected by the people to govern them.' " This is evidently a hypothetical case, rather than one likely to occur in real life ; and if such an one should ever happen to occur, it would be with the implied consent, at least, of all the regularly settled Pastors, and of all the Elderships within the limits of the Presbytery ; for without their know- ledge and consent it could not possibly take place. And, further, no man is ever ordained sine titulo, except with the express or implied consent of the Churches, given through their Pastors and Ruling Elders. " It is believed by the committee, that the objections of the protesters have been fully met, and that it is unnecessary to enter into a full specifica- tion of the reasons in favour of the decision of the Assembly, — a decision which the Assembly believed to accord with the true import of the terms of the rule, and to be confirmed by the practice of our own and other Presby- terian church courts, and by the practice of other bodies similarly consti- tuted. Of all this, full evidence has in various forms been given to the Churches. For further evidence of the correctness of the decision of the' General Assembly, the committee M'ould refer to the Minutes for 1843." James Hoge, B. II. Rice, John Maclean, H. A. Boardman, C. C. Cuyler, Committee." § 49. Protest on the impo^itioit of hands in ordaining Ministers. 1844, p. 390. "The undersigned, who voted in the minority on the first resolution of the series reported by the Committee of Overtures, viz : the resolution which explains, justifies, and re-afiirms the decision of the last Assembly, that Ruling Elders, when members of Presliytery, have no au- thority to impose hands in the ordination of Ministers of the word, — byway of protest against the action of the present Assembly adopting the said first resolution, respectfully submit: " I. That they are gratified to find the Assembly in the said resolution distinctly asserting the right and power of Ruling Elders in common with Preaching Elders, to order the whole work of ordination, and their further rightful power of judging in the discipline of Ministers of the word. And, further, in the third resolution, affirming and maintaining the scriptural au- thority of the office of Ruling Elder, and their equal participation in the exercise of government and discipline. These are important, nay, funda- mental principles; and in the existing state of opinion amongst many in our Church, we hail their open and formal avowal as a most important event; and make this statement, lest our vote against the said first resolution might be construed into a denial of these great truths. " II. We believe that the Assembly erred in matter of foct, matter of law, and matter of reason, in the said resolution, in the things following, viz : " 1. It is in our opinion an error of fact, to assert or assume that /he practice of our Church has been clear and uniform against the exorcise of the right of Ruling Elders to impose hands in ordination : for that the con- 76 THE CONGREGATION. [BOOK II. trary practice has obtfeined in various portions of our Church, and for a period beyond the memory of some of our oldest Ministers, is capable of distinct proof. There is a member of this Assembly, who was ordained more than twenty years ago, upon whom lluling Elders imposed hands. And, moreover, since as the law stands, the act of any part of the Presbytery is valid at all, only so far as it is the act of the body itself, the mere presence of Elders in the body nullifies the allegation that it was the practice that they should not unite in acts of the body, and requires positive proof of a positive practice which forbade their acting, and we deny the existence of any such proof. As to matter of fact, therefore, we take issue with the Assembly, and deny that any such positive practice at all, in our Church, much less any clear and uniform practice, as assumed in the resolution, justifies the state- ment that it is against law for Elders to lay on hands. " 2. As to the whole influence of practice in determining the sense of written constitutions, much less of divine ordinances and records, we con- sider the ground assumed by the Assembly, in the said resolution, as erro- neous in point of reason : And we contend that the practice of our own Church, if it were clear, uniform and unquestioned, could never oblige the conscience of its office bearers to put on written language a sense different from the sense contained in the words, more especially when the language, and not the practice, is adopted under solemn vows to Grod, And we deny that the practice of all the Churches in the world can ever do more than afford a presumption in favour of the truth of what the practice favours, — a presumption whose force depends entirely on the character of the things ► themselves, and that of the Churches which practise them : and our Church has in practice done what was forbidden, and failed to do what was com- manded ; and the practice under the Westminster Form of Government should not be relied on, because the language of that Form has been mate- rially changed in our book. "3. In the distinction which the Assembly takes between the rite of or- dination, and the substance of the act, we are of opinion that there is an error both of law and of reason. Of law, because our Constitution does not say that imposition of hands is by the Ministers of the word as a rite super- added to the act of the Presbytery ; but it says that the imposition of hands is the act of the Presbytery, conjoined to the ordination by the Moderator of the body in its behalf. Of reason, because, in the nature of the case, a church court cannot perform a 7'ite, which is personal to Ministers of the word ; and therefore if imposition of hands be a rite, belonging to Ministers of the word as such, it belongs to them individually, and is as incapable of joint exercise as the rite of baptism. "4. If the Assembly means to say that the whole of ordination is merely a ministerial and declarative rite, as its language seems to bear, then we say, this seems to us to be a total error of fact, of law, and of reason ; for, as we believe, ordination is by God's word, simply and merely an act of jurisdic- tion, and belongs absolutely and exclusively to such assemblies, as being composed of Teaching and lluling Elders, are invested with power to rule, and by our Constitution, to a court of this sort called a Presbytery. The Presbytery, composed of Ministers and Elders, has power to ordain Minis- ters, is the express language of our Constitution; and to us it seems clear, that to separate the power of ordination from the other portions of jurisdic- tion in the Church, and to make it a rite, instead of an exercise of rule or government, is inconsistent not only with Presbyterian, but with Protestant ground of Church order. 4f'' 5. When the Assembly say that because ' the rite of ordination is simply a declaratory ministerial act/ therefore the laying on of hands as a SEC. 49.] CHURCH OFFICERS — RULING ELDERS. 77 part thereof must belong properly to ordained IMinisters; and for the same reason liuling- Elders cannot unite in this part of the act, their words neces- sarily bear that, for the same reason the same Elders ought not to take part in any other portion of the act or rite of ordination ; and moreover, if Ruling Elders cannot take part, as the Assembly say they cannot, in any act which is decJaratory and ministerial, then they cannot take part in any act of any kind whatever, for the only power possessed by Teaching or Ruling Elders, whether jointly or severally, is merely derJarative and ministerial, as God's word and our Constitution abundantly declare. " 6. It appears to us that the denial of the right of Ruling Elders to impose hands, involves the denial that they are scriptural Presbyters, which denial seems to us to undermine the foundation of Presbyterian order; and to assert that ordination, embracing imposition of hands, is more or less than an act of church power exerted by the constitutional tribunals, seems to us to imply that it is a mere form, or that it is a true sacrament, — either of which errors appears inconsistent with the principles of Protestantism. '■'■ With great respect for the authority of the Assembly, we feel obliged by a sense of what is due to truth, as we understand it, to offer these reasons of protest, that our true position, and the exact objections we take to the aforesaid resolution of the Assembly, may appear in time to come." [Signed by 22 members of the Assembly.] § 50. Answer to the protest on imposition of hands. 1844, p. 392. "The Committee appointed [see below § 51.] to answer the protest of Messrs. James Stonestreet, N. H. Hall, and others, against the decision of the General Assembly, respecting the ' imposition of hands' in the ordination of Ministers, respectfully present the following reply to the positions in said protest : " We fully concur with the protesters, in the satisfaction which they express, that the Assembly distinctly asserts ' the right and power of Ruling Elders, in common with Preaching Elders, to order the whole work of ordi- nation,' ' and their equal participation in the exercise of government and discipline,' &c. ; yet as the language employed by our protesting brethren may convey the idea, that the Assembly has been constrained to make these admissions by force of argument in the recent controversy, we feel called upon to state most explicitly, that no change in sentiment has been produced by the arguments of the protesters, or of those who agree with them in opinion. The opinions of the Assembly of 1844 are identical with those of the Assembly of 1843, and the resolution protested against, merely expresses what were the doctrine and practice of the Presbyterian Church when the Constitution was framed, and, as far as we are informed, at every period of its previous and subsequent history. Of this statement full proof was given in the debates of the last Assembly. "1. The protesters charge that * the Assembly erred in matter of fact, matter of law, and matter of reason ;' and as evidence of error in matter of fact, they state that there was, on the floor of the Assembly, a Minister ordained more than twenty years ago upon whom Ruling Elders imposed hands. This, it is presumed, is the earliest instance of the kind, of which our protesting brethren have any certain knowledge, and if so, how very far short does it come of overthrowing the position, that the practice of our own and of all other Presbyterian Churches is adverse to the opinions of the protesters ? Admitting, as they assert, that ' a contrary practice has ob- tained in various portions of our Church,' and that too ' from a period be- yond the memory of some of our oldest Ministers,' of which however no certain evidence has ever been furnished, yet it is evident from the whole 7S THE CONGREGATION. [BOOK II. current of testimony, that these instances are but mere exceptions to the general practice, and that they occurred in portions of the Church remote from the seats of the okler Churches and Presbyteries, by which, in 17S8, our Constitution was ratified and adopted. And after all, ' the various por- tions of our Church' spoken of, will doubtless, upon examination, be found to be very few in number, and the contrary practice can in all probability be traced to the mistaken views of a few men in what was at that time a distant and feeble Presbytery. Not a single instance has ever been adduced, witliin the limits of the older Presbyteries, in which Ruling Elders imposed hands in the ordination of Ministers ; and all tradition is in favour of the ground taken by the General Assembly. In Europe and America, there are various denominations of Presbyterians, yet none of them permit any others than Ministers of the word to impose hands in the ordination of Min- isters. " 2. ' The mere presence of Elders in the body,' say our brethren, ' nulli- fies the allegation that it was the practice that they should not unite in acts of the body, and requires positive proof of a positive practice which forbade their acting, and we deny the existence of such proof.' If the committee understand this language, of which they are not at all confident, they would say, in reference to the practice of the Church, that the allegation has no respect to what in time past lluling Elders should not have done, but has respect to what they did not do ; and we know of no one who maintains, that any ' positive practice forbade' Ruling Elders to act in the imposition of hands, but ihat it was contrary to practice for them to do so. The rule limits the imposition of hands to the Clergy, and reference was made to the practice to show that the construction put upon the rule was the construction universally put upon it by those who framed the rule, and almost univer- sally by those who have acted upon it. '" 3. Again, the protesters charge what we most positively and unequivo- cally disavow, viz : that we plead practice against the plain and obvious meaning of the words. We maintain that the words of the rule, properly understood and compared with the other parts of the Constitution, require the construction given to the rule by the Assembly. We appeal to the practice of our own and other Presbyterian Churches as confirmatory of the .exposition given to the rule, and as the best evidence, in addition to the language which they have used, of the meaning and intention of those who framed our system of government and discipline. And will any one ques- tion the propriety of this use of well attested practice carried through gene- rations and even centuries? Or will any. intelligent and candid men set up against uniform and general practice mere exceptions, which are limited in their extent, and of modern date ? " The protesters next observe that, ' in the distinction which the Assem- bly takes between the rite of ordination and the substance of the act, we (the protesters) are of the opinion, that there is an error both of law and of reason.' The committee do not understand the Assembly as making the iistinction to which objection is here made. The Presbytery has power to ordtiin because it is composed in part of those to whom the power of ordain- ing belongs, but who, agreeably to the principles of Presbyterian govern- ment and the law of our Church, are not to exercise this power without the consent of the lluling Elders, the representatives in Presbytery of the people. And hence, although ordination belongs to the power of jurisdic- tion as contended for by our brethren, yet the power of the Eldership in regard to it is limited to a concurrence with the Ministers in deciding and ordering tliat it shall take place, and in determining the time, place, and the persons who are to take part in the public services. And this is the utmost SEC. 50.] CHURCH OFFICERS — RULIN(3i ELDERS. 79 point to ■which the most strenuous advocates for ordination pertaining to the jurisdiction of the Church have gone till recently, in reference to the power of Ruling Elders in the matter of ordination. " 5. The remarks jxxst made, the committee consider a sufficient reply to what is said in the next section of the protest. " 6. In saying that ' the rite of ordination is simply a declaratory minis- terial act, of which imposition of hands is a part,' the Assembly meant nothing more than this, that the solemn ceremony of setting a candidate apart to the office of the holy ministry, was a rite that appertained to Min- isters alone, and that ' imposition of hands' was used as a moral sign, to de- clare publicly who the party is that is set apart to the work of the ministry. In this sense it is properly called a declarative act, and in as much as it is to be performed by Ministei'S alone, it is properly called a ministerial act. 7. The protesters next say, that it appears to them ' that the denial of the right of Ruling Elders to impose hands, involves the denial that they are scriptural Presbyters.' " But do they not themselves advert with satisfaction to the fact, that the Assembly in their resolutions on this subject, affirm and maintain ' the scriptural authority of the office of Ruling Elder ?' With no propriety, therefore, can the denial by the Assembly of the right of Ruling Elders to impose hands in the ordination of Ministers be regarded as involving a denial that they are scriptural officers. That it involves a denial that they are Bishops, Pastors, Ministers, and even Presbyters, in exactly the same sense that Ministers are Presbyters, is conceded ; their distinctive charac- ter being that of ' representatives of the people,' and their official name being that of Ruling Elders, in order to distinguish them the more fully from those who, both in the Scripture and our Form of Government, are styled simply ' Presbyters,' or * Elders,' meaning Ministers of the word, who alone are the Presbytery to whom the imposition of hands appertains : it appertaining to the Ruling Elders to concur with the Ministers or Pres- byters, as to the propriety or impropriety of ordaining a candidate for the sacred office. ''■ ]Much of the erroneous reasoning respecting the powers of the Ruling li^lders, arises from overlooking the distinction between Ministers of the gospel and Ruling Elders. Both these classes of officers are appointed to exercise government and discipline, but to the former only does it belong to labour in word and doctrine, and therefore to set apart in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, after due trial and approbation, those who are to take part in the same ministry. " We have now taken notice of all the objections of the protesters, and if we mistake not, we have fairly met them. Were it requisite, we could, without difficulty, set forth the objections to the views entertained by the protesters, and show that their views are contrary to Scripture, to the Con- stitution of our Church, and to the practice of our own and all other Pres- byterian ChuBfches; and that they tend to subvert the office of Ruling Elder, by confounding it with that of Minister of the word. It was the doctrine of the Independents and not of the Presbyterians, that Ruling Elders had the right to impose hands in the ordination of Ministers, as could be abund- antly shown from authorities not to be questioned. " In favour of the decision of the last Assembly, or rather of the last three General Assemblies, it can be shown, 1. That the decision accords with the word of God ; 2. with the very words of our Constitution ; 3. with the uniform practice of those who framed the Constitution; 4. with the uniform practice of all other Presbyterian Churches ; and we cannot but express the hope that a matter which has been decided, after a full and careful examina- 80 THE CONGREGATION. [bOOK II. tion, by our whole Church, and by such large majorities, may be considered as settled, and that it will not be made a subject of further agitation." James Hoge, B. H. Rice, John Maclean, H. A. Boardman, C. C. Cuyler. Committee." § 51. Authority/ of the ahove replies. 1844, p. 385. Inasmuch as there is not time for the committee appointed, to answer the protests on the quoi'um and ordination questions previously to the adjournment of the Assembly, therefore, Resolved, 1st. That the protests be admitted to record. 2d. That the committee appointed to prepare answers, be requested to do so after the rising of the Assembly, and forward them to the Stated Clerk. 3d. In taking this course, the Assembly disclaim any want of respect to said pro- testants; and express the hope that agitation on the subjects in question may cease. Title 3. — candidates for the ministry. § 52. Candidates to he Sought for and Encouraged. 1828, p. 240. Resolved., That each Minister and church Session be affec- tionately requested to search diligently and prayerfully for young men of piety and promising talents, proper to be taken under the patronage of the Church as candidates for the gospel ministry, and recommend such young men to the Presbytery within whose bounds they are found, or to some education society. [Reiterated in the Minutes passim.~\ § 53. Thorough literary training of Candidates. 1783, p. 499. It was requested by the First Presbytery of Philadelphia, that the Synod declare to them their sense on this point, viz : Whether a person without a liberal education may be taken on trial, or licensed to preach the gospel ? The question being put, it was carried in the negative. 1785, p. 511. An overture was brought in, in the following terms, viz : Whether, in the present state of the Church in America, and the scarcity of Ministers to fill our numerous Congregations, the Synod or Presbyteries ought therefore to relax, in any degree, in the literary qualifications required of intrants into the ministry? And it was carried in the negative by a great majority. § 54. Letter to Rev. David Rice on thorough training. 1804, p. 299. Dear Sir — Your letter of the 18th of April has been regu- larly laid before the General Assembly, and although it ought to have been accompanied with an extract from the minutes of the Presbytery of Transyl- vania, yet the Assembly having perfect confidence in you, easily waived that formality. The inquiry which you propose, in the name of the Presbytery, concerning the propriety, in your present circumstances, of licensing and ordaining men to the work of the gospel ministry, without a liberal education, is certainly of great magnitude. Considering the great and ardent zeal on the subject of religion which has been awakened throughout so large a portion of the United States, the multitudes who are earnestly demanding of you the bread of life, and the few, comparatively, who are regularly ordained to break it amons them ; the reasoning seems specious at first, which would encourage us, inthe instances you mention, to depart from the spirit of our standards on SEC. 50.] CHURCH OFFICERS — THE MINISTRY. 81 this subject; and some plausible facts frequently occur which appear to con- firm this reasoning, and mislead the judgments of many honest and well meaning men. On all subjects on which the human mind is roused to un- common exertions, and inflamed with uncommon ardour, men become eloquent for a season ; and even the most weak and ignorant often surprise us by the fluency and pertinency, as well as fervour of their expressions. And in gen- eral revivals of the spirit of religion, that copiousness and pathos in prayer and exhortation, which are not uncommonly to be found among men who are destitute of any liberal culture of m.ind, and often even of any considerable natural talents, may tempt themselves, and lead others to conclude that they are endued with peculiar and extraordinary gifts for the service of the Church, which ought not to be suffered to lie useless and unemployed. An ardent zeal, too often united with a certain spiritual pride, and strong self-love, is apt to inspire some weak persons of an enthusiastic tempera- ment, with vehement impulses to preach the gospel, which they flatter them- selves are calls from Heaven ; but experience has repeatedly shown us, that these inward impulses most commonly affect men of great imbecility of mind, or of strong vanity. Experience farther shows, that when this fer- vour is somewhat abated, all their barrenness and defect of furniture for the holy ministry, and the sound interpretation of the sacred Scriptures, become manifest ; and too many unhappy examples have occurred of those who have abandoned good morals when deserted by their zeal. And with regard to supposed calls to preach the gospel, no man can be rightly called to that sacred office, out of the regular order which Christ has established in his Church ; no such inward call can be judged of by any church judicatory, nor distinguished by any certain criterion, from the visionary impulses of enthusiasm. The judicatories of the Church can judge only of the life and conversation of men, their knowledge and their talents to teach. Besides, we know that the nature of true religion is to render men humble. And such is the solemnity and importance of the duty of inter- preting the word of God to the people, and speaking in his name, that a sincere penitent will rather wait to be sought out, than forwardly intrude himself into so holy a calling. And do we not find in fact, that they are not usually the most prudent, judicious, and qualified to teach among the laity, who are most solicitous to be constituted public guides and instructors in the Church ? We do not say that a liberal education is absolutely essential to a man's usefulness in the ministry of the gospel ; but reason and experience both demonstrate its high importance and utility. And where ignorant men are permitted to explain the Holy Scriptures, it ought to be subject to the direction and control of others of greater knowledge. But this is an order which it has not been thought proper to adopt in the Presbyterian Church. And the superior comparative prosperity and usefulness of our Church, and that of our eastern brethren, which is similarly constituted, is a demonstra- tion by no means equivocal, of the approbation and smiles of Heaven upon us, in the exercise of our present form of government and discipline. But were our opinion on this subject different from what it is, we cannot lawfully and. conscientiously depart from our present standards till they be changed "in an orderly manner by the consent of a majority of the Presbyteries which compose the body of the General Assembly. You express your apprehensions, lest, if certain illiterate and unqualified men* should not be admitted to the ministry of the gospel among you, they *[The followers of Barton W. Stone, and the Cumberland Party. See Book VII, § 52 et seq.] 11 82 THE CONGREGATTON. [BOOK II. may withdraw from the Church, and become the promoters of dangerous schisms. We answer, The path of duty is a safe path. Do what is right, and commit the event to God. If they are men of such a spirit, it is only a new proof that they are most unfit for the office to which they aspire. Parties created by them will neither be important nor durable. . But if the gates of the Church are opened to weakness and ignorance, she will soon be overflowed with errors, and with the wildest disorders. We shall bring the ministry into disgrace and contempt ; which should be, like the priesthood of Aaron, without blemish. If men are sincerely desirous of promoting the glory of Grod, let them first bestow the necessary pains and time to acquire the requisite qualifications for feeding and leading the flock of Christ ; let them be regularly initiated into the priesthood ; and not hasten to offer un- hallowed fire on Grod's altar. If they are sincerely desirous of doing good, let them do it in that sphere in which they appear destined by Providence to move. In this, every Christian, the poorest and humblest, has ample scope to exercise his pious and benevolent dispositions, and to exert his talents, whatever they may be. § 55. Literary qualifications loaived in special cases. 1758, p. 289. Several very earnest applications were made to the Synod by Welch people in diff"erent parts, representing that many among them un- derstand not the English tongue ; and unless they have a pastor capable of speaking in their own language they must live entirely destitute of ordi- nances ; that a certain Mr. John Griffith came some years ago from Wales, with good certificates of his Christian knowledge and piety, though he has not had a liberal education, and of being there licensed to preach the gospel ; that he has preached among them to their great satisfaction ; and therefore pray the Synod to ordain him to the ministry, that he may both preach and also administer the sacraments among them. As the circumstances of that people are singular, and no other way ap- pears in which they can enjoy ordinances, the Synod agree that the said Mr. John Griffith, though he has not the measure of school learning usually re- quired, and which they judge to be ordinarily requisite, be ordained to the work of the ministry ; and appoint Messrs. Samuel Davies, Dr. Alison, Treat, Hunter, and Kettletas, to be a Presbytery p>ro re nata, to ordain him to-morrow at 11 o'clock. p. 290. The members appointed to be a Presbytery, pro re nata, to ordain Mr. John Griffith, brought in the following report : " The members appointed to be a Presbytery, j:3ro re nata, met according to appointment, and chose Mr. Davies, Moderator ; Dr. xilison, clerk. " Mr. John Griffith appeared before us, and after proper questions pro- posed to him, (as preparatory,) to our satisfi^ction, his receiving the West- minster Confession and Catechisms, &c., according to the agreement of this Synod, and professing subjection to them, the Presbytery agreed to proceed immediately to his ordination ; and accordingly, the Presbytery, with impo- sition of hands and prayer, set apart the said Mr. John Griffith to the gospel ministry. Concluded with prayer." Ordered, That Mr. Griffith belong to Philadelphia Presbytery. § 56. To u-hat Presbytery does the care of a Candidate belong ? 1764, p. 337. The Synod judge that any student in divinity who professes a design to enter into the ministry, has a right in our present situation to study for his improvement under the direction of any Divine of reputation in the Synod, according to a former act; but that when he proposes to enter upon trials with a view to the ministry, he shall come under the care of that SEO. 54.] CHURCH OFFICERS — THE MINISTRY. 83 Presbytery to which he most naturally belongs ; and he shall be deemed most naturally to belong to that Presbytery in whose bounds he has been brought up and lived for the most part, and where he is best known. But if another Presbytery desire that any student or students should come into their bounds, or if any such student or students, for greater conveniency, or from any cir- cumstances that make it necessary, desire to enter upon trials in a dift'erent Presbytery, upon his offering satisfactory reasons, he may be dismissed ; but in either case the Presbytery to which he removes shall not receive or admit him to come under trials upon his h:iving a certificate as a regular church member only, but he shall bring a testimonial from the Presbytery or several neighbouring Ministers where he lived, i-ecommending him as a candidate for the ministry, of exemplary piety and holiness of conversation ; nor shall anything less be deemed a sufficient recommendation. § 57. Preshyteries to exercise a strict sujjervision over Candidates. 1852, p. 205. [x\n overture] from the Presbytery of St. Clairsville, re- questing the Assembly to enjoin oii the Professors in all our Theological Seminaries, to render semi-annually, to the Presbyteries whose candidates for the ministry may be in the said Seminaries, an account of these candi- dates, similar, in all respects, to the quarterly reports required by the Board of Education, in reference to young men receiving pecuniary aid ; the com- mittee recommended the adoption of the following minute, viz : While the Assembly advises all the Presbyteries to institute regular and careful inquiries into the standing and progress of their candidates for the holy ministry, in all stages of study, yet it deems it inexpedient to adopt the measure proposed in the overture. The report was adopted. 1857, p. 31. Resolved, That candidates should be required to put them- selves under the care of Presbj^tery as soon as possible, and receive careful supervision during their entire course, and that whatever arrangements the Presbyteries may deem expedient to facilitate their training, these arrange- ments should not be such as will tend to shorten the full term of study, or induce an absence from their classes at either the opening or closing of the Seminary sessions. § 58. Periding trials before one Presbytery, a Candidate may not be taken up by another. 1772, p. 435. The Presbytery of New Castle expressing some uneasiness at the conduct of the Second Philadelphia Presbytery, for having received and licensed a certain Mr. John McClean, who, they apprehend, most prop- erly belonged to the Presbytery of New Castle, and had applied to them to be licensed J and while they were taking the proper steps for obtaining more full satisfaction concerning his church membership and Christian character, he in the meantime removed from them, and applied to the Second Phila- delphia Presbytery, and was licensed by them; both the Presbyteries were fully heard in a free conference on this subject, and withdrew. The Synod after mature deliberation order Mr. McClcan to be cited before the I'res- bytery of New Castle, with power to them to hear the charges against him, and issue the affair in a regular manner, and report to the next meeting of Synod. And the Synod do prohibit the Second Philadelphia Presbytery from employing him to preach till the affair shall be concluded. 1791, p. 37. "Your committee observe in page 24th [of the records of the Synod of Philadelphia] that although the Synod were informed by the Presbytery of New Castle that a certain Mr. Ilindman had put himself under the care of the Presbytery of n()negal for trials, and afterwards, without certificate or dismission offered himself to, and was received upon trials by 84 THE CONGREGATION. [BOOK li- the Presbytery of Lewes ; and though in page 34th the Presbytery of New Castle represent that the said gentleman had been laid under censure by the Presbytery of Donegal ; that they had no authentic proof that it was taken off; and that this gentleman had obtained license in opposition to a rule of the vSynod of New York and Philadelphia, in their minutes of 17G4, pages 79 and 80; yet the Synod recommended it to the Presbytery of New Castle to receive and treat this gentleman as a regular candidate, without any de- cision upon the matters referred to them." Whereupon the Assembly Resolved, That the Synod be informed that the Assembly disapprove of the proceedings as represented in their records, in recommending a candi- date to be received as in full standing, before they had given a decision upon the allegations against him. § 59. A three i/ears' theological course urged. 1843, p. 187. Resolved, That in the opinion of this house, it is, in general, highly inexpedient for candidates for the ministry to apply for licensure at such a period of their course of study as would prevent them from finishing the three years' plan of studies adopted and approved by former Assemblies. [Re-enforced Book v, § 152; and Minutes, j^ossi'm.] 1844, p. 375. Resolved, That the General Assembly are deeply impressed with the importance of a thorough course of theological study, and would earnestly recommend to their Presbyteries to elevate the standard of educa- tion ; and that the rule of the Board of Education does not conflict with the Constitution, when it prescribes the time of study, inasmuch as the Consti- tution makes two years the shortest time allowed to complete the course of theological study, but does not prescribe the maximum. [In 1836, a proposal to change the requisition in the Constitution, (Form of Gov., Chap, xvi. Sec. 6,) from two to three years, received a vote of thirty-five Presbyteries in the affirmative, to twenty in the negative. The next year the vote was increased to fifly-two affirmative, and thirty-eiglit negative. As this still did not give a majority of the whole number of Presbyteries in the Church, the subject was prosecuted no farther.] — Minutes, 1836, p. 276; 1837, p. 438. § 60. A rule of an inferior court, requiring longer time than specified in the Constitution. 1792, p. 59. [The records of the Synod of New York and New Jersey approved,] except a vote of that Synod by which they determine it to be constitutional for that Synod to enact, '' that in future, candidates who have the gospel ministry in view, be required to attend to the study of divinity at least three years before licensure," which vote was determined by the Assembly to be unconstitutional. — [Unanimously re-afhrmed^ 1793, p. 73.] Title 4. — or licentiates. § 61. Importance of probation hefore ordination. [The Synod of New York and Philadelphia having adopted a rule (Book III § 33) con- demning ordination sine tilulo, a letter was received from the Rev. Ebenezer Prime on the subject; to which tlie Synod sent the following reply :] 1771, p. 415. In answer to the Rev. Mr. Prime's letter; — It appears, that he and his brethren, in whose name he writes, are agreed with this Synod in sentiments, that in sending forth Ministers to labour in Chi'ist's vineyard, we should lay hands suddenly on no man; but should use all scriptural methods to be satisfied of their piety, learning, prudence, and aptness to teach. And they are further agreed with us to make trial by hearing can- didates for the work of the ministry preach, pray, and expound the Scrip- tures previous to ordination, at least before their ordination, that we may be SEC. 58.] CHURCH OFFICERS. — THK. MINISTRY. 85 satisfied in our minds that they have ministerial gifts to qualify them for their duty in that sacred character : that we should endeavour by private con- versation, and a continuance of such trials, to come to a greater safisfaction of their aptness to teach, and other necessary qualifications. And the Synod are firmly persuaded that our method of licensing them to preach, by way of probation for the gospel ministry, before ordination, is grounded on gen- eral directions given by the apostle, that we should lay hands suddenly on no man, but should commit this to faithful men who are known to be able to teach others. But as Mr. Prime, and the two brethren in whose name he writes, seem to differ from this Synod only in the mode of making these necessary trials before ordination, the Synod, after a serious consideration of their request, which they are persuaded is made from a conscientious re- gard to what they think their duty, have agreed to lay no burden on them, or on those young men whose consciences will not allow them to preach the gospel without ordination; and, therefore, though the Synod cannot repeal the act referred to in the above letter, respecting the ordaining Ministers, sine (ilulo, as they judge it still expedient and useful, yet they allow the Presbytery to ordain those gentlemen referred to by Mr. Prime in his letter, in case they shall be found, on trial, to be qualified for the work of the sacred ministry, not doubting but they will take due care on this important head. § 62. Preciiy'ttate licensure and ordination condemned. 1735, p. 119. No student shall be received to enter upon trials in order to his licensing to preach, until he shall repair unto the dwellings or lodgings of at least most of the Ministers of the Presbytery to which he offers him- self, and thereby give them an opportunity to take a view of his parts and behaviour. 1764, p. 339. The Presbytery book of Suffolk approved, except that they have neglected to record their candidates adopting our public standards at licensure, though they inform us it is a matter of constant practice ; that they try and license at the same Presbytery ; and in one instance, ordained without previous trial or licensure ; and that they license for a certain time. All which we highly disapprove. § 63. Going abroad for licensnre condemned. 1764, p. 338. The Synod entertains a high regard for the Associated Churches of New England ; yet we cannot but judge that students who go to them, or to any other than our own Presbyteries to obtain license, in order to return and officiate among us, act very irregularly, and are not to be approved or employed by our Presbyteries ; as we are hereby deprived of the right of trying and approving the qualifications of our own candidates ; yet if any case may happen wherein such conduct may in some circuTUstances be thought necessary for the greater good of any Congregation, it shall be laid before the Presbytery to which the Congregation belongs, and approved of by them. 1791, p. 38. A case was referred to the General Assembly for counsel, from the Presbytery of New Castle, which is as follows, viz : <' At a meeting of tlie Presbytery of New Castle, in Wilmington, upon the first Tuesday of January, 1791, and continued by adjournments, the Eev. Jauies McCoy, of Morris county Presbytery, [a Congregational body in New Jersey,] with a commissioner from Queen Ann's congregation, applied to be received as a member of this I'rcsbytery. As Mr. McCoy had been under trials for licensure in the l*resbytory of New York, and was licensed and ordained by the Presbytery of Morris, this Presbytery agreed not to receive 86 THE CONGREGATION. [bOOK [I him as a lucv.uber, until liis case be laid before the General Assembly at thcii next stated meeting." The General As.sembly, upon considering this case, determined, That nei- ther the Presbytery of New Castle, nor any other Presbytery, ought to receive Mr. McCoy into their connection, until he shall have produced a certificate from the Presbytery of New York of his having given them the satisfaction which his case requires. § 64. Licensure and ordination may he irregular, yet valid. 1792, p. 56. The Assembly having had the whole affair laid before them, and fully heard the parties, after mature deliberation, judged that in the case of Mr. Hindman there appeared to have been such a want of attention to the rules of this body, and neglect of order, as to afford just grounds of uneasiness to the appellants, and to deserve the disapprobation of the Assembly. But inasmuch as acts which have been performed in an informal manner must often when done be sustained, the Assembly do hereby sustain the licensure and ordination of Mr. Hindman ; while at the same time they enjoin it in the most pointed manner on the Synod of Philadelphia to give particular attention, that no Presbytery under their care depart in any respect from that rule of the former Synod of New York and Philadelphia, which is as follows : [See above, § 56.] § 65. Licentiates to attend the Church Cotirts. 1763, p. 325. The Synod find that many of their candidates [licentiates] do not attend their meetings, and for this reason many of their appointments are not fulfilled. They judge that candidates should constantly attend their respective Presbyteries; and as often as they can conveniently, they should attend our Synods. § 66. Subjects of Exegesis. [The following subjects of exegesis appear on the earlier records.] Do regimine ecclesins. An fides sola justificet ? An Christus pro omnibus et singulis sit niortuus ? De sanctorum pcrscverantia. De necessitate spccialis Spiritus Sancti operationis ad conversioncni. De materia justificationis. An fedus circumcisione signatum, a federe evangclico cjsentialitcr differat ? De liberoarbitrio. An justificatio nostra sit ab istcrno, aut in tempore prsestita ? An lex naturae sit sufficiens ad salutem ? — Minutes, 1 706-1 73o. Title 5. — of pastors. § 67. Election hy the peojyle has been from the beginning. 1707, p. 10. Appointed, that the letters sent from the people of Snow Hill in Somerset, be read before the Presbytery. The letters were accordingly read, and their contents were duly considered by the Presbytery. And ichereas, the aforesaid people do by their representatives and letters earnestly address the Presbytery for their joint concurrence, and as- sistance in prosecuting their call to Mr. John Hampton, that he may under- take the work of the ministry among them, as their settled and proper 31iu- ister and Pastor, — Ordered by the Presbytery, That the call be sent to Mr. Hampton, by the foresaid people; and also, the other paper containing their subscriptions for his encouragement to undertake the work of the ministry among them, be given to Mr Hampton to peruse and consider. Which accordingly were given him. Ordered, That wherea.s Mr Haujpton, after his receiving the call to him from the people of Snow Hill, gave several satisfactory reasons why he could SEC. 63.] CHURCH OFFICERS — THE xMINISTRY. 87 not at this time comply with it; that the said Mr. Hamptou may have the call and tlie paper of subscription conduued in his hands for his further pe- rusal, till the next Presbytery. [See early minutes passim.'] § 68. 3Iode of proceeding in election 1814, p. 559. The business left unfinished in the morning was resumed, and after a full discussion of the subject, the motion to sustain the appeal of the Session of the Third Presbyterian Church in this city from the decision of the Synod of Philadelphia, affirming a decision of the Presbytery of Phila- delphia, by which the Presbytery directed the said Session, within twenty days from the date of their decision, or after the final determination of the case, to convene the Congregation for the pui-pose of electing a Pastor, was determined in the affirmative; and Dr. Green, Dr. Neil, and Mr. Richards were appointed a committee to prepare a minute, stating the principles on which the Assembly sustained the appeal. p. 560. The committee appointed to prepare a statement of the principles and grounds upon which the Assembly sustained the appeal of the Session of the Thii-d Presbyterian Church in this city reported, and their report being read and amended, was adopted in the words following, viz : That both to prevent misapprehension and to aid the Congregations and judicatures of this Church in deciding on any similar cases that may arise, the Assembly therefore declare, I. That in vacant Congregations which are fully organized, the Session of each Congregation are to determine, under their responsibility to the higher judicatures, when the Congregation are prepared to elect a Pastor, as directed in the Form of Government of this Church, Chap. xiv. Sec. 1. II. That it is the duty of the Session when a Congregation is vacant, to use their best endeavours to promote the settlement of a Pastor in the same, in the speediest manner possible, consistently with the peace, order, and edification of the Congregation ; and it is the privilege of the people, or of any portion of them, to complain to the Presbytery when they think that the Session, after being suitably requested, neglect, or refuse to convene the Con- gregation to elect a Pastor. III. That it belongs to the Presbyteries to take cognizance of the proceed- ings of Sessions and Congregations in the important concern of settling Pastors ; and to adopt the most effectual measures, on the one hand to prevent all undue delay by the Session, or the people ; and on the other, to prevent all precipitancy in the settlement of any Minister, or the adoption of any system of proceedings in the Congregation inconsistent with the real and permanent edification of the people. IV. That by the due and discreet observance of these principles by all concerned, it will be found that so far from the Session of a Congregation having it in their power to deprive a majority of a Congregation of their right to make an election of a Pastor, when sought in an orderly and Christ- ian manner, or to keep a Congregation unsettled for an indefinite length of time, the rights of the people will be most effectually secured, and their precious and inalienable privilege of choosing their own Pastor will be exer- cised by them in the shortest period which their own real benefit will permit. V. That the conviction of this Assembly, that the foregoing obvious and constitutional principles had not been duly adhered to in the case before them ; that the Congregation had not proceeded with a suitable respect for the Session, and that the Presbytery did not adopt the most suitable measure when they advised and directed the Session to convene the Congregation in twenty days, has led the Assembly to sustain this appeal as the measure 88 THE CONGREGATION. [BOOK II most constitutional, best calculated on the whole to do justice to all the par- ties concerned, and to point the way to the most speedy settlement of the unhappy differences and disorders which have so long existed in the par- ticular Congregation immediately concerned. § 69. Who entitled to vote for a Pastor. 1711, p. 24. Agreed, That none be allowed to vote for the calling of a Min- "> ister but those that shall contribute for the maintenance of him ; and that the major vote of those shall be determinative. [In the draught of the constitution as published for consideration, in 1787, section iv. of the Form of Government, chapter xv. read thus : — " On the day appointed, the Minister whose assistance has been obtained, "The Minister shall preach a sermon, at the usual season for public worship; shall receive the and after scrmon, he shall announce to the people that he will regular menfbers, immediately procccd to take the votes of the electors of that and who punetu consTeo'ation, in the case of , whether or not he allv pay towards if?ii i i- -\ir' • t i • i • the support of the shall DC chosen to DC their Minister, in this election, no per- Church." gQj^ shall bc entitled to vote, who refuses to submit to the censures of the Church, regularly administered ; or who does not contribute his just proportion, according to his own engagements, or the rules of that Church, to its necessary expenses." In this form the section was adopted by the Synod in 1788, as part of the constitution. Thus it stands in the editions of 1789, 1797, and 1803. In 1805, the phraseology of the first period of this section was slightly modified, and still fiirther in 1820, bringing it to the present fonn. In the latter revision, all the marginal titles of the sections were thrown out. But the clause defining the parties entitled to vote, remains as it was in the origi- nal draught ; and this history shows the sense in which it was intended, by its venerable authors, — a sense certainly as consistent with the whole tenor of the section, and of the book, as the opposite. The design of the framers of the Constitution was to permit none but members to vote for officers of the Church. See above § 36.] § 70. Call not alloioed till dues to former Pastor are paid. 1726, p. 83. Overtured, That Mr. Anderson, according to his desire, be left at his liberty to remove from New York, and to accept of a call from any other people, as Providence may determine ; and the Congregation of New York be at liberty to call another Minister in an orderly way, as soon as they shall pay up what arrears appear justly due to Mr. Anderson. Adopted. § 71. Pastor and Church must belong to the same Presbytery. 1854, p. 46. A member of the Presbytery of Lexington, asking whether a Minister who is a member of one Presbytery, can be installed as Pastor over a Church in another Presbytery ; and if so, what are the proceedings proper in the case. The committee recommend the Assembly to answer, that he should not be installed in such a case. Adopted. § 72. Under special circumstances the pastoral relation may result from pre- scriptive exercise. 1736, p. 127. It appears evident to this Synod, that Mr. Tennent having in all respects acted, and been esteemed, and looked upon, not only by this (Synod, but also by the Congregation of Neshaniiny, and particularly by the appellants themselves, as the Minister and Pastor of the people of Nesha- miny, that he is still to be esteemed as the Pastor of that people, notwith- standing the want of a formal instalment among them ; which omission, though the Synod doth not justify, yet it is far from nullifying the pastoral relation between Mr. Tennent and said people. SEC. 68.] CHURCH OFFICERS — THE MINISTRY. 89 § 73. Installation refused on account of deficient salary. 1855, pp. 272, 282. " When a Congregation and Minister agree on the amount of salary to be paid and received, and both parties being fully satis- fied, request that the pastoral relation be constituted, according to the order of the Presbyterian Church ; has Presbytery the right to refuse to install, because, in their judgment, the salary is insufficient V The Committee re- commend that this overture be answered in the affirmative. [Adopted.] § 74. Pastoral duties. (a) 1733, p. 105. Upon an overture to the Synod in pursuance of an order of the Committee to tbat purpose, viz : to use some proper means to revive the declining power of godliness ; the Synod do earnestly recommend it to all our Ministers and members to take particular care about ministerial visiting of families ; and press family and secret worship, according to the Westminster Directory ; and that they also recommend it to every Presby- tery, at proper seasons, to inquire concerning the diligence of each of their members in such particulars. This overture was approved, nemine contra- dicente. 1734, p. 107. The Synod do not only renew the order, but earnestly ob- test every of our brethren of the ministry, conscientiously and diligently to pursue the good design thereof. ( 6 ) Public reading of the Scriptures, 1839, p. 166. Resolved, That this Assembly do hereby enjoin on all Min- isters of Churches under their care, a strict and regular observance of the third Article in the Directory for Public Worship, and they further re- commend to all the Presbyteries in connection with this General Assembly, that they inquire at least once in every year, at a stated meeting, how far the regulations in said Article have been observed, and if in any instances overlooked or neglected, that they take measures to have the same properly observed. § 75. Translation of Pastors. [Originally the Constitution (Chap. xvi. § 2) required in all cases, citation of parties, and consequent postponement until a subsequent nieetinfr of Presbytery. In 1805 it was modified so as to read as at present — " If the parties be not prepared to have the matter is- sued at that Presbytery, a written citation shall be given to the Minister, «Slc." In pro- posing this change the Assembly accompanied it by the explanatory note — " This amend- ment is intended to provide, that consent of parties shall sliorten the constitutional pro- cess for translating a Minister." — Minutes, 1804, p. 305; 1805, p. 332.] § 76. Dissolution of pastoral relation. 1832, p. 334. " Is it contrary to Chapter xvii. of the Form of Govern- ment, for a Presbytery to dissolve the connection between a Minister and his Congregation at the time when he presents his request for its dissolu- tion, and the Congregation joins issue by commissioners duly appointed for that purpose ?" Resolved, That it is not expedient for this Assembly to give a decided answer to the question ; but leave every Presbytery to act according to their ' own discretion in the premises. [A comparison of tlic i)receding section, will lead to the conclusion, that, as in that, so in this case, some delay was intended ; and as this Chapter on dissolving the pastoral re. lation remains unaltered, the postponement is still required. Consent of parties is not al« lowed to facilitate the process.] 12 90 THE CONGREGATION. [bOOK II. Title 6. — ministers who are not pastors. § 77. The system of Stated Supplies disapproved. 1834, p. 36. Resolved, That it be enjoined on all the Presbyteries to take such measures as they may deem expedient for forming the pastoral relation, in a regular manner, in all cases where Churches are now served by stated supplies, unless there be special reasons to the contrary ; of which reasons the Presbytery is required to judge, and to make their judgment matter of record on their minutes. 1839, p. 177. Resolved, That it be enjoined on all the Presbyteries to take early and efficient measures for terminating, as far as possible, the growing evil of the system of stated supplies, and for leading all our Churches to seek the regular installation of their stated Teachers as Pastors, in the full sense of the term, as used in our Form of Government. [See below, § 84, vi.] § 78. Chaplains in the Anny. 1756, p. 275. Application was made to the Synod by Mr. Beatty, desiring to know their mind with respect to his going Chaplain to the forces that may be raised in the province of Pennsylvania, if he shall by the govern- ment be called to that service. The Synod do judge it to be his duty; and in that case do appoint their several Presbyteries to provide supplies for Mr. Beatty's Congregation. [Repeated, 1758, p. 282.] 1760, p. 302. "lis allowed that Messrs. Alexander McDowell, and Hector Alison go as Chaplains to the Pennsylvania forces ; and that Mr. Kirkpatrick go with the New Jersey forces the ensuing campaign. 1776, p. 472. [The First Presbytery of Philadelphia reported that they] have ordained Mr. Israel Evans and Mr. William Linn, to qualify them to act as Chaplains in the army, to which they had been appointed. 1777, p. 477. [The same Presbytery reports the ordination of Mr. Robert Keith to the same service.] 1779, p. 484. By the report now made by the New Castle Presbytery, it appears that there was a mistake in the report of last year, respecting Mr. Armstrong's ordination ; that he was not ordained, sine titulo ; but in conse- quence of his having accepted a Chaplaincy in the army. § 79. Naval Chaplains. 1826, p. 14. A reference from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, on the propriety of their ordaining to the work of the gospel ministry, a licentiate under their care, who now holds the office of Chaplain in the navy of the United States, was considered, whereupon the Assembly Rcsuli-ed, That this judicature of the Presbyterian Church feels a deep and lively interest in the spiritual welfare of the mariners of this country ; and especially of those who are engaged in the naval service of our Union ; and that the Assembly therefore will rejoice if any Presbytery under its care has the opportunity of ordaining any well qualified persons, men of piety and learning, with a view to their rendering permanent ministerial services to large Congregations of our fellow citizens who dwell in ships of war. § 80. A Minister may not hold a plurality of incompatihle charges. 1759, p. 294. A case of conscience was put ; viz : Whether a Minister having connection with any part of his majesty's regular forces, as their Chaplain, and receiving the salary or any part thereof as such, may or ought SEC. 77.] CHURCH OFFICERS THE MINISTRY 91 to accept of a stated pastoral relation to any Congregation? Which question was answered in the negative. § 81. Ordination to the office of Evangelist. 1850, p. 454. " Is it, or is it not in accordance with the principles and practice of the Presbyterian Church to ordain Evangelists to labour in fields having feeble Churches, which are not able to support a Pastor, and are too remote conveniently to secure the services of an ordained Minister V To ordain Evangelists under the specified circumstances is in accordance with the practice of the Church, and is no infraction of any of its laws. § 82. Neglectcrs of their ministry disowned hy the General Synod. 1741, p. 156. Inasmuch as Mr. Stevenson has from time to time, and for years past, neglected attending on our judicatures, and also omitted his min- istry, without giving us any reasons for his said conduct, it is therefore agreed, that his name shall be struck out of our records, till he come before us and give an account of his proceedings. [For other examples, see Minutes, 1751, p. 2UU; 1761, p. 307; 1768^ p. oSd; &c.] § 83. Principles of the Assembly on iieylect of the ministry. 1802, p. 258. Resolved, That it is a principle of this Church, that no Minister of the gospel can be regularly divested of his office, except by a course of discipline, terminating in his deposition ; that if any Minister, by providential circumstances, become incapable of exercising his ministerial functions, or is called to suspend them, or to exercise them only occasionally, he is still to be considered as possessing the ministerial character and privi- leges ; and his brethren of the Presbytery are to inspect his conduct ; and while they treat him with all due tenderness and sympathy, they are to be careful that he do not neglect ministerial duty beyond what circumstances render unavoidable; that if any Minister of the gospel, through a worldly spirit, a disrelish for the duties of his office, or any other criminal motive, become negligent or careless, he is by no means to be suffered to pursue this course, so as at length to be permitted to lay aside the ministry without cen- sure; because this would be to encourage a disregard of the most solemn obligations, by opening a way to escape from them with impunity. But in all such cases, Presbyteries are seasonably to use the means and pursue the methods pointed out in the word of God and the rules of this Church, to recall their offending brother to a sense of duty ; and if all their endeavours be ineffectual, they are at length regularly to exclude or depose him from his office. If any cases or questions relative to this subject arise in Presbyteries, which are not contemplated by the provisions of this rule, such cases or questions should be referred to the General Assembly for a special decision. |_liepublished and enjoined, 1839, p. 173.] 1834, p. 36. When Ministers have withdrawn, or may hereafter withdraw, wholly or in part, from the work of the ministry, it is enjoined upon the Presbyteries 9o which they belong, to require of such Ministers their rea- sons for so doing, which reasons are to be put upon record by the Presbytery, with an expression of their approbation or disapprobation of the same. § 84. A full minute on neglect of the work of the ministry. 1842, p. 28. The Moderator of the last General , Assembly [Dr. K. J. Breckinridge] submitted to the Committee of Overtures a minute in regard to hasty ordination of Ministers of the gospel, and to unauthorized demis- 92 THE CONGREGATION. [BOOK II. sion of their covenanted employment by Ministers; which that Committee reported to the Assembly, (Overture No. 11, p. 423, printed Minutes of 1841,) and which being considered, was referred to a select Committee, (p 425,) the report of which, together with the original minute, wa;^, by order of the Assembly, (p. 447,) referred to another select Committee, which waa directed to report to the Assembly of 1842; which last named committee, having considered the subject, submit the following minute as their report, viz : I. That as persons are liable to mistake their calling, and as the ofl&ce of the ministry is, by God's institution, a permanent one, which cannot be laid aside at pleasure, Presbyteries ought to exercise great caution in ordaining Ministers of the gospel. And they are hereby enjoined, not to ordain any one to the pastoral office, until full proof has been made of him, as a licen- tiate, by the Presbytery that ordains him. II. As one great evidence of a divine call to the work of the ministry is the call of a particular Congregation, it is especially necessary to use great caution in ordinations, sine titido; and the Presbyteries are enjoined not to proceed to such ordinations, except in the cases provided for in our Form of Government. III. That the Presbyteries are specially enjoined not to ordain their licentiates when they are about to remove into the bounds of other Presby- teries, but to dismiss them as licentiates. lY. That, as intimately connected with this subject, Presbyteries ought to have a special oversight of the settlement of Ministers in vacant Churches, as by the word of God, and the standards of the Church, they are empow- ered and directed. And that in all such settlements, it is in itself right, and would tend to establish proper order, and the due supervision of Pres- byteries, and to break up irregular influences and residences, that vacant Churches should apply to their own Presbyteries for supplies. V. That permanent ministerial connection with any Presbytery except that in whose bounds the individual lives, is irregular and disorderly, and ought not to be allowed. But where the residence is not in the bounds of any of our Presbyteries, (as in the case of foreign missionaries,) the connec- tion may be with either of them. VI. That the relation. of stated supply, which has grown up between many of our Churches and Ministers, is unknown in our system, and tends to disorder and injury in many ways. The Presbyteries are therefore directed to supplant it, as far as possible, in all cases, by the regular pastoral relation; and to discountenance it as a permanent relation. VII. That those Ministers who give up the regular and stated work of the gospel ministry as their main work, except it be for reasons satisfactory to their Presbyteries, should be called to an account by the I'resbyteries to which the)' belong, and dealt with according to the merits of their respective cases. And the justifiable cause for which any Minister gives up his work, should be stated on the minutes of his Presbytery at the time, with the approval of the body. VIII. That all our Presbyteries be directed, at their first |tated meeting- after the rising of this Assembly, to require such Ministers in their bounds as are not regularly engaged in their covenanted work, as their chief busi- ness, to give an account of themselves : and the Presbyteries shall take such order in the premises as is consistent with this minute, and report their doings specially to their respective Synods, and to the next Assembly. IX. The whole object of this action is to enforce the true principles of our standards, in regard to the calling and work of the gospel ministry; and to correct errors and irregularities which have sprung up in various jilaces. SEC. 84 ] oHi :;cn (-fficlhs — the ministry. 93 And for efiFcctujil reform in the premises, the whole subject is commended to the special attention of. all our Synods and Presbyteries. And nothing herein is to be construed as any disparagement of the true office and work of an Evangelist, which is scriptural, permanent, and most important; and on that very account the more carefully to be guarded, lest it become a pre- text and covering for deceived persons, or for intruders into the holy work of the gospel ministry. X. liewlvcd, That it be referred to the Presbyteries whether the following Section shall be added to the 15th Chapter of our Form of Government, viz : [see below § 92.] " The office of a Minister of the gospel is perpetual, and cannot be laid aside at pleasure ; yet any Minister may, with the permission of his Presby- tery, demit the exercise of his office; and when any Minister has thus de- mitted the exercise of his office, he shall not be permitted to sit as a member of any of our ecclesiastical judicatories. And any Minister having so demitted the exercise of his office, may, on piersonal application to the Pres- bytery which allowed him to demit it, if said Presbytery think proper, be by it restored to the exercise thereof, and to all the rights incident thereto." Title 7. — other deliverances respecting the ministry. § 85. Piet^ and faithfulness urged. (a) 1734, p. 110. Mr. Gilbert Tennent having brought some overtures into the Synod with respect to the trials of candidates both for the ministry and the Lord's Supper, that there be due care taken in examining into the evidences of the grace of God in them, as well as of their other necef»sary qualifications ; the Synod doth unanimously agree, that as it has been our principle and practice, and as it is recommended in the Directory for wor- ship and government, to be careful in this matter, so it awfully concerns us to be most serious and solemn in the trials of both sorts of candidates above mentioned. And this Synod does, therefore, in the name and fear of God, exhort and obtest all our Presbyteries to take special care not to admit into the sacred office loose, careless, and irreligious persons, but that they par- ticularly inquire into the conversations, conduct, and behaviour of such as offijr themselves to the ministry, and that they diligently examine all the candidates for the ministry in their experiences of a work of sanctifying grace in their hearts, and that they admit none to the sacred trust that are not in the eye of charity serious Christians. And the Synod does also se- riously and solemnly admonish all the JMinisters within our bounds to make it their awful, constant, and diligent care, to approve themselves to God, to their own consciences,. and to their hearers, serious, faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, and of holy and exemplary conversations. And the Synod does also exhort all the jMinisters within our bounds to use due care in examining those they admit to the Lord's Supper. This admonition was approved by the whole Synod. (^) The Synod does recommend unanimously, to all our Presbyteries, to take effectual care that each of their Ministers are fiiithful in the discharge of their awful trust. And in particular, that they fre({uently examine, with respect to each of their members, into their life and conversation, their dili- gence in their work, and their methods of discharging their ministerial call- ing. Particularly that each Presbytery do, at least once a year, examine into the manner of each Minister's preaching, whether he insist in his min- isti-y upon the great articles of Christianity, and in the course of his preach- ing recommend a crucified Saviour to his hearers as the only foundation of hope, and the absolute necessity of the omnipotent influences of the Divine 94 THE CONGREGATION. [BOOK II. grace, to cnahle them to accept of this kSavIour ; whether he do, in the most solemn and affecting manner he can, endeavour to convince his hearers of their lost and miserable state whilst unconverted, and put them upon the diligent use of those means necessary in order to obtaining the sanctifying influences of the Spirit of God ; whether he do, and how he doth, discharge his duty towards the young people and children of his Congregation, in a way of catechizing and familiar instruction ; whether he do, and in what manner he doth, visit his flock and instruct them from house to house. And the Synod hereby orders, that a copy of this minute be inserted into the books of each of our Presbyteries, and be read at every of their Presbyte- rial meetings, and a record of its being read minuted in said books at the beginning of every session, and that there be also an annual record in each Presbytery book of a correspondence with this miaute. And in case any Minister within our bounds shall be found defective in any of the above mentioned cases, he shall be subject to the censure of the Pres- bytery, and if he refuse subjection to such censure, the Presbytery are hereby directed to represent his case to the next Synod. And the Synod recommends to each of the Ministers within our bounds, to be as much in catechetical doctrines as they in prudence may think proper. § 86. Measures for promoting ministerial efficiency. 1799, p. 181. The committee appointed to bring in a report on the result of the free conversation on the state of religion, and the most probable means to advance its progress, offered the following to the consideration of the Assembly, [which was adopted.] There appears from the whole view of religion within the limits of the Churches subject to the inspection of the Greneral Assembly, to be ground both of mutual congratulation, and of affliction to the friends of piety. In many portions of the United States, its interests appear to be in a favourable progression ; in others, there is great room to lament the declension of the vital spirit of religion, and the openness and boldness of impiety and im- morality. A vain and pernicious philosophy has in many instances spread its infection from Europe to America, and the introduction of a multitude of licentious and unprincipled writings has poisoned the sources of morals in certain classes of society, or in particular districts of the Church. It requires, under the gracious direction and influence of Divine Providence, the awakened zeal, and combined exertions of all the friends of the gospel of Christ, and especially of its Ministers, and other officers, to arrest the progress of vice and profaneness, and to advance the principles and practice of virtue and piety. For this end it seems to be requisite to revive and in- vigorate our attention to the qualifications and improvements of the ministry, to the wise and faithful discharge of our pastoral duties, and to the exten- sion of the means of grace to those portions of our country that have hitherto been destitute of this blessing. Your committee therefore recommend to the General Assembly to enjoin it upon all the Presbyteries, — 1. To take the most effectual order in their power, to increase, if possible, the qualifications of candidates for the gospel ministry, with regard both to sincere piety, and solid and extensive learning; that the improvement of the pulj)it may keep full pace with the progress of society and letters. 2. That they will endeavour, as far as the state of society in different parts of our Church will permit, to withdraw the Ministers of the gospel from every worldly avocation for the maintenance of themselves and fami- lies, that they may devote themselves entirely to the work of the ministry ; and that, for this end, they labour to convince the people of the advantage that will accrue to themselves, from making such adequate provision for the SEC. 85.] CHURCH OFFICKRS — THE MINISTRY. 95 support of their teachers and Pastors, that they may be employed wholly in their sacred calling. And in those places where it may be found prudent and practicable, that they devise means to have the contracts between Con- gregations and Pastors examined in the Presbyteries at stated periods, in- quiries instituted with regard to the reciprocal fulfilment of duties and en- gagements, and endeavours used to promote punctuality and fidelity in both parties, before distress on one side, or complaint on the other, grow to a height unfavourable to the interests of religion. 3. That inasmuch as the clergy, in many situations in the country, have it not in their power to furnish themselves with libraries so various and ex- tensive as to enable them to discharge their ofiice in the manner most useful to the people, most dignified for the pulpit, and most honourable for reli- gion, it be recommended to the Presbyteries to take measures to promote the establishment of congregational libraries, under such regulations that the Presbyteries shall have the principal direction in the choice of the books with which those libraries shall be furnished ; the Ministers of the respective Churches shall have the immediate care and the constant use of them, and that means be used to make annual augmentations to them. 4. That in the discharge of pastoral duties, they take the utmost care that the word of God be known and understood by the people, and that for this purpose, in their public instructions the practice of lecturing on certain portions of holy Scripture, be not laid aside, but rather revived and increased; that they endeavour, where it is prudent and practicable, to institute pri- vate societies for reading, prayer, and pious conversation ; above all that they be faithful in the duties of family visitation, and the catechetical in- struction of children and youth. And that in order to these views, they endeavour to engage the Sessions of the respective Congregations, or other men most distinguished for intelligence and piety in them, to assume, as trustees, the superintendence and inspection of the schools established for the initiation and improvement of children in the elements of knowledge ; to see that they be provided with teachers of grave and respectable charac- ters ; and that these teachers, among other objects of their duty, instruct their pupils in the principles of religion, which should be done as often as possible in the presence of one or more of the aforesaid trustees, under the deep conviction that the care and education of children, the example set be- fore them, and the first impressions made on their minds, are of the utmost importance to civil society as well as to the Church. 5. That inasmuch as the General Assembly are assiduously labouring to promote the gospel throughout our extensive and growing frontiers, and in those places most destitute of the means of grace, it be earnestly enjoined on each Presbytery to use their most diligent endeavours to collect volun- tary and liberal contributions from every Congregation, whether furnished with a Pastor, or vacant, and to obtain pious donations and bequests in order to supply the funds which are absolutely necessary to carry on with advan- tage the great and charitable work. Let Ministers study to impress the minds of the people with the importance of the object; be diligent in their own exertions to promote it, and punctual in forwarding their contributions to the Treasurers of the Commissions of the southern Synods, or to the Trea- surer of the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; assured that, without their faithful aid and co-operation, missions and other undertakings of utility to the Church, so piously begun, and hith- erto conducted with such promising prospects of success, must eventually fail. And let it be required of all the Presbyteries, that they annually send up to the General Assembly, along with the duplicates of their reports, ex- 96 THE CONGREGATION [BOOK II. act accounts of all moneys received and transmitted for these objects, that they may be used as checks on the treasury. 6. That the recommendations and regulations that are from year to year made and published by the General Assembly, may always be known and be present in the judicatories of the Church for their direction and govern- ment ; that it be required that each Presbytery, Synod, and the General As- sembly, for ever, preserve one copy of the extracts or journals that are yearly published, for its own use ; that it shall be indexed, and stitched or bound with those that have preceded it, in the manner that shall be deemed most expedient ; and that the whole shall be always kept at, or brought up to the place of meeting of such Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly, along with their own records. That they send up with their yearly reports, a schedule containing the number of communicants belonging to each of their Churches ; and also the number of persons yearly baptized, whether in infancy or adult age. § 87. Are Ministers viewed as members of particular Churches ? 184.3, p. 176. From the Presbytery of Miami the question, Whether or- dained Ministers of the gospel ought not to be considered church members ; and to have their names enrolled on the sessional records of the Church where they are settled as Pastors or stated supplies ? — which question the committee recommended to be answered in the negative. After debate, the recommendation was adopted. § 88. May a Minister hold a civil office ? 1806, p. 363. The committee to whom was referred the communication from the Presbytery of Ohio, respecting the Rev. Boyd Mercer, and his let- ter to the Moderator of the Assembly, exhibited their report. The report having been read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : With respect to the abstract question, whether the tenure of a civil office be or be not incompatible with that of the holy ministry ; the Assembly is of opinion that there is nothing in the holy Scriptures, or in the Constitu- tion, acts, or proceedings of the Presbyterian Church in these United States, expressly prohibitory of such union of offices. With respect to the particular case referred to their consideration — as Mr. Mercer, in his letter, expressly asserts that it is not his intention to decline the office of the holy ministry, and that he was led to devote himself, for the present, to the functions of an Associate Judge, by a state of health so infirm as to interrupt the regular discharge of his public duties as a Minis- ter of religion ; your committee are of opinion, that the Presbytery of Ohio ought not to censure him, unless there be some circumstances in the case unknown to the Assembly. That none, however, may so far misconstrue these sentiments as to per- suade themselves that they countenance a covetous, ambitious spirit, your committee further beg leave to suggest the propriety of cautioning your clergy against worldly-mindedness ; of exhorting them not to aspire after places of emolument or civil distinction ; of reminding them that the care of souls is their peculiar business, that they who serve at the altar ought, as far as possible, to avoid temporal avocations. [Ee-affirmed, 1808, p. 399.] § 89. Treatment of unknown travelling Ministers. 1809, p. 422. The committee appointed to take into consideration the re- quest of the Presbytery of Hartford for the revision of the act of Assembly of 1792, in relation to itinerating clergymen, made the following report, which being read, was agreed to, and confirmed by the Assembly. SEC. 80.] CHURCH OFFICERS TUK MINISTRY. 97 Rcanlvrd, That on examining the act referred to above, comprising the regulations that are to be observed by the Churches in connection with the Assembly and the General Association of Connecticut, on this subject, the Assembly perceive no ground for further interference in this matter. So far as regards Ministers not in connection with either the Presbyterian Church, or with the General Association of Connecticut, the Assembly are of opinion that as their regulations cannot apply to such Ministers, the seve- ral Presbyteries under the care of the General Assembly must exercise their own Christian prudence and caution in admitting Ministers of this descrip- tion to preach to the Congregations within their respective bounds. § 90. Removal ivithout leave of Presbytery. 1735, p. 115. Mr. John Cross has, without the concurrence of the Pres- bytery, removed from one Congregation to another. The Synod do declare that the conduct of such Ministers . . . that take the charge of any Con- gregation without the Presbytery's concurrence, to be disorderly, and justly worthy of Presbyterial censure, and do admonish said Mr. Cross, to be no further chargeable with such irregularities for the future. 1752, p. 206. Considering that the circumstances which urged him to take the method he used were very pressing, and that it was indeed almost impracticable to him to apply for the consent of Presbytery or Synod, in the orderly way, and further, being persuaded that Mr. Alison's being em- ployed in such a station in the Academy has a favourable aspect in several respects, and a very probable tendency not only to promote the good (jf the public, but also of the Church ; as he may be serviceable to the interests thereof in teaching philosophy and divinity, as far as his obligations to the Academy will permit, we judge that his proceedings in said affair are in a great measure excusable. Withal the Synod advises, that for the future, its members be very cautious, and guard against such proceedings as are con- trary to our known approved methods in such cases. § 91. Non-resident Ministers. 1853, p. 434. In relation to the residence of Ministers within the bounds of Presbyteries to which they do not belong. The report of the committee was adopted, referring the memorialists to the previous action of the As- sembly as satisfactory, viz : Minntes of 1836, page 272 — " Resolved, That it be enjoined on the Presbyteries to inquire carefully in regard to any of their members, who may be residing without the bounds of their respective Presby- teries, whether there be sufficient cause for such non-residence ; and if not, that measures be taken to transfer the relation of such Ministers to the Presbyteries in the bounds of which they reside." Minutes of 1842, p. 29 — " Permanent ministerial connection with any Presbytery, except that in whose bounds the individual lives, is irregular and disorderly, and ought not to be allowed." § 92. Demission for intellectual incompetence. [The article above, § 84, X., proposing to authorize demission of the ministry for suffi- cient reasons, reeeivcd a vole of thirty Presbyteries in the afRrmntive, to twenty-nine negatives. — {Minutes, 1843, p. IB.*).) There not being a majority of all the Presbyteries, the matter was dropped. The following instances show the olden practice:] 1726, p. 84. There being from time to time complaints of the weakness and deficiency of Mr. Robert Laing, rendering his exercise of the ministe- rial function a detriment to the interest of religion, and rather a scandal than an help to the gospel ; the Synod advised him to demit the Avhole ex- ercise of the ministry, and not tc take it up again but by the approbation 13 98 THE CONGREGATION. [BOOK II. of at least three Ministers of the Presbytery wherein he may reside ; the said Mr. Laing did quietly and humbly acquiesce in the aforesaid advice. And there being a motion made, that in case Mr. Laing should remove unto some place in the skirts of the Synod, so that the commissioners may not be apprized of his circumstances in order to his relief, should there be need of it, that any member or members of the Synod administering to his ne- cessities in a prudent way, (wherein they shall be accountable to the Synod,) may be reimbursed by the Synod ; the said motion was approved of by the Synod, the said Mr. Laing bringing with him such credentials as may testify of his good moral behaviour. And the Synod did, for the present, in tes- timony of their compassion, give him out of the fund the sum of forty shill- ings. § 93. Demission on account of hodily infirmity. 1783, p. 497. The Presbytery of New York report, that the Kev. Mr. William Woodhull, one of their members, appeared before them at their last meeting, and stated to them his situation, as being still incapable of exercising his ministry by his continued indisposition, and the little, or rather no proba- bility of his ever being able to attempt the exercise of it in future ; and that he was at the same time engaged in certain secular employments that would seem to render it improper to have his name in their records as a member, while he is incapable of attending their meetings, or discharging any of the great duties of his ministry; and therefore submits to them the propriety of their continuing and considering him as a member from time to time; and that the Presbytery, on considering his situation, thought it best to leave his name out of their records in future, till he shall be able to return to the ex- ercise of his ministry, an event that would give them great pleasure. The Synod considered the above report, and are of opinion, that Mr. Woodhull ought to be continued a member of the Presbytery of New York, and therefore direct that Presbytery to insert his name in theii roll. 1785, p. 507. In consequence of Mr. Joseph Montgomery's having in- formed them, [the New Castle Presbytery,] that through bodily indisposition he was incapable of officiating in the ministry, and having also accepted an office under the civil authority, they have left his name out of their records. p. 510. The Synod disapprove of the conduct of the Presbytery of New Castle, in striking the name of Mr. Montgomery off their roll for the reasons given in their report; neither of which, nor both together, seem to be suffi- cient ; and in future recommend to all Presbyteries, when any Ministers under their inspection resign their charge, or discontinue the exercise of their office while they remain in the same bounds, to pass a regular judgment on the rensons given for such conduct ; and continue their inspection of those who shall not have deserved to be deprived of the ministerial character, thouah they may be laid aside from immediate usefulness. 18n2, p. 258. By a report from the Presbytery of Lewes, it appeared that a Minister, heretofore a member of that Presbytery, had been declared to be no longer a member thereof; and as the Assembly were informed, is con- sidered by them as divested of the ministerial office, and this without depo- sition, suspension, or censure ; wherefore, RfsoJvcd, That it is a principle of this Church, that no Minister of the gospel can be regularly divested of his office except by a course of discipline, terminating in his deposition. That if any Minister, by providential cir- cumstances, become incapable of exercising his ministerial functions, or is called to suspend them, or to exercise them only occasionally, he is still to be considered as possessing the ministerial character and privileges; and his SEC. 92] CHURCH OFFICERS — THE MINISTRY. 99 brethren of the Presbytery are to inspoct his conduct; and while they treat him with due tenderness and sympathy, they are to be careful that he do not neglect his ministerial duty, beyond what his circumstances render un- avoidable. § 94. The Scotch doctrine on the subject. [After denouncing deposition against immoral Ministers, it is added] — " These also who are altogether found insutHcient to execute their cliarge, should be deposed ; whereof other kirks should be advertised, that they receive not the persons deposed. Yet they ought not to be deposed, wlio, through age, sickness, or other accidents, become unmeet to do their office ; in which case their honour should remain to them, their kirk should main-tain them, and others ought to be provided to do their office." — Second Book of JJis- cipline. Chap. vii. §§ 25, 26. § 95. Letter vpon occasion of the Doctorate of Mr. Alison, — the Jrrst in our Church. 1758, p. 230. (P) A letter was ordered to be wrote to the Rev. Dr. Wil- liam Leechman, Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow, which was done, and is as follows : Philadelphia, Maij 2dth, 1758. Very Reverend Sir, — Though we have not the honour of personal acquain- tance with you, yet your distinguished character and praises in the Churches of Christ, and eminent station in the University of Glasgow, are well known to us and to the Churches in these American colonies ; and we would much esteem a corespondence with you, if your more important affairs might allow it. We presume to give you this trouble now, requesting you to accept for yourself, and to present to the learned Professors of the University, our grate- ful acknowledgments, for the late mark of your regard to the Rev. Mr. Francis Alison, a member of this Synod, in conferring a degree of Doctor of Divinity on him. He is a gentleman of good character, of public spirit, and well esteemed as a preacher. He has been very industrious and successful in promoting learning in this part of the world, both before and since he was called to a public station in the College and Academy in this city; and we hope he will ever behave so as to deserve your regard. Such honours con- ferred on men of confessed worth here, may much encourage learning and public usefulness, and may be of service to our Church, as we have another [the Episcopal] denomination among us, whose Ministers are frequently honoured with such titles. We shall ever think it an honour to our Synod to enjoy the favour of that University, and particularly of Dr. Leechman. 100 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. BOOK III. THE ORDINANCES § 1. The distribution of ecclesiastical functions. [The following statement from the Scots Second Book of Discipline, indicates the principles regulating the distribution of ecclesiastical functions :] " The Kirk hath a certain power granted by God, according to the which it uses a pro- per jurisdiction and government, exercised to the comfort of the whole Kirk. Tliis power ecclesiastical is an authority, granted by God the Father, through the Mediator Jesus Christ, unto his Kirk gathered ; and having ground in the word of God, to be put in exe- cution by them, unto whom the spiritual government of the Kirk, by lawlul calling is committed. " The policy of the Kirk, flowing from this power, is an order or form of spiritual gov- ernment, which is exercised by the members appointed thereto by the word of God ; and therefore, is given immediately to the office bearers, by whom it is exercised, to the good of the whole body. " This power is diversely used ; for sometime it is severally exercised, chiefly by the teachers; sometime conjunctly, by mutual consent of them that bear the office and charge, after the form of judgment. The former is commonly called Potcstas ordinis, and the other Potestas jurisdictionis." — Second Book of Disc, Chap. i. §§ 4—7. § 2. Arrangement of BooJc Third. [Besides the ordinances which come under the two heaas of authority, above stated, there are others coming under the designation of privilege, which are common to private Christians. So far as any of them are dispensed either occasionally or statedly in the public Congregation, they belong to the potestas j'urisdicfioms, being under the direction of the courts of the Church, subordinate or supreme. The ordinances pertaining to the potestas ordinis, or which are dispensed by individual Ministers, are. Preaching, the Sa- craments, and the Benediction. These constitute Part I. of this Book. Those of the potcstas jurisdktionis, or which are administered by assemblies of church officers, are Ordination, Legislation, and Discipline; and are discussed in Part II. Those common to Cliristians, so far as here comprehended, are Benevolence, Catccliesis, or Training of the young, the Lot, Marriage, Ministerial Support, Sacred Music, the Oath, Prayer, and Psalmody. These constitute Part III. Illustrations of others may be found, by refer- ence to the alphabetical index to this volume. The subject of Revivals, as a corollary to the ordinances, and involving directions for their use in the most interesting and trying circumstances, is assigned to Part IV.] SEC. 1.] POTESTAS ORDINIS. — THE SACRAMENTS 101 PARTI. POTESTAS ORDINIS. Title 1. — preaching. § 3. Lay preacliing. 1710, p. 17. Upon information that David Evan, a lay person, had taken upon him publicly to teach or preach among the Welch in the Great Valley, Chester county, it was unanimously agreed that the said Evan had done very ill, and acted irregularly in thus invading the work of the ministry, and was thereupon censured. 1821,. p. 14. The Assembly disapprove the conduct of Mr. McCalla, in preaching the gospel before he was regularly licensed. § 4. Reading sermo7is. 1761, p. 309. It is further enjoined that all our Ministers and probation- ers forbear reading their sermons from the pulpit, if they can conveniently. 1841, p. 448. The General Assembly has reason to believe that the prac- tice of reading sermons in the pulpit is greatly on the increase amongst our Ministers ; and being decidedly of the opinion that it is not the best method of preaching the gospel, it hereby recommends the discontinuance of the practice as far as possible; and earnestly exhorts our younger Ministers to adopt a different method, as more scriptural and effective. 1849, p. 271. Whereas, This General Assembly has reason to believe that the practice of reading sermons in the pulpit is on the increase amongst our Ministers; and being decidedly of opinion that it is not the most effective and acceptable method of preaching the gospel; therefore, Resolved, That we do earnestly repeat the recommendation of the Assem- bly of 1841, that this practice be discontinued as far as practicable; and affectionately exhort our younger Ministers and candidates for the ministry to adopt a different method, as more scriptural and effective, and more gene- rally acceptable to God's people. § 5. Expository preaching. 1707, p. 10. Overtured, That every Minister, in their respective Congre- gations, read and comment upon a chapter of the Bible, every Lord's day, as discretion and circumstances of time, place, &c., will admit. [Adopted.] Title 2. — administration op the sacraments. § 6. Where there is no organized Church. ^ 1798, p. 146 It was moved that the restriction laid by the last General Assembly on our missionaries, which confines them to administer the ordi- nance of the Lord's Supper in such places only where there are church officers regularly appointed, be repealed, and it is hereby repealed accordingly. 102 THE ORDINANCES. [boOK III. § 7. Administered without leave of the Pastor and Session. 1824, p. 222. While the Assembly, as a general principle, disapprove of the aduiiuistratiou of the sacraments by one of their Ministers within the bounds of a Congregation with which he is not connected, without the con- sent of the Minister and Session of said Congregation; yet under the peculiar local circumstances of the people anaong which Mr. McCalla occasionally administered ordinances, the Assembly cannot decide that he deserves cen- sure. § 8. Antipoedohnjytist admitted to occasional communion. 1798, p. 145. A letter came through the Committee of Overtures, from Bethuel Church, Esq , inquiring whether he may be admitted to occasional communion, whilst he has scruples concerning infant baptism. p. 149. The letter from Bethuel Church, Esq., as overtured, was read, and the motion formerly made thus amended : That the Session of the Church of Cambridge be permitted to receive Mr. Church upon satisfactory evidence of his good character, his scruples notwithstanding — was taken up and agreed to. § 9. Baptism hy an impostor. 1752, p. 249. (N. Y.) Whereas a certain person pretending at Egg Harbour to be a Minister reguhirly ordained among the Presbyterians, under that character baptized some adults and infants, and it appearing to the Synod that his pretences were false, having at that time no license or ordination, it is our opinion that all the gospel ordinances he administered under that false and pretended character are null and invalid. § 10. Baptism hy a deposed Minister. 1819, p. 701. " Is baptism, administered by a Minister after he is deposed from his office, valid ?" Resolved, That in answer to this question, the Presbytery be referred to Chap. vii. Sec. 1, of the Directory for Public Worship. § 11. Profane administration of BaptisTn. 1790, p. 26. Resolved, That it is a principle of this Church that the un- worthiness of the Ministers of the gospel does not invalidate the ordinances of religion dispensed by them. It is also a principle that as long as any denomination of Christians is acknowledged by us as a Church of Christ, we ought to hold the ordinances dispensed by it as valid, notwithstanding the unworthiness of particular Ministers. Yet, inasmuch as no general rule can be made to embrace all circumstances, there may be irregularities in particu- hir adiuiiiistrations by men not yet divested of their oifice, either in this or in other Churches, which may render them null and void. But as these irregu- larities must often result from circumstances and situations that cannot be anticipated and pointed out in the rule, they must be left to be judged of by the prudence and wisdom of church Sessions, and the higher judicatories, to which they may be referred. In such cases, it may be advisable to administer the ordinance of baptism in a regular manner, whei'e a profane exhibition of the ceremony may have been attemped. These cases and circumstances, however, are to be inquired into by the church Sessions, and referred to a Presbytery before a final decision. § 12. Unitarian Baptism. 1814, p. 549. " A person who had been baptized in infancy by Dr. Priestly applied for admission to the Lord's table. Should the baptism administered by Dr. Priestly, then a Unitarian, be considered valid?" SKC. 7.] POTESTAS ORDINIS. THE SACRAMENTS. 103 Resolved, That this question be answered in the negative. In the present state of our country, whilst Unitarian errors in various forms are making their insidious approaches ; whilst the advocates of this heresy in many cases are practising a system of concealment, and insinuating themselves into the confidence of multitudes, who have no suspicion of their defection from the faith, the Assembly feel it to be their duty to speak without reserve. It is the deliberate and unanimous opinion of this Assembly that those who renounce the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity, and deny that Jesus Christ is the same in substance, equal in power and glory with the Father, cannot be recognized as Ministers of the Gospel; and that their ministrations are wholly invalid. § 13. Romish hapfism. (a) 1845, p. 34. The question presented to this Assembly by overture from the Presbytery of Ohio, " Is baptism in the Church of Rome valid ?" is one of a very grave character, and of deep practical importance. The answer to it must involve principles vital to the peace, the purity, and the stability of the Church of God. After a full discussion, carried through several days, this Assembly has decided, by a nearly unanimous vote [ITo yeas to 8 hays], that baptism so administered is not valid. (Z>) Because, since baptism is an ordinance established by Christ in his Churcli, (Form Gov. Chap, vii., Matt, xxviii. 19, 20,) and is to be admin- istered only by a Minister of Christ, duly called and ordained to be a steward of the mysteries of God, (Directory, Chap. vii. Sec. 1,) it follows that no rite administered by one who is not himself a duly ordained Minis- ter of the true Church of God visible, can be regarded as an ordinance of Christ, whatever be the name by which it is called, whatever the form employed in its administration. The so-called priests of the Romish com- munion are not Ministers of Christ, for they are commissioned as agents of the papal hierarchy, which is not a Church of Christ, but the Manof Sin, apostate from the truth, the enemy of righteousness and of God. She has long lain under the curse of God, who has called his people to come out from her, that they be not partakers of her plagues. ((■) It is the unanimous opinion of all the Reformed Churches, that the whole papal body, though once a branch of the visible Church, has long since become utterly corrupt, and hopelessly apostate. It was a conviction of this which led to the Reformation, and the complete separation of the Reformed body from the papal communion. Luther and his coadjutors, being duly ordained presbyters at the time when they left the Romish com- munion, which then, though fearfully corrupt, was the only visible Church in the countries of their abode, were fully authorized by the word of God, to ordain successors in the ministry; and so to extend and perpetuate the Reformed Churches, as true Churches of Christ : while the contumacious adherence of Rome to her corruptions, as shown in the decisions of the Council of Trent, (which she adopts as authoritative,) cuts her off from the visible Church of Christ, as heretical and unsound. This was the opinion of the Reformers, and it is the doctrine of the Reformed Churches to this day. In entire accordance to this is the decision of the General Assembly of our Church, passed in 1835, [see Book VI. § 83,] declaring the Church of Rome to be an apostate body. (d) The decision by the Assembly of 1835, renders the return of a negative to the inquiry proposed by the Presbytery of Ohio, indispensable on the ground of consistency ; unless we be prepared to admit, in direct contradiction to the standards of the Presbyterian Church, that baptism is 104 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III not an ordinance established by Christ in his Church exclusively, and that it may be administered by an agent of the Man of Sin, an emissary of the prince of darkness ; that it may be administered in sport or in blasphemy, and yet be valid as though administered by a duly commissioned steward of the mysteries of God. (e) Nor can it be urged that the papal hierarchy is improving in her character, and gradually approximating to the scriptural standard. She claims to be infallible : her dogmas she promulgates as the doctrines of heaven ; and she pronounces her heaviest anathema against any and every man who questions her authority, and refuses to bow to her decisions. She cannot recede from the ground she has assumed. She has adopted as her own, the decisions of the Council of Trent, which degrade the word of God : which claim equal authority for the Apocrypha as for the New Testament ; and which declare the sense held and taught by holy mother Church, on the authority of tradition and of the Fathers, to be the true and only sense of Scripture. All who deny this position, or who question her authority, she denounces with the bitterest curses. (/) She thus perverts the truth of God; she rejects the doctrine of justification by faith; she substitutes human merit for the righteousness of Christ; and self-inflicted punishment for gospel repentance: she proclaims her so-called baptism to be regeneration, and the reception of the consecrated wafer in the eucharist, to be the receiving of Christ himself, the source and fountain of grace, and with him all the grace he can im'part. Is this the truth ? Is reliance on this system, true religion ? Can, then, the papal body be a Church ? (^) The Church, (i. e., the Church visible,) as defined in our standards, is the whole body of those persons, together with their children, who make profession of the holy religion of Christ, and of submission to his laws. (Form Gov. Chap. ii. Sec. 2.) As certainly then, as the dogmas and prac- tices of papal Rome are not the holy religion of Christ, must it be conceded, that the papal body is not a Church of Christ at all ; and if not, then her agents, be they styled priests, bishops, archbishops, cardinals, or pope, are not Ministers of Christ in any sense ; for they have no connection with his true visible Church ; and not being true Ministers of Christ, they have no power to administer Christian ordinances, and the rite they call baptism, is not, in any sense, to be regarded as valid Christian baptism. (7i) Further, by the perverted meaning they affix, and the superstitious rites they have superadded to the ceremonies they perform, under the name of baptism and the eucharist, the symbolical nature and true design of both the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper are lost sight of and utterly destroyed — so that, coruld we by any possibility assign to her the name of a Church, she would still be a Church without the two grand ordinances of the gospel ; she neither administers Christian baptism, nor celebrates the supper of our Lord. (i) Moreover, since, by the 11th canon of the Council of Trent, she declares the efficacy of her ordinances to depend upon tlie intention of the administrator, no man can know with certainty that her form of administra- tion in any ordinance is not a mere mockery : no consistent papist can be certain that he has been duly baptized, or that he has received the veritable eucharist : he cannot know, that the priest who officiates at his altar is a true priest, nor that there is actually any one true priest, or any one prelate rightly consecrated in the whole papal communion. The papal hierarchy hiis by her own solemn act shrouded all her doings in uncertainty, and en- vel(>])cd all her rites in hopeless obscurity. Even on this ground alone, the validity of her baptism might safely be denied. SEC 13.] POTESTAS ORDINIS. — THE SACRAMENTS. 105 (_/) Nor is the fact that instances now and then occur of apparent piety in the members of her communion, and of intelligence, zeal, and conscien- tiou.sne.ss in some of her priests, any ground of objection against the position here taken by this Assembly. The virtues of individuals do not purify the body of which they are members. We are to judge of the character of a body claiming to be a Church of Christ — not by the opinions or practices of its individual members, but by its standards, and its allowed practices. Bound as he is by the authority of his Church — and that on pain of her heaviest malediction — to understand the Scriptures only in the sense in which his Church understands and explains them, a consistent papist can- nut receive or hold the true religion, or the doctrines of grace. If he does, he must either renounce the papacy, or hypocritically conceal his true sen- timents, or he must prepare to brave the thunders of her wrath. True re- ligion and an intelligent adherence to papal Rome are utterly incompatible and impossible. The Church and the papacy are the repelling poles of the moral system. (A-) Difficulties may possibly arise in individual cases. It may not be easy at all times to say whether an applicant for admission into the Church of Christ has, or has not, been baptized : whether he has been christened by a popish pastor or not. In all such doubtful cases the Session of a Church must act according to the light before them. But it is safer and more conducive to peace and edification, to embrace a well established principle for our guid- ance, and act upon it firmly in the fear of God, leaving all consequences with him, than to suffer ourselves, without any fixed principles, to be at the mercy of circumstances. (l) While some other Churches may hesitate to carry out fully the prin- ciples of the Reformation, in wholly repudiating popish baptism, as well as the popish mass, we, as Presbyterians, feel bound to act on the principle laid down by our Assembly so long ago as 1790, [above, § 11.] that so long as a body is by us recognized as a true Church, are her ordinances to be deemed valid, and no longer. In 183.5 the Assembly declared the papacy to be apostate from Christ, and no true Church. As we do not recognize her as a portion of the visible Church of Christ, we cannot, consistently, view her priesthood as other than usurpers of the sacred functions of the ministry, her ordinances as unscrip- tural, and her baptism as totally invalid. Title 3. — baptism — the parties and mode. § 14. Qualifications of the Parents. 1735, p. 115. [The General Synod] do also exhort all the Ministers within our bounds, to take due care in the examination of all candidates for baptism, or that offer to dedicate their children to God in that sacred ordinance, that tliey are persons of a regular life, and have suitable acquaintance with the principles of the Christian religion ; that that .seal be not set to a blank, and th.it such be not admitted to the visible Church relation that are manifestly unfit for it. • 1755, p. 267. (N". Y.) That previously to the administration of baptism, tlie Minister shall inquire into the parents' knowledge of the great and fundamental doctrines of the gospel, and the regularity of their life ; and being satisfied so as to admit them, shall in public point out the special duties of the parents, and particularly, that they teach their children the doctrines and precepts of Christianity, contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and comprised in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms; which therefore he shall recommend unto them. 14 106 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. 7794, p. 91. The following reference from the Synod of Philadelphia was laid before the Assembly: "As baptism is to be administered to the infants of those who are members of the visible Chui'ch, but our Directory leaves the description of the visible and credible profession of Christianity vague and indefinite, it is humbly proposed to the Assembly to give some precise direction and definition of such a profession for the information of its Ministers." In answer to the above reference, the Assembly judged it unnecessary, and perhaps impracticable, to deliver rules more explicit than those contained in the standards of our Church; but should eases of difficulty arise, they must be decided respectively, according to their own merits, before the proper judicatories. 1843, p. 180. Our Confession of Faith recognizes the right to baptism of the infant children only of such parents as are members of the Church. § 15. Parental engagements. 1794, p. 89. '' Whether besides requiring of parents, dedicating their children to God in baptism, an express acknowledgment of the duties of parents, and recommending to them the observance thereof, it should be considered as essential, to require that they come under an explicit vow or solemn engagement also, to perform those duties?" Resolved, That an answer to this question is contained in the Directory for Public Worship of this Church, under the head of the 'Administration of Baptism/ which requires an express engagement on the part of the parents. § 16. What is the 'period of infancy. 1822, p. 25. "At what age ought children to be considered too old to be baptized on the faith of their parents?" The precise time of life when the state of infancy ceases, is not deter- mined in the word of God, nor by the standards of our Church; and from the nature of the case, is incapable of being regulated by any uniform rule; but should be left to the judgment of Ministers and Sessions, to be deter- mined according to the particular circumstances of each case. The Assem- bly, therefore, deem it inexpedient to attempt to fix the precise time at which children ought to be considered too old to be baptized on the faith of their parents. § 17. Orphan children of heathen, in tlie care of our Missions. 1848, p. 179. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to the Presbytery of Lodiana: Dear Brethren — You have submitted to us questions respecting a subject which we have no doubt is one of very great importance, in regard to the progress of religion among the heathen. We have seriously considered it, and give you here the result of our deliberations. You present to us three questions, to which we reply in the order in which the same are presented. 1. " Are all orphan children of heathen parents committed to the care of our missions, entitled to the benefit of the ordinance of baptism, without respect to their ages ?" We reply, certainly they are not. You must make the same distinction that you would make if their parents were alive and members of the Chris- tian Church, and desiring to have them baptized, the same distinction which is made in Christian- countries. We add, let those children only be baptized in every case who are so committed to the missions, or other Christian tui- tion, as to secure effectually their entire religious education. On this point great caution is necessary. SEC. 14.] P0TE8TAS ORDINIS. THE SACRAMENTS. 107 2. You ask, (on the presumption tlmt the preceding question is answered in the negative,) "Are tliose only to be baptized who have not attained to years of discretion?" This question we answer in the athnuative. 3. Your third question is in substance as foUows : " If those only who have not attained to years of discretion are to be baptized, at what age shall the federal right be supposed to cease, and personal responsibility to commence?" Although it is not difficult to answer this question in accordance with the standards and the practice of the Presbyterian Church, yet the rule may frequently be found difficult of application. Our answer to the (juestion however is: — The officers of the Church must judge in each particular case whether the proposed subject of baptism has arrived at years of discretion or not. We can adopt no other rule in our own practice, and we can recommend no other to you. We refer you to Chap. ix. Sec. 2, of our Directory for Worship. If the person proposed to be baptized has acquired that maturity of mind which renders him capable of making an intelligent profession of religion himself, he ought not to be baptized on the faith of another. Our Confession of Faith recognizes the right to baptism of the infant children only of such parents as are members of the Church. We do not doubt that in heathen countries children of heathen parents ordinarily arrive at what are called y(Xirs of discredon, later than those who enjoy the advantages of Christian instruction in early life; but in a country where the religion of all consists in forms and ceremonies, great care should be taken that the Chris- tian religion does not even appear to partake of the formality and emptiness of Mohammedanism and Paganism. § 18. A2>2n'entices to Christian maulers. 1786, p. 527. The following case of conscience from Donegal Presbytery, was overtured, viz : Whether Christian masters or mistresses ought, in duty, to have such children baptized as are under their care, though born of parents not in the communion of any Christian Church? Upon this ovei'ture Synod are of opinion, that Christian masters and mistresses, whose religious pro- fessions and conduct are such as to give them a right to the ordinance of baptism for their own children, may and ought to dedicate the children of their household to God, in that ordinance, when they have no scruple of con- science to the contrary. § 19. Children ofpimis slaves. 1786, p. 527. Overtured, Whether Christian slaves, having children at the entire direction of unchristian masters, and not having it in their power to instruct them in religion, are bound to have them baptized; and whether a gospel Minister in this predicament ought to baptize them? and Synod determined the question in the affirmative. § 20. In/ant slaves of Christian masters. 1816, p. 617. " Ought baptism, on the profession and promise of the master, to be administered to the children of slaves ?" 1. It is the duty of masters who are members of the Church to present the children of parents in servitude to the ordinance of baptism, provided they are in a situation to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, thus securing to them the rich advantages which the gospel pro- vides. 2. It is the duty of Christ's Ministers to inculcate this doctrine, and to baptize all children of this description, when presented by their masters. 108 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. § 21. Baptism hy immersion. 1834, p. 18. '^ Is it expedient, in the present state of the Church, for a Presbyterian Minister to baptize by immersion, in any case?" The Confession of Faith, Chap, xxviii. Sec. 3, teaches as follows, viz : " Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary ; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling of water upon the person." Your committee see no cause for adding anything to the doctrine of the Confession on this subject. [Adopted.] Title 4. — the benediction. § 22. The nature of the Benediction. [The benediction is an authoritative blessing of the people of God, in the name of Christ. It partakes partly of tlie nature of a prayer, and partly of a declaration of the will and purpose of God. Strictly it can be pronounced by none but ordained Ministers of Christ. When the form is used by licentiates or others, its nature is changed; and it assumes the character of a prayer merely. It is doubted by some, whether the form should ever be used by licentiates. Our Church has not, however, given any deliverance on the subject.] Title 5. — attention to the ordinances. [That it is improper to attend upon disorderly or heretical ministrations, see below, § 36.] § 23. Neglect Censui-ahle. 1806, p. 356. With heartfelt pleasure the Assembly bear testimony to the charitable exertions made by some of their Churches, for the relief of the poor and for the maintenance of the holy ministry. They rejoice to find that the ordinances of the gospel are, in general, attended with punctuality and earnestness. They regret, however, that in some particulars they are com- pelled to use the language of reprehension. It is with pain they observe it to be the practice of too many, in some of their Churches, to attend divine service only on one part of the day, to the neglect or coutemjjt of the remaining part. Against this practice, so injurious to the spiritual interests of their people, so entirely inconsistent with the Christian character and privi- leges, they think it no more than their duty, solemnly to protest. And they do most affectionately beseech all who are conscious of delinquency in this respect, no longer to withhold from God any portion of that time which he hath specially consecrated to his own service. 1854, p. 44. The appeal and complaint of G. A. Hotchkiss against the Synod of Indiana, for sustaining the Session of Pleasant Township Church and the Presbytery of Madison, in censuring him for absenting himself from public worship, on account of disagreement with his Pastor. The papers were read in order ; the regular process prescribed in the Book was observed ; and the Assembly voted unanimously that the action of the inferior courts be sustained and confirmed. § 24. Duty of Dedication and Baptism of Children. 1855, p. 273. Resolved, That the General Assembly has a high apprecia- tion of the importance of infant baptism as an ordinance of God and means of grace, and enjoins it upon the Pastors and Elders of our Churches to en- lighten Christian parents on their duty and privilege, and to use all proper means to induce them to dedicate their offspring to God in this holy sacra- ment. Further, the Assembly earnestly calls the attention of the lower judicatories to the relation of baptized children to the Church, and recom- mends to church Sessions to maintain a Christian watchfulness over these lambs of the flock, and to use faithful and affectionate efforts to bring them to the communion of the Church. SEC, 21.] rOTESTAS ORDINIS. — THE SACRAMENTS. 109 p. 29S. Dr. Boardnian, from the Committee on Bills and Overtures, reported No. 9. from Messrs. A. McBride and 8. Brinkerhoff. *' Does the Constitution of our Church admit of persons acting as Euling Eldei'S, who refuse or neglect to have their children baptized?" The committee recom- mend the answer, that in the judgment of the Assembly, our Book is suf- ficiently explicit on this subject. As regards the ordinance of Infant Baptism, which is represented as having fallen into neglect in some few portions of our Church, the commit- tee recommend that the Committee on the Narrative be instructed to call the attention of the churches to this subject. Notice of the subject in the Narrative. Ibid. p. 306. Almost all our Presbyteries refer to the subject of family instruction and training, the greater proportion informing the General As- sembly of the diligence with which these duties are performed, and the precious fruits resulting thence. But, in instances sufficiently numerous to claim our special notice, mention is made of negligence on the part of parents; of some in omitting to con- firm their covenant relation to Christ and his Church, not dedicating their children to God at all in baptism ; and of still greater numbers, who seem altogether to forget that, as parents, there are claims resting on them to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, which cannot be neglected, but to their own detriment, and to the lasting harm of their offspring. No man can tell how much, as a denomination, we have lost, and what irreparable harm has been inflicted on our children, by our lightly esteem- ing the seal of covenant relation of God, and consequently undervaluing that relation itself. We would affectionately exhort our Ministers to preach not seldom on this subject, addressing to both parents and children the admonitions of duty, and opening to view the privileges to which they are both admitted. Let the rights of the children be plainly and with all authority asserted, and the obligations of parents to meet these claims. We would say to our Sessions, give special attention to the baptized children of the Church; show our youth that this sacred use of water is not an un- meaning and profitless ceremony; but connected with Heaven's richest pro- mises. § 25. Vacant Congregations slioidd meet for worship. 1798, p. 526. In consequence of an overture which was brought in, the Synod earnestly recommend to all vacant Congregations under their care, to meet together every Lord's day, at one or more places, for the purpose of prayer and praise, and reading the holy Scriptures, together with the works of such approved divines as they may be able to procure ; and that the El- ders be the persons who shall pray, and select the portions of Scripture and other books, to be read by any proper person Avhom they may appoint. 1847, p. 401. An overture to incpiire whether Ruling Elders representing such Congregations should be interrogated, concerning the observance of the recommendations contained in Chapter xxi. of the Form of Government : Answered in the affirmative. § 26. The Riding Elders to act as exhorters in vacant Churches 1856, p. 538. [The records of the Synod of INIississippi approved, except that] 2d. On page 10, vol. iv. of these Minutes, Synod takes exception to the minutes of the Louisiana Presbytery; because that Presbytery considered it not inconsistent with the principles of our Church for Huling Elders, in no THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. the absence of the Pastor, to read the Scriptures and explain them ; and to endeavour to enforce the truth upon the conscience, by suitable exhortations. The Assembly believe the Presbytery of Louisiana were right, according U Chap. xxi. of our Form of Government. § 27. Pastoral letter to frontier Churches. 1795, p. 91. As our aim has not been to proselyte from other communi- ties to our denomination, v*'e have charged our missionaries to avoid all doubtful disputations, to abstain from unfriendly censures or reflections on other religiovis persuasions, and, adhering strictly to the great doctrines of our holy religion, which influence the heart and life in the ways of godli- ness, to follow after the things that make for peace and general edification. From the peculiar circumstances of your situation, we think it our duty to exhort you to attend particularly to the catechetical instruction of your children. We fear there is a sad and too general neglect of this duty. Dear brethren, we wish you to remember that the neglect of this duty natu- rally leads to the most serious and awful consequences. Your children will grow up in sad ignorance of their spiritual and everlasting concerns ; this ignorance will prove the fruitful parent of immorality and licentiousness ; instead of knowing Scripture truth from their childhood, and being estab- lished therein, they will lie exposed to be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craf- tiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive ; the prospect of the rising Churches, and growing interest of religion amongst you will probably be blasted ; and we cannot help but call to your view.the awful account you must give to Grod, if by your neglect of so important a duty you should prove the occasion of so much mischief to your dear oifspring, and endanger the interests of our Redeemer's kingdom. The profanation of the Lord's day, and the neglect of those religious ex- ercises which humanize and sanctify the heart, we are apprehensive may be too prevalent among you. We know that, from your peculiarly destitute and unsettled circumstances, you cannot spend your Sabbaths as many among you no doubt wish : we therefore earnestly recommend to you, while in your present circumstances, to form small societies, in which you may meet every Lord's day, for the purpose of social prayer and praise, reading the Scriptures, and sermons of some of our most approved and pious divines. Where you have not Elders and Deacons, regularly ordained, who may lead your worship, we think you ought to choose from among yourselves those whose knowledge, talents, and religious deportment are most conspicuous. By this method your social attachments will be cherished, your habits of worship improved, and you will be gradually ripening for the full establish- ment of the ordinances of the gospel. We hear with pain that you are peculiarly exposed to visits from men un- authorized by the Churches, unsound in the faith, and of unholy and im- moral lives, who call themselves preachers. We exhort you to be very careful, neither to admit nor encourage preachers, with whose principles connections, and characters you are unacquainted. SEC. 26.] POTESTAS .TURISDICTIONIS — OEDINATION. Ill PART II. POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS, CHAPTER I. OF ORDINATION § 28. Ordination hy Committee. [In tlie early history of the Church, ordinations were frequently performed by Committees of the Gleneral Presbytery and Synod ; e. g. Book II., § 55.] 1712, p. 26. The Presbytery havinsr seen Mr. George Gillespie's certificates, from the Presbytery of Glasgow, concerning his being licensed to preach, and his conversation, did approve of them, and in case Providence make way for his ordination, by a call from any Congregation before next Presbytery, Messrs. Andrews, McNish, Anderson, and Morgan, are ordered to ordain him; and that one of the said members, or two, as they shall see fit, preach at the solemnity. § 29. Olden trials for Ordination. 1706, p. 9. [The early records of our Church want the first leaf, which is irrecoverably lost. They consequently commence abruptly in the middle of the proceedings upon the trials of Mr. John Boyd, preparatory to his ordina- tion. He is in the act of presenting aLatin exegesis:] Deregimine ecclcsice, which being heard, was approved of and sustained. He gave in also his thesis, to be considered of against next sederunt. Sederunt 2d. 10 bris. 27. * Post preces, sederunt, Mr. Francis McKemie, Moderator, Messrs. Jedediah Andrews and John Hampton, Ministers. Mr John Boyd performed the other parts of his trials, viz: preached a popular sermon on John i. 12 ; defended his thesis ; gave satisfaction as to his skill in the languages ; and answered to extemporary questions ; all which were approved of, and sustained. Appointed his ordination to be on the next Lord's day, the 29th inst., which was accordingly performed in the public 112 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK 111. meeting-house of this place, before a numerous assembly ; and the next day he had the certificate of his ordination. § 30. Ordination at a distance from the cliarge. 1735, p. 120. The Synod do also think the Presbytery [of East Jersey] was too hasty in their proceeding to Mr. Chalker's ordination in so short a time after the presentation of his call and trials ; and cannot approve of its being performed at such a distance from the people where he was to officiate. § 31. Ordination abroad of Ministers coming among us. 1735, p. 119. The Synod would bear testimony against the late too common and now altogether unnecessary practice of some Presbyteries in the north of Ireland, viz : their ordaining men to the ministry, sine titulo, immediately before they come over hither, thereby depriving us of our just rights, viz: that we unto whom they are designed to be co-presbyters, and among whom they design to bestow their labours, should have just and fair inspecting into their qualifications ; we say, it seems necessary that the Synod bear tes- timony against such practice by writing home to the General Synod, thereby signifying our dissatisfaction with the same The Synod do agree that no Minister ordained in Ireland, sine titulo, be for the future received to the exercise of his ministry among us, until he submit to such trials as the Pres- bytery among whom he resides shall think proper to order and appoint. And that the Synod do also advertise the General Synod in Ireland, that the or- daining any such to the ministry, sine titulo, before their sending them hither for the future, will be very disagreeable and disobliging to us. [See also § 32. Resolution 2.] § 32. Ordination of licentiates in transitu. 1834, p. 12. Whereas, many of the Ministers who are to supply the vacant Churches and destitute places in the more new and growing parts of our Church, must for some time to come be educated in the older sections of our country, and at a great distance from the field where they are to be employed ; and whereas it is important to the happy and useful settlement of these Min- isters in their several fields of labour, that they should enjoy the full confi,- dence of the Ministers and Churches among whom they are to dwell ; and whereas the ordination of Ministers in the presence of the people among whom they are to labour is calculated to endear them very much to their flocks, while it gives their fathers and brethren in the ministry an opportunity of knowing their opinions and sentiments onsubjectsof doctrineand discipline; and whereas our Form of Government seems to recognize the right and privi- lege of each Presbytery to examine and ordain those who come to the pastoral office within their bounds, and who have never before exercised that office, therefore, 1. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to all our Presbyteries not to ordain sine titulo any men who propose to pursue the work of their minis- try in any sections of the country where a Presbytery is already organized, to which they may go as licentiates and receive ordination. 2. That the several bodies with which we are in friendly correspondence in the New England States, be respectfully requested to use their counsel and influence to prevent the ordination, by any of their Councils or Consociations, of men who propose to pursue the work of the ministry within the bounds of any Presbytery belonging to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church; and that the delegates from this Assembly to those bodies respectively be charged with communicating this resolution. SEC 29.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS — ORDINATION. 113 § 33. Ordination sine titulo. 1762, p. 314. [Rqwrt having been made by the Presbyteries, of a number of ordinations, Bome of which were probably sine titulo,] On hearins; these reports, a question was proposed, whether it be proper to ordain to the ministry, sine titulo, except for some particular mission. [Other exciting questions postponed the one thus presented.] 1764, p. 337. The question, Ought Ministers to be ordained sine titulo, i. e., without relation or probable view had to a particular charge? resumed ; and after further deliberation, we judge as follows : That in ordinary cases, where Churches are properly regulated and organized, it is a practice highly inexpedient and of dangerous consequences; not to be allowed in our body, except in some special cases, as missions to the Indians, and some distant places, that regularly apply for Ministers. But as the honour and reputation of the Synod is much interested in the conduct of Presbyteries in such special cases, it is judged that they should previously apply to the Synod and take their advice therein, uidess the cases require such haste as would necessarily prevent the benefit of such a mission if delayed to the next session of Synod; in which cases the Presbyteries shall report to the next Synod the state of the cases and the reasons of their conduct. [Re-affirmed, Book II. § 61.] 1775, p. 465. Application was made to the Synod by the Presbytery of New Castle for advice respecting the propriety of Mr. Samuel [Stanhope] Smith's being ordained by said Presbytery of New Castle, under whose care he is, in consequence of his having accepted a call from a Congregation within the bounds of the Presbytery of Hanover. The Synod having heard all the circumstances relative to this case, and deliberated thereon, agree that it is not expedient for the Presbytery of New Castle to ordain Mr. Smith as the matter now stands. [Leave to ordain sine titulo was granted occasionally till 1813, when the Assembly adopted the following resolution. The amendment to the Constitution thus proposed, was rejected by the Presbyteries; {Minutes, 1814, p. 568;) and the practice of asking leave of the higher courts, in such cases, fell into disuse. 1813, p. 523. Resolved, That as a considerable and evident diversity of opinion has for a length of time existed among the judicatures and Minis- ters of our communion on the question, whether Presbyteries can regularly proceed to ordination sine titulo, without consulting a higher judicature, and it is hereby expedient for the peace and order of the Church, that this ques- tion should be decided ; this Assembly therefore repeal the act of the last Assembly, by which a farther attention to this subject was dismissed, and this Assembly do farther direct that all the Presbyteries under the care of the Assembly, as well those which have heretofore voted on this subject, as those which have not, do send up in writing the expressions of their opinion on the subject to the next General Assembly; in order that there may be a constitutional and final decision on the point in controversy, and that the practice relative thereto may be uniform in all parts of our Church. The rule proposed, and on which an affirmative or negative vote of the Presby- teries is required, is in the following words, viz : — It shall be the duty of Presbyteries, when they think it necessary to or- dain a candidate, without a call to a particular pastoral charge, to take the advice of a Synod or of the General Assembly, before they proceed to such ordination. § 34. Ordinations on the Sahbath. 1821, p. 7. The General Assembly think it would not be for edification to adopt a uniform rule on the subject. In general they think it is not ex- pedient that ordinations should take place on the Sabbath ; yet that there 114 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. may be cases in which urgent or peculiar circumstances may demand them. The Assembly, therefore, judge it best to leave it to the Pr/>sbyteries to act in this concern as they may judge that their duty requires. § 35. Irregularity does not necessarily invalidate ordination. 1765, p. 344. The Synod having heard the judgment of the Presbytery of Donegal, in April, 1761, concerning the mode of setting Elders apart to their office in one of the Presbyterian Churches in Carlisle, together with the reasons of the appeal to the Synod from said judgment, do, upon the whole, approve of the Presbytery's judgment, and also of their caution to prevent any bad consequences that might arise from a deviation from that mode which has been commonly used in this Church, and which is highly proper on such occasions, although we wish that they had expressed their caution in stronger terms. We judge that the Elders chosen at that time are clothed with sufficient authority to act in the office of Elders in the Church, as they actually acquiesced in the election of the people, and in their appointment to the office ; and we judge that the consent of the persons to undertake the office should be necessarily obtained. And though it ap- pears it was substantially obtained in the present case, yet we are of opinion that it had been more eligible, and more for the peace and edification of the Church, if their public and explicit consent to undertake and execute that office had been taken in the face of the Congregation. And we hope that the Presbytery will observe their own directions for the future. 1839, p. 161. [Among exceptions to the records of the Synod of Cincin- nati]— On pages 116 and 117, a resolution declaring " null and void the ordination of two men to the gospel ministry," who were neither ordained as Evangelists nor as Pastors, was declared to be out of order ; and no further notice of the case is found on the minutes ; in regard to which, the Assem- bly are of opinion that the resolution, in so far as it contemplated depriving men of ordination on account of Presbyterial irregularity in granting it, ought not to have prevailed ; but that the Synod were nevertheless bound to censure the Presbytery for irregularity in that ministerial act. [In the Assembly of 1850, the committee on the records of the Synod of West Tennessee, recommended their approval, with the exception that the Synod approved the ordination of a licentiate, by the Presbytery of Holston, when but two Ministers took pat in the laying on of hands. The committee recommended, that the Assembly ex- press its strong disapprobation of this action ; and declare that the Synod should not have countenanced the proceedings of the Presbytery. The Presbytery, consisting of three Ministers and seven Elders, had conducted the business of the ordination up to the point of the imposition of hands ; when it was found t'l.it one of the Ministers was absent. The remaining two proceeded witli the ordination. In defence of this action, it was argued that the absent member was to be held tcch- nic.illy present, as his absence was not ascertained or allowed in any official manner; and further, that ordination by two Presbyters, though irregular, is not necessarily invalid. From our Constitution we derive the rule of regularity, but from the Bible that of validity ; and as that no where requires the particular number three to an ordination, and as we recognize ordination by individual prelates of the Episcopal Church, we may not invali- date this. Tlie exception was rejected, and the record approved. The Minutes fail to show these facts.] § 36. Lay ordination invalid. 1832, p. 327. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 15, viz : " On ordination, by a deposed Minister or by laymen ;" made the fol- lowing report, which was adopted, viz : That this paper contains a letter from a Minister in South Carolina to the Stated Clerk, requesting him to obtain a decision of the General Assembly on the question, " Whether the ordination of a Minister of the gospel by the interposition of the hands of SEC. 34.] POTESTAS JURTSDICTIONIS ORDINATION. 115 the laity is valid ?" That the answer to this question should be in the nega- tive, is so obvious and evident, on all correct principles of ecclesiastical order, that your committee are of opinion that it is unnecessary for the G-eneral Assembly to give any further consideration to the subject. 1883, p. 493. Resolvril, That while this Assembly readily acknowledges the right of the Session to determine, according to the Scriptures and the Constitution of our Church, the qualifications for admission to sealing or- dinances, yet they feel it to be their duty to declare that in their judgment the services of those who have received only lay-ordination, or of those who have been deposed from the gospel ministry, are unscriptural and unwar- rantable; and therefore an attendance on their ministrations cannot be in the order of the gospel; and ought to be discouraged and discountenanced by every friend of the Redeemer's kingdom. § 37. Ordination procAired hy fraud. 1843, p. 198. '' Is the ordination of a Minister valid, which has been pro- cured by forgery and unwarrantable means ?" Confining the answer of the Assembly to the case in question, as verbally explained, Ihis question is answered in the affirmative ; but that the Presby- tery should, in such a case, proceed immediately to depose him. § 38. MetJiodist Ordination. 1792, p. 56. A petition was laid before the General Assembly from the Presbyterian Church in the Island of Bermuda, requesting the settlement of a Mr. Enoch Matson, an Elder, formerly connected with the Methodist Church, who was represented as willing to subscribe the doctrine, discipline, and government of the Presbyterian Church ; accompanied with a request from the Presbytery of Baltimore for direction in what manner to proceed in receiving him into this Church. The Assembly recommend to the Presbytery of Baltimore, to proceed in receiving Mr. Matson to trials for the ministry, in the same manner as if no licensure or ordination by the Methodist Church had taken place. [See also 1800, p. 199.] 1810, p. 441. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Assembly, the deci- sions of the General Assembly of 1792, and referred to by the Assembly of 1800, respecting the re-ordination of Ministers regularly ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and desiring to connect themselves with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, however expedient at the time of its formation, ought not to be considered as a precedent to guide the future decisions of the judicatories of this Church ; and that the Presbyteries under the care of this Assembly, when they receive into their connection an ordained jNIinister from any other denomination, be careful to record the circumstances of the case, and the reasons which induced them to receive such ordained Minister. [Ke-affirmed, 1852, p. 210.] § 39. Ordination of the Baptist and other Churches. 1821, p. 15. It is not among the principles or usages of the Presbyterian Church, to consider the ordination of Ministers by other Protestant Churches i\- invalid; on the contrary, the J^resbyterian Church has always considered the ordinations of most other ]*rotestant Churches as valid in themselves, and nut to be repeated, when those who have received them become members (•!' the Presbyterian Church. Nor is it perceived that there is any sufficient reason why the ordinations in the Baptist Church should not be considered as valid, and be sustained as such. But while the Presbyterian Church can 116 . THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. act as has now been stated in regard to ordinations, it is among those prin- ciples and usages which she regards as most sacred and important, to secure for her Churches both a pious and learned ministry; and she cannot admit of any usage or exercise any apparent liberality, inconsistent with security in this essential particular. On the whole, therefore, Resolved, That when applications are made by Ministers of the Baptist or any other Protestant denomination, to be connected, with the Presbyte- rian Church, the Presbytery to which the applications are made shall re- €[uire all the qualifications, both in regard to piety and learning, which are required of candidates for licensure or ordination of those who have origi- nally belonged to the Presbyterian Church ; and shall require the applicants from other denominations to continue their study and preparation, till they are found on trial and examination to be qualified in learning and ability, to teach in the manner required by our standards ; but that when found thus to be qualified, it shall not be necessary to re-ordain the said applicants, but only to install them, when they are called to settle in Presbyterian Congre- gations. § 40. Ruling Elders and Deacons ordamed with imposition of hands of the Eldership. 18-33, p. 490. Our Form of Government, Chap. xiii. Sec. 4, declares that such, whether Elder or Deacon, shall be set apart to their respective offices by prayer. The imposition of hands, however, we are aware, in many of our Churches is practised ; and as it is plainly in accordance with apostolic example, it is the opinion of the Assembly that it is proper and lawful. We conceive that every Church, in this respect, may with propriety he left to adopt either of these two modes, as they think suitable and best. 1842, p. 16. An overture from the Presbytery of South Alabama on the subject of ordaining Elders and Deacons, by the imposition of hands. The committee recommended that it be left to the discretion of each church Ses- sion to determine the mode of ordination in this respect. Which was adopted. [The Session of the Mount Bethany Church having been censured by the Presby- tery of Memphis for ordaining Deacons with the laying on of hands, memorialized the Assembly " to determine whether, in the ordination of Elders and Deacons, it is uncon- stitutional, or otherwise improper, to use the rite of laying on of hands, by the existing Eldership."]— i/iMMtes, 1851, pp. 12, 35, 172. 1852, p. 227. Resolved, That the Session of Mount Bethany Church be referred to the Minutes of the Assembly of 1842 for an answer to said overture. CHAPTER II. OF LEGISLATION, [Of the extent of legislative powers see the Form of Government, Chapter I. §§1,2, 7. That the enactments of church courts are of binding authority, see below, § 165, and Book VII. § 2G : II. See also Book I. §§ .33-35. Of the right of the General Assembly to enact standing rules, see Book IV. § 172. SEC. 39.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — LEGISLATION. 117 § 41. Of the right of Petition, {a) A Protest. 1841, p. 449. "We, the undersigned, members of Assembly, respectfully enter our protest against the action of the General Assembly in postponing indefinitely the resolution offered by Dr. Neill, in favour of the right of pe- tition by our Presbyteries and Synods; because, 1st. No opportunity was oftered to any member to express his views on the subject, previously to the vote; thus the Assembly was hurried into a decision, without opportunity to consider the great injuries done, by thus virtually denying this sacred right. 2d. Because the spirit of our free Form of Government is thus vi- olated, inasmuch as it secures to the lower judicatories the right of being heard, on all moral and religious subjects, when they present their views in u regular and constitutional manner." Samuel Steel, David D. Dowd, James F. Murray, John Burtt, E. W. Thayer, David Lewis." ( 6 ) Reply of the Assembly. The protest imputes to this Assembly a principle which it never adopted, viz : the denial of the right of petition. The true reason of the indefinite postponement of Dr. Neill's paper was, that as no one doubted the right of petition, a further consideration of the subject would consume time by use- less debate and legislation. The committee regard this statement as a suf- ficient answer to the protest in question. (c) A similar minute. 1844, p. 376. The committee to whom was referred the protest of W. Bushnell and others, in relation to the action of the Assembly, on certain petitions respecting the abolition of slavery, reported, recommending the adoption of the following minute : The General Assembly recognizing the right of inferior judicatories, and private members, upon their own responsibility, to memorialize this body on any subject which they may regard as connected with the interests of the Church, and finding no fault with the language of the protest, admit it to record without further notice. [Adopted.] . § 42. Of the right of dissent and protest. [See Book VII. § 26. III. In the Assembly of 1846 leave was refused to have a dis- sent with reasons, entered upon the record. The consideration influencing the body seems to have been tlic threatened introduction of several otliers, should the one offered be recorded. The only justification attempted, was in the suggestion th it the language of Ciiap. vii. Sec. 1, of the Book of Discipline seems to imply that a dissent may be re- jected if accompanied with reasons. Tliis is true if taken with the limitation given in sec. 3 of the same chapter, if the reasons are not respectfully expressed. Otlierwise a judicatory has no discretion, but is bound to admit a dissent no less than a protest to record. The mistake seems to have arisen from a false idea that the difference between a dissent and a protest consists in the fact of the one being accompanied with reasons, and the other being without. The true difference as determined alike by tlie Constitu- tion as al)ove cited, and the practice of the Cliurch, is that in a dissent a party simply re- lieves iiimself from responsibility tor a given decision, by a recorded disavowal, to which \)K may attach reasons, or not, at his discretion. A protest goes farther, and not only declines responsibility for, but utters a solenui testimony against, a decision ; and may, as well as a dissent, be entered witiiout reasons, although generally accompanied by them. The Minutes of 1846 take no notice of the case above referred to. In Book VII., § 101, is a signal example of oppression and disregard of the Constitution by the refusal to record a protest. The only question properly before a judicatory, upon the presentation of a dissent or protest, seems to be, " Is its language respectful, and free from offensive reflections or in- sinuations?" This being decided in the aflirmative, the paper is entitled to record, with- out further vote. If in the negative, the judicatory may still at its discretion record it.l 118 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. CHAPTER III. OF DISCIPLINE § 43. An example from the olden time. (a) [The following was copied by the author from the original record, through the fa- vour of the Rev. Dr. Steel, the present Pastor of the Abington Church. It dates a year before the Adopting Act.] " March ye 7th, Anno Domini, 1 728. " The charge of the Church against George Rennick and Henry Jamison, viz : " 1st. Caused divisions in the Church; — to be marked by Rom. 16 : 17. " 2d. Their breach of covenant, by turning off from attending att any ordinances of ye Church, witliout giving any reason for so doing; — contrary to Rom. 13: 2. " .Sdly. Despise government, being often sent for by the Church. 2 Pet. 2:10. " 4thly. Refusing wholy to heare the Church, being often cliarged and admonished ; — in Matt. 18: 17. " And likewise ye said Rennick's wife, and his son Wm. Rennick and his wife, ulso his son-in-law Robert Loke confederates in the same obstinacy with ye said Rennick and Jamison now two years past. And by so doing, as far as their credit could go, vilifying this Church, and put a contempt upon God's ways and ordinances, and thereby made themselves to this Church as heathens and publicans. " Whereupon we cannot but think it our duty according to the Rule of God's word, to determine them as heathens and publicans. Malachi Jones, Pastor. Abednego Thomas, ^ Garret Wynkoop, i Joseph Breden, \ Elders. Joseph Charlesworth, \ Deacons." Benj. Jones, 5 Charles Haeste, ^ (6 ) This ca.1C1'I0NIS. DISCIPLINE. 123 1835, p 17. A proposition from the Presbyteries of West Lexington and Louisville to the Assembly to authorize them to prosecute Ministers of other Presbyteries who may preach heresy within their bounds, was taken up and read. Whereupon it was Rcwloed, That the Constitution in sections 2, 3, and 4, of Chapter 5 of the Book of Discipline, contains sufficient provision on the subject over- tured. § 54. Declmature hy the accused does not bar Jurisdiction. [In the orig-inal Draught of the Directory, as printed for consideration in 1787, Ch;ip. X. § 6, stood as follows: "When any person has been, with the advice of the Pres- bytery, adjudged to be cut off from the communion of the Cliurch, it is proper that the sentence be pronounced against him ; even although, as is to be expected in such cases of contumacy and wickedness, he should pretend to despise the censures of the Church, and either cast off all profession of religion, or go to another denomination." — Draught., (fee, p. 93. ■ Before adoption the supposed case was struck out, and the article left as it now is, in unlimited application to all cases.] 1771, p. 413. A reference from the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia was brought in, in the following words : " The Presbytery took Mr. Eakin's affair under consideration ; and as he has doserted his pastoral charge, and his character labours under grievous reports of gross inunorali- ties, and he has not thought proper to attend this judicature, though twice cited to appear and vindic;ite his character and conduct; but by a letter sent to Dr. Alison, to be com- munic.ited to this Presbytery, desired that his name might be struck out of their book, as he was determined never hereafter to have any pastoral charge under the care of this Presbytery, or under the care of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia ; tlie Presby- tery calling to mind the dilHculties in which they have already been involved by his con- duct, judged it most expedient to refer his case to the Synod, and desire this reference may be laid before them as soon as there is a convenient opportunity." [Tiie General Synod hereupon issued a new citation, closing with tlie assurance, " You are to consider this as the last citation you are to expect on this head ; the Synod will therefore proceed to hear and issue the matter, whether you attend or not." Mr. Eakin attended, and confessed the truth of the charges, submitting himself to the judgment of ^yiwd.y-Minutcs, 1771, pp. 414, 418. [On this subject see also Davis's case, Book VII. § 71. Similar was the course pur- sued by the Synod of Kentucky, in the case of Stone and his New Liglit associates, who were deposed, notwithstanding their attempted withdrawal from the jurisdiction of the Synod. Book VII. §§ 52-56.J § 55. Case of Theodore Clapp. [In 1830 the Rev. Theodore Clapp having adopted a system of doctrines at variance witli the Confession of Faith, communicated the fact to the Presbytery of Mississippi, of which lie was a member, and requested a dismission to join the Hampshire County Asso- ei::tion of Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts. Hereupon the Presbytery adopted p series of resolutions, refusing the dismission, but declaring that " the Rev. Theodore Clapp is no longer either a member of this body or a Minister of the Presbyterian Church." The whole business came before the Assembly upon a complaint of a minority of the Session of the First C'hurch in New Orleans, with consent of the Presbytery carried up to the General Assembly. In the sequel, Clapp was deposed.] 1831, p. 192. Resolved, That since the Kev. Theodore Clapp has neither been dismissed nor suspended by the Presbytery of I\Iississippi, he ought to be regarded as a member of that body; and that in the opinion of this As- sembly, they have sufficient reasons for proceeding to try him upon the charge of error in doctrine. Rcso/iicd, That as Mr. Clapp was merely a stated supply of the Church in New Orleans, the Presbytery of Mississippi had a right, and it was their duty, under existing circumstances, to adopt measures to detach him from said CongreKation. ' 124 THE ORDIXAXCKS. [lOOK III. § 56. Jurisdiction over a deposed Minister. [See below, § 156.] 1802, p. 238. Mr. David \ustin, who had been formerly a member of the Presbytery of New York, and had withdrawn from the Presl^ytery and the Presbyterian Church, appeared before the Assembly and renewed his re- quest of last year, to be again received into ministerial communion and regular standing in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Austin having been heard in support of his petition, withdrew ; when the x\ssembly, after ma- turely considering the case, Resolved., That as it would be disorderly for this Assembly to restore Mr. Austin to his standing in the Presbyterian Church, in the form in which it is sought by him, inasmuch as he withdrew from the Presbytery of New York, against whom he makes no complaint, and to whom of course he ought to apply ; so this Assembly, in the course of the discussion had on the subject of Mr. Austin's application, have had before them sufficient evidence that it is inexpedient, at present, to recommend his reception by any judi- cature of this Church. Yet the Assembly are willing to hope that the time may come when the restoration of Mr. Austin to his former standing may take place, to his own satisfaction and the edification of the Church. Title 3. — other questions of jurisdiction. § 57. An appeal from a com-t not of our communion. 1842, p. 13. The committee on the memorial of Mr. Horatio A. Parsons, made a report, which was adopted, as follows, viz : Whereas, it appears from an examination of the said memorial and of the documents accompanying it, that Mr. Parsons appeals from the decision of a Synod over which this Assembly has no jurisdiction, and where this Assem- bly has no means of examining into the merits of the case brought to view in this memorial ; therefore, 1. Resedved, That the papers relating to this case be returned to Mr. Par- sons, that he may, should he see fit, apply to the Presbytery of Albany, to be disposed of as that Presbytery shall deem best. 2. Resolved, That it appears from the peculiar circumstances of Mr. Par- sons, that the interests of justice require the attention of the Presbytery of Albany to this case. § 58. The Discipline of other Evangelical Churches respected. 1728, p. 91. Letters came to the Synod from Mrs. Catherine Wood, who stands excommunicated by the Baptist Church of Philadelphia, complaining against the censure of that Church, and desiring the Synod to relieve her; which being considered by an interloquitur of the Synod, it was agreed that a letter should be writ to that Church, desiring a conference between three or four of them and as many of us relating to that afi"air ; which letter being wrote and delivered, and no answer from them yet come, the Synod agreed to leave the consideration of any answer that might be brought, and what else may occur about that matter, to the management of the Commission of the Synod, the time of the Synod's sitting being near expired. 1729, p. 93. Inquiry being made with respect to Mrs. Catherine Wood, it was found that endeavours had been used in order to accommodate said affair, but to little purpose hitherto; and the said affair is wholly left to the management of any Presbytery to which she shall apply, as they shall see cause. And the better to enable the said Presbytery to conduct themselves in it, the Synod, having been informed that her old friends, the Baptists, say that they have nothing to object against her, and that any other society are at SEC. 56.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 125 liberty to receive her, if they shall see cause, they do judge that she is virtu- ally released from the censure she lay under; and tlierefore that she may be received as a member of a Christian Church, if the differences between her husband and her were accomodated, for anything that appears to them. 1758, p. 211. Mr. Alexander Miller, from the parish of Ardstraw, in Ire- laud, applied to us for liberty to preach the gospel as a Minister of this Synod. He acknowledged he was degi'aded by the Presbytery of Letterkenny, and Sub-Synod of Londonderry, and the General Synod in Ireland, but com- plained that they treated him hardly and unjustly, and offered the minutes of the Presbytery of Letterkenny to our consideration, to justify his conduct. The Synod having seriously considered his allegations, think that they have no right to judge of the proceedings of the judicatories in Ireland; that they have not the minutes of the Sub-Synod, and General Synod, and for that reason think it would be partial and unfair to believe that so many men of candour and integrity would treat him in their judicatories severely and un- justly ; and as several of our members have wrote to their correspondents in that Church, they think they would act wrong to encourage a man which is cast out of their Churches, till they hear for what reasons ; and we would warn all the societies under our care to give him no encouragement as a Minister, till his character is cleared, and he be acknowledged as a gospel Minister by us. 1775, p. 465. The Synod having heard all that could at present be further offered in respect to Mr. McGill, and again deliberated on his case, find that he had been suspended from preaching by the Burgher Associate Presbytery of Monaghan in Ireland, and afterward deposed by the Burgher Associate Synod of Edinburgh; and do therefore judge, that however we have credible testimony in favour of his character, both before the accusation was brought against him in his own Presby.tery, and since his removal from Ireland, yet we cannot, at present, receive hiiu as a member; but willing to do everything in our power for his relief, agree in the meantime, to take every possible method to obtain information, both from the Presbytery which suspended, and the Synod which deposed him. And accordingly we appoint Dr. Bod- gers to endeavour to obtain all the light he can from the Associate Presbytery of Monaghan, and Dr. Witherspoou to procure such information as he can from the above-mentioned Synod, respecting the said Mr. McGill, to be laid before the Synod at their next meeting. 1793, p. 68. Resolved, That as the present case originated within the bounds of the Consociated Churches of the State of Connecticut, the Assem- bly do refer the whole case of Mr. Collins to the General Association of the said State, that they may direct to a full investigation ; and it is Ordered, That all the proceedings had upon this affair, both before the Presbytery of New York and the Synod of New York and New Jersey, together with all the evidence and other documents that can be obtained, relating thereto, be sent by the delegates from the General Assembly, to the General Associa- tion. § 59. Discipline of haptizcd Children of the Church. 1799, p. 171. "How far, and in what sense, are persons who have been regularly baptized in infancy, and have not partaken of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, subject to the discipline of the Church ?" Resolved, That the public standards of this Church contain a sufficient answer to the question stated in the above reference. 1811, p. 475. The committee, to which the reference from the Synod of Kentucky, relative to the conduct to be pursued by the Church with respect to baptized persons not in communion, had been committed, brought in their report; which was read, and the subject was indefinitely postponed. 126 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. 1811, p. 480. Rr:«>hc(l, That Drs. Miller and Roiiieyn, and the Rev. Jas. Richards, be a committee to prepare and report to next Assembly a full and complete answer to the following overture from the Synod of Kentucky, which had been made to this Assembly : What steps should the Church take with baptized youth, not in communion, but arrived at the age of maturity, should such youth prove disorderly and contumacious? 1812, p. 5U9. The committee appointed by the last Assembly to report to this Assembly on the subject of disciplining baptized children, reported; and the report being read, was recommitted to the same committee for re- vision and publication, and it was Resolved, That the Assembly, without expressing any opinion on tlie principles it contains, recommend it to the serious consideration of all the Presbyteries and Ministers, that in due time a decision may be had on the important subjects discussed in the report. [This report entered at large into the subject ; taking the ground, that it is the duty of the Church to pursue a course of firm and judicious discipline, with such of her bap- tized youth as fail to lay hold on the covenant for themselves, when tliey arrive at ma- turity.] 1814, p. 543. The subject of a report on the disciplining of baptized children, in relation to which the Assembly of the last year, and the year before, had taken order, was called up; and it appeared that several Presby- teries had brought forward a formal expression of their opinion, in regard to the adoption or rejection of the report in question. On this a discussion ha^dng arisen, whether the report was intended to be sent to the Presby- teries, for the expression of Presbyterial opinion on the subject, it was therefore, Resolved, That the whole subject be referred to a committee, to consider and report to the Assembly, what shall appear to them to be the correct method of procedure to be adopted relative thereto, in the circumstances in which it is now before the Assembly; and that Drs. G-reen, Woodhull, and Wilson, and Messrs. Caldwell and Connelly, be the committee. p. 547. The committee appointed to report a correct method of procedure, to be adopted relative to a report on the disciplining of baptized children, re- ported, and it was ordered that the report lie on the table. p. 551. The report on the subject of disciplining baptized children, which had at a former session of this Assembly been laid on the table, was again read, and recommitted to the same committee, with the addition of Drs. G-riflBn and Blatchford. and Messrs. Blackburn, Fisher, and Haslett. p. 567. Resolved, That the committee appointed to report to the Assem- bly, a correct method of procedure to be adopted relative to a report made by a former committee on the subject of disciplining baptized children, be discharged. 1815, p. 578. A reference from the Presbytery of Fayetteville on the subject of excommunicating a person who had been baptized, but had not been received into full communion of the Church, was overtured, and was committed to Dr. Miller, Messrs. Finley, Freeman, Cook, and Haslett. p. 589. The unfinished business of yesterday, viz: the consideration of the report of the committee to which had been committed the reference of the Presbytery of Fayetteville, concerning the proi er construction of the first article of the first chapter of the Forms of Process, relative to persons who have been baptized, but have not been admitted to the Lord's table, was resumed. After a long discussion on the subject, a motion was made and seconded, for an indefinite postponement. The question being taken was determined in the affirmative, and therefore the farther consideration of the subject was indefinitely postponed. seo. 59.] potestas jurtsdictionis. — discipline. 127 Title 4. — other preliminary subjects. § GO. Examination of Ministers on joining Prcshytcri/. [The examination to which candidates are subjected, upon the question of their ordina- tion, and especially that of Ministers in passing- from one Presbytery to anotlier, is a ju- dicidl process, which is g-ovcrned by the rules of judicial proeecdinjrs, and the result of which, in the latter case, may be, not only the rejection of the Minister, but the remand- ing of him to his own Presbytery, for such action as the case may require, in a judicial form. See Book IV., §§ 45, 46.] § Gl. ^ Minister suspected of error suhject to examination [This is implied in the right exercised in the case above stated, where examination is had, upon the remote presumption, arising from the fact of a man being a stranger to the Presbytery. In both tlie New Light and Cumberland schisms, the immediate question on which the secession occurred, was the right of such examination, asserted by the Synod of Kentucky, and denied by the schismatics. See Book VII., §§ 52-54, and 57-60, 64. The proceedings of the Synod were in each of these instances, as the sequel in the above places shows, fully sustained by the Assembly. Should it be objected that this implies the hardsliip of a party being compelled to testify against himself, — let it be considered, that however exemption may be tolerated in civil policy, the principle cannot for a mo- ment be recognized, that a man has a right in a court where the Holy Ghost presides, (Acts V. 3,) to hold back any fact which the court should know, as affecting his relations to the Clmrch of Christ.] § 62. Quormn for Judicial Purposes. [A judicatory is competent to act, when a party or parties at the bar, are necessarily included in the quorum. ( a ) No more important or responsible duty devolves on any judicatory than that of review, in which it sits in judgment for trial, not of individuals, but of Church courts, and in the course of which the members of the inferior court are present, not as members entitled to vote, but as respondents at the bar. Yet it will not be disputed that a bare quorum is competent to take up and perform this stated and imperative duty. By this ordinary case, it is practiciilly decided that members who are at the bar of the house, and so precluded from a vote on the business in hand, are yet present in tlie sense of tiie Con. stitution as part of the quorum. ( 6 ) By definition of the Constitution, — by a continual scries of precedents, — and by universal consent, it is perfectly competent to erect courts, whose roll shall contuin a num- ber barely sufficient to form a quorum, — Sessions having but one or two Elders, Presby. teries having but three Ministers, and Synods including but three Presbyteries. If these are really constitutional courts, they as such possess all the powers comprehended binder their several definitions in the Constitution, including all the judicial powers pertaining to any other court of their own grade severally ; competence therefore to exercise the functions of review and control over their constituent elements, of entertaining and de- ciding appeals and complaints, and of instituting and carrying through process in requi- site cases. In each of these instances, however, the process will ordinarily involve the decision of the matters at issue by a number fewer than a quorum, one or more of the members being in the attitude of respondent at the bar. ( c ) Tliere seems to be good reason to suppose, that in this view is found the reason of the particular number three being fallen upon, as a quorum of Bishops or Ministrrs. Should one be subjected to charges requiring process, there remains a plurality of persons of the same order, to sit upon the trial. This suggests the additional reinarl;, tliat the principle laid down at the head of this Section, is to be received with tlie proviso, tliat in the cases supposed, tliere must be a plurality of members of the order of the respondent, present and sitting on the case. Tiicrc must be a vote of at least two Elders, to intlict any censure upon a Ruling Elder ; at least two Ministers nmst sit in judgment of a pro- cess against a Minister ; and members of at least two Presbyteries are requisite to sit upon a case involving a Presbytery. A Synod containing but three Presbyteries, could not therefore issue a case, in wliich one of the Presbyteries appeared as prosecutor, and another as respondent. In other words, all decisions must be rendered by the concurrent rotes of a plurality, — by the action of an ansemhly. {d) Since tlie adoption of the amended Form of Government, which defines a quorum )f a Synod as consisting of "any suven Ministers, with as many Elders as m;iy be present, provided not more than three of said Ministers belong to one Presbytery," thus making a representation from at least tliree Presbyteries, essential to the transaction of business ; tJiere have been no less than twenty -one Synods organized, with but three Presbyteries, 128 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK IIT. or which, by the erection of" new Synods, have been reduced to that number. It will be needkss to cite instances, to sliow the competence of tlicsc Synods to act, in all those cases, in which one of their constituent Presbyteries is by the Constitution precluded from a vote. The Synod of Virg-inia was thus constituted from 1825 to 1832. During this time an appeal being taken from a decision of the Presbytery of East Hanover by Mr. Matthew H, Rice, directly to the Assembly, it was remanded, in the following- terms :] 1830, p. 24. Resolved, That the appellant have leave to withdraw his ap- peal, on the following ground, viz : no reasons are assigned by the appellant, for making this appeal to the General Assembly, instead of the Synod. § 63. Of cliargps not Judicially prosecuted. 1824, p. 211. While it is unquestionably the privilege of individuals and members of the Presbyterian Church, when they think they see the peace, purity, or prosperity of the Church in danger, either from an individual or from an inferior court, to apply to the General Assembly in an orderly man- ner for redress or direction ; yet in such cases, unless they mean to come for- ward as prosecutors, with the necessary testimony, they should most carefully avoid mentioning names, connected with charges of the most serious kind, in support of which no evidence has been orderly adduced ; nor have the indi- viduals thus accused had an opportunity of replying to those charges, or of making any defence of themselves. The As.sembly therefore cannot witness a procedure of this kind, without expressing their disapprobation of it. 1834, p. 29. Resolved, That the Assembly sustain the appeals of the Ses- sion of the Church of Bloomington, and of Dr. Wylie, against a decision of the Synod of Indiana; and the judgment of the Presbytery and Session is hereby confirmed, on the ground that Mr. Harney circulated evil reports against Dr. Wylie, without showing that he did it in the due performance of some indispensable duty; but it is the judgment of this Assembly, that Mr. Harney shall still have the privilege, if he desire it, of commencing a pro- secution against Dr. Wylie before the Presbytery of Vincennes; and in such case, said Presbytery are hereby authorized and directed to hear the whole cause and issue the same in a constitutional way. § 64. The accused held innocent of charges angrily urged, and petulantly abandoned. 1773, p. 449. Mr. George Bryan, by the hands of the janitor, delivered into the Synod a paper containing the reasons of the corporation's withdrawing their petition and remonstrance, which are as follows : The complainants after opening in a general manner the matters they could have proved in order to enforce the prayer of their remonstrance before the reverend Synod, do say, " We purposed to have gone fully into these matters; but from what passed here yesterday, it appears to us that many of the mem- bers without having then entered on our complaint, though upon the eve, and in full prospect of so doing, have declared themselves very fully as to the irregularities and violences imputed to the Rev. Mr. Duffield and some of his adherents, and that Mr. Duffield hath been established, as far as the Synod can do it, Pastor of Pine street Church against the very prayer of our supplication. Whilst our complaint is thus manifestly prejudged, we cannot but observe that ridicule is set up by some of the members as the test of truth, and characters wantonly attacked in a manner unbecoming the gentle- man and the Christian. What then have we to do but to retire from your bar?" After much conversation and great deliberation, it is overtured, that as George Bryan, Esq. and W^illiani Miller, in the name of the incorporated com- mittee, presented a petition and remonstrance, charging Mr. Duffield with sundry high crimes and misdemeanors, and praying that he might be removed SEC. 62.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 129 from the pulpit and Church in Pine street ; but some time after those gen- tlemen withdrew their said petition, and assigned their reasons therefor, which are ordered to be recorded on our minutes; the Synod therefore finding no accusers, do acquit him, the said Mr. Duffield, from all charges contained in the aforesaid petition and remonstrance. [Adopted.] § 65. Censure witJiout trial. 1793, p. 71. Resolved, As the sense of this house, that no man or body of men, agreeably to the Constitution of this Church, ought to be condemned or censured, without having notice of the accusation against him or them, and notice given for trial. And, therefore, that if the General Assembly of last year meant, by the minute in question, to pass a censure on the Presby- tery of Lewes, it was inforiiial. 1811, p. 468. The committee appointed to examine the records of the Sy- nod of the Carolinas, reported, and the book was approved to page 28 of the twenty-third sessions of said Synod ; with the exception of the resolution to make a Minister liable to suspension without trial, for three years' absence from Synod, without sending forward his reason for absence. 1821, p. 14. The Assembly, moreover, cannot forbear expressing their regret that the Presbytery of Washington should have passed a vote of censure on Mr. McCalla, without citing him to appear before them, or giving him any opportunity of making a defence ; since this mode of proceeding seems to have occasioned a portion of the irregularity in the Presbytery of West Lex- ington, of which the Presbytery of Washington have complained. 1849, p. 264. Resolved, That while the Assembly adopt the preceding reso- lutions, in their judgment there was error in the Synod of North Carolina, in expressing a judicial opinion, in relation to charges against Mr. Davies, which did not come before them. Title 5. — op original process. § 66. Constitution of the court. (a) A 3Iinister should preside where a Minister is prosecutor, 1773, p. 447. Ordered, To hear the reference by the Second Philadelphia Presbytery of Mr. Alexander Alexander's appeal from the judgment of tho Session of the Third Presbyterian Church in this city. After stating the cause, and reading the judgment of the Session and the appeal, both parties were fully heard. And the Synod finding that the Session had not a Minister of the word to preside through the course of the trial, and that a Minister was the accuser of the appellant, it was judged it was at least inexpedient to proceed to trial ; and upon the whole we think it best, and do remit the matter back to the Presbytery, to be heard and judged of by them de novo. ( 6 ) Professional counsel. 1852, p. 205. " Is it a violation of our Book of Discipline, for professional counsel, under all circumstances, to aid in the examination of witnesses ?" ['Answered in the afiirmative.] ( c ) The preliminary admonition of the court. 1854, p. 37. [The records of the Synod of Northern Indiana approved except that] Of four judicial cases issued, the records do not show that the house was charged, as is required by the Book, in judicial cases. [This and similar censures frequently occurringf, are based on a mistake. The rule re- ferred to, was only recommended to inferior Courts by the Assembly, aa one of" a system 17 130 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. of regulations wliich, if thei/ think proper, may be advantafreously adopted by them." See note on the first page of the Rules, as printed with the Constitution, and in the Ap- pendix of this volume.] § 67. Charges rmist he specific. 1770, p. 406. Mr. Ewing complains against the Commission, that they received charges against him which were vague and indeterminate. The Synod agrees that these charges are rather deficient in point of specialty, but are of opinion that the Commission acted with prudence and integrity in receiving said charges ; inasmuch as they endeavoured to reduce them to a specialty, and as Mr. Ewing submitted so for as to plead to them, and as the particular circumstances of the First and Third Presbyterian Congrega- tions in Philadelphia were viewed by them as so critical as in their judgment required an immediate discussion of the afi"air. Yet the Synod orders, that all their judicatures shall, for the future, be particularly careful not to re- ceive or judge of any charges but such as shall be seasonably reduced to a specialty in the complaint laid before them. § 68. Limitation of time. 1857, p. 42. When a church Session has tabled chai'ges against a church member for falsehood, and summoned the accused with the witnesses, is it competent for the Session to dismiss the charges, on the plea of the accused that a prosecution is barred by the limitation of time in Chapter xi. Section 5th, of the Discipline, (" Process in case of scandal, (fee.,") the alleged crime having been committed, and " become flagrant," and knowi]^ members of Session more than twelve months before process was iustituwl ? The Committee recommended that this inquiry be answered in the affirm- ative. Adopted. [See below, §§ 104 and 161 : 5.] § 69. Publications calculated to prejudice the conrt. 1814, p. 552. A number of copies of a book containing a history of the former proceedings in this case, and strictures upon them, having been dis- tributed through the pews of the Church, it was Resolved, Thatin the opinion of the Assembly, the distribution of books, letters, or pamphlets, among the members of the house, relative to a cause pending before them, or which is expected to be submitted to their decision, is an infringement upon the prerogatives of this house ; and ought to be dis- countenanced, as an illegal and improper attempt to bias the judgment of the members. 1849, p. 237. In relation to the publication of a pamphlet by Mr. Mar- quess, pending the decision of his case, the Presbytery of Nashville did no more than repeat the judgment of the General Assembly, given more than once concerning such publications ; and as the Presbytery passed no sen- tence upon Mr. M. for this step, there is no ground of appeal or complaint. [Also 1848, p. 49.] § 70. A Minister may he snsjjended pending process. 1720, p. 62. Overtured, That a Committee be sent to Rehoboth, with full power from the Synod to act in their names, and by their authority, in the aff"air between Mr. Clement and that people ; and that Mr. Clement be sus- pended from the exercise of his ministry, until, the determination of that Committee. This overture was carried by a vote in the affirmative, nemine contradiccnte. Ordered, That Masters McNish, McGill, Thompson, Stewart, Gillespie, and Hook, or any three of them, be a Committee for said purpose, and to SEC. 6G.] rOTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 131 meet at said place the fourth Friday of October next. Ordered, That each of tlie mentioned Ministers carry an Elder with him if he can. 184S, p. 3-i. *' Wlicrcxis, our Book of Discipline, Chap. v. Sec. 2, says, ' the same general method, substituting the Presbytery for the Session/ is to be observed in investigating charges against a Minister, as are prescribed in the case of private members : Does this authorize the Presbytery to apply the principle contained in Chap. iv. Sec. 18, to Ministers, against whom charges exist that cannot be seasonably tried, so far as to suspend them from the functions of the gospel ministry until they can be tried V Krwlvcd, That when charges are tabled against a Minister, and it is im- practicable at once to issue the case, the Presbytery has the right, if the interests of religion seem to demand the measure, to suspend him from the exercise of his ministerial functions until the case shall have been issued. § 71. Of Testimony and Witnesses, (a) Husband and wife joint witnesses. 1797, p. 128. A certain married woman charges an unmarried man, with immodest conversation and conduct, in attempts upon her chastity, of whicli her husband and another, or indifferent person, were at a certain time wit- nesses. AVhereas our Constitution declares, that a person accused shall not be convicted by a single witness, can the said woman and her husband be admitted witnesses in the above case ? ' '*''■ To the above question, the Assembly ans#^d, that in all such cases as that submitted by the Presbytery of Ohio, it is a principle that both the husband and wife are to be admitted to give testimony. But in every par- ticular case as it occurs, the judicature before whom it is tried, ouuht. in order to guard against collusion, to pay a very scrupulous regard to all the circumstances attending it, and especially to the characters of those who are admitted as evidences, so that on the one hand the necessity of the case may be consulted, and on the other, that no injury may result to an innocent person. (b) A Minister disobeys a citation to testify before a Session. 1854, p. 17. A request from certain Ministers and Kuling Elders of the Synod of Alabama, for the opinion of the General Assembly, touching cer- tain questions that may arise in the case of a Minister, who, when cited by a church Session as a witness, declines to appear before that court. The com- mittee recommended that the brethren be referred to the Book of Discipline, Chap. i. Sec. 5; Chap, iv. Sec. 10; Chap. v. Sects. 1, and 2; Chap. vi. See. 16; for answer to their questions. Adopted. (c) A member of the court required to testify on the spot. 1854, p. 45. Resolved, That a member of a judicatory, present when the judicatory is taking testimony, is bound, if called upon to do so, to give his testimony in the ca^se tluit is in process, and that his refusal to do so,^ on the ground that he had not been cited beforehand, would subject him to censure for contumacy. TlTf.E 6. — THE DECISION. § 72. Decisions should be dfjiniie and precise. 1837, p. 480. Resolved, That inasmuch as the Synod of Indiana did not take an express vote on sustaining the appeal of ^Ir. Harney, and the sen- tence on record is vague and inconsistent with itself, the whole case be re- mitted to the said Synod, with an injunction to them to reconsider the same, and pass a definite, precise, and just sentence. 132 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. § 73. A just sentence not vitiated hi/ censurable informality. — Respondent may claim a copy. 1822, p. 25. The Assembly sustained the appeal of Mr. Arthur, from the sentence of Presbytery, by which he was suspended from the jjospel ministry on the ground of contumacy, because the Presbytery appeared to have been precipitate, and not to have observed the constitutional rules. See Disc. Chap. iv. Sects. 6, 10, 11. They deem, too, the request of Mr. Arthur for a copy of the first sentence, to have been reasonable, and that it ought to have been complied with. But the appeal from the first sentence, by which the charge of slander, preferred against him by the Rev. Joshua L. Wilson, was declared to be sub- stantiated, and Mr. Arthur required to submit to a rebuke, the Assembly could not sustain. For although the Assembly noticed the omission of Pres- bytery to assign Mr. Arthur counsel to manage his defence, (see Discipline, Chap. iv. Sec. 13,) yet they did judge the pamphlet, of which Mr. Arthur admitted himself to be the author, to contain slander against Mr. Wilson ; and could not but disapprove of the spirit under the influence of which it appeared to have been written. 1824, p. 204. While in the opinion of this Assembly, the Presbytery of Jersey, iu originating, conducting, and issuing this prosecution, do not ap- pear to have exercised that cautious regard to the provisions of the Consti- tution in cases of process, which are so efficient in matters of discipline, and while they deem this applicable to the proceedings of the Presbytery iu rela- tion to both parties, Resolved, 1. That the sentence of the Presbytery and Synod, so far as it cen- sures the Rev. Josiah B. Andrews, for imprudence of conduct, and a want of tenderness toward the reputation of certain members of the Church in Perth Amboy, be affirmed, and it is hereby affirmed. 2. That the sentence of the Presbytery and Synod, censuring the Rev Josiah B. Andrews, for " a very reprehensible degree of equivocation," be reversed, and it is hereby reversed. § 74. The Court may, at the same session, correct an irregidar decision. 1791, p. 42. The committee to whom the records of the Synod of the Carolinas were recommitted, beg leave to report : That your committee find that a judgment of the Session of Salem was confirmed by the Presbytery of Abingdon, and brought by appeal before the Synod of the Carolinas, who remitted the cause to a select Session. The sentence of this Session, which appears to your committee to have been irregular, was affirmed by the Synod of the Carolinas, at their sessions in October, 1790. At the same sessions, however, they resumed the cause, and rescinded the decision made by the Synod two days before. Here your committee conceive, that the Synod did right as to matter, but were wrong in point of form ; for it does not appear from the minutes, that there was more than merely a majority of the mem- bers of the Synod, for resuming the cause. The Synod next proceeded to consider the appeal, but before they came to a decision, a meeting was held by the members of Abingdon Presbytery, then attending on Synod, at which meeting they professed to reverse the former sentence of that Presbytery, and reported the same to Synod, in order to preclude the farther proceedings. Here your committee observe, that in tlieir opinion the Presbytery had no right to call back the cause, after sen- tence by them passed, and an appeal from it carried up to the superior court. The Synod having agreed that they had a right to proceed, notwithstanding this information, did accordingly proceed; and in a regular way, aa your SEC. 73.] POTE.STAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. loo coinniittee conceive, reversed the sentence of the Session of Salem, and de- clared the appellant restored to the privileges of the Church. Upon the whole, your committee conceive that the proceedings of that Synod should be sustained in point of order, by the General Assembly, and their decision confirmed. In that instance in which their proceedings seem to be most contrary to regular discipline, and which is particularly pointed at in the reasons of protest by the members of Abingdon Presbytery, — we mean, resuming a case during the same session, after a decision first had upon it, your committee judge that the first decision was made in a way that was entirely informal ; and therefore they had a right to resume the cause, and issue it in an orderly and constitutional way, which they have accor^l- ingly done ; though your committee conceive that this reason should have been assigned on their minutes. [Adopted.] § 75. Censures should he in proportion to the offence. 1S21, p. 16. Resolved, That the appeal of Mr. Spicer be sustained, on the ground that the sentence pronounced on him was disproportioned to his crime ; it not appearing substantiated that he was guilty of more than a sin- gle act of prevarication. While, therefore, the Assembly express their en- tire disapprobation of the conduct of Mr. Spicer, as unbecoming a Christian and a Christian Minister, they reverse the sentence of deposition passed upon him by the Presbytery ; and direct that, after suitable admonitions and acknowledgments, he be restored to the ministerial office. 1825, p. 274. The Assembly sustain the appeal of David Price, from the decision of the Synod of Gleneva ; on the ground that the charge of intoxica- tion was not sulfieiently supported by the testimony ; although it does ap- pear, principally from his own confession, that he had made an unbecoming use of ardent spirits ; and that an admonition was, in the view of the As- sembly, deserved, and would have been sufiicient. § 76. Suspension for a specified time, when designed chiefly to vindicate the honour of religion. 1720, p. 63. The affair of Mr. Robert Cross transmitted from the inter- loquitur of the Synod, came into consideration before the Synod, wherein the charge of fornication laid against him, with its aggravations, were fully heard, and considered with great deliberation, and also charged upon him by the Moderator, in the face of the Synod, and before several other discreet persons who were desired to be present. And the said Mr. Robert Cross did, with great seriousness, humility, and signs of true repentance, confess the charge laid against him ; and in all respects did so behave himself as was universally satisfactory to the Synod, and the other persons present. Ovorturcd, That Mr. Cross be suspended by act of the Synod four Sab baths, and at the expiration of said time he have liberty again to preach the gospel. And that at the desire of the Congregation of New Castle, or their representatives in their name, he may be again restored to the exercise of his ministry in that place, by a committee of the Synod; and that the said committee meet at said place at least three days before the expiration of the said time. This overture was agreed to by the Synod. § 77. Suspension from the Ministry precludes the function of Exhorter. 1821, p. 10. [The records of the Synod of Geneva approved, except that] the Presbytery of Ontario is censured for condemning the conduct of Mr. Foreman, a suspended Minister, for exercising the rights of a common Christian, in illustrating Scri])ture and delivering exhortations; because, without deciding on the rights of common Christians in this matter, Mr. 134 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III Fdreman being suspended from the ministry, ought by no means to be con- sidered as occupying the ground of a common Christian in good standing. § 78. The name of a suspended person remains on the roll. 1847, p. 398. [The records of the Synod of Northern Indiana approved, except that] the Synod censure the Presbytery of Michigan, for retaining the name or Mr. NicoII on the roll, after suspending him from the gospel ministry. Your committee are of the opinion, that the name of a suspended Minister should be retained on the roll of Presbytery, till they proceed to the higher censure, though he be deprived of the exercise of his ministerial functions. § 79. Deposition and excommunication distinct acts. 1814, p. 549. The records of the Synod of Geneva are approved, with the exception of a resolution, which declares that a deposed minister ought to be treated as an excommunicated person. In the judgment of this Assem- bly, the deposition and excommunication of a Minister are distinct things, not necessarily connected with each other, but when connected, ought to be inflicted by the Presbytery, to whom the power of judging and censuring Ministers properly belongs. 1848, p. 34. Hesolvcd, That though the causes which provoke deposition are almost always such as to involve the propriety of exclusion from the sacraments, yet the two sentences are not essentially the same ; the one having reference to office, and the other to the rights of membership; and, there- fore, Presbyteries should be explicit in stating both, when they mean both. "When, however, a Presbytery interpret deposition to involve suspension from the sacraments, and pronounce the censure in that sense, the sentence obviously includes both. § 80. The names of deposed Ministers in certain cases to he j^nLlished. 1806, p. 360. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Presbyteries under the care of the General Assembly, when they shall depose any of their members from the exercise of the ministerial office ; and when any person so deposed shall, without having been regularly restored, assume the ministerial character, or attempt to exercise any of the ministerial functions, that in such case, with a view to prevent such deposed person from imposing himself on the Churches, Presbyteries be careful to have his name pub- lished in the Assembly's IMagazine, as deposed from the ministry ; that all the Chxirches may be enabled to guard themselves against such dangerous impositions. Title 7. — resistance to censure. [That resistance precludes re-hearing, see below, § 156.] ■ § 81. Resistance involves higher Censure. 1827, p. 116. Resolved, That the Church of Genoa be referred to the minute of the Assembly formed in the case of David Price, in the year 1825, from which it will appear that, in the judgment of the Assembly, an admonition was deserved by the said Price, in conseqiience of his unchris- tian conduct. And it is the judgment of this Assembly, that the Session ought immediately to have administered such aduionition ; that they ought still to administer it ; and that if the said Price refuse to submit to such admonition or do not thereupon manifest repentance and Christian temper SEC. 77.] I'OTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 135 to the satisfaction of the Church, he ou,<>;ht not to be received into the com- munion of that or of any other Presbyterian Church. 1785, p. 117. The Synod having notified Mr. Hemphill, that they intend this day to enter upon his affair, and he not appearing, but sending a disre- spectful and contemptuous letter in the following words : " To the Rev. members of the Synod : " By way of answer to the notification which I received Saturday last, I have only to observe, that the dispute between the Synod and me being made public in the world, which was first began by the Commission, what I have at present to offer to the Synod, is contained in an answer to the vindication of the reverend Commission now in the press, and will be speedily published, and that I despise the Synod's claim of authority. Your humble servant, Samuel Hemphill." " Monday morning. " P. S. I shall think you will do me a deal of honour, if you entirely excommunicate me." The Synod from the consideration of his contumacy in his errors, his dis- regard of the censure of the Commission, and rejecting our communion, do declare him unqualified for any future exercise of his ministry within our bounds, and that this be intimated to all our Congregations by each re- spective Minister. Approved nemine contradicente. 1709, p. 39G. The consideration of Mr. Alexander Miller's complaint re- sumed, and upon full inquiry the Synod conclude, that as the Presbytery of Hanover are not present, and it has not been made appear before us that they were cited to be present, or informed that Mr. Alexander Miller in- tended to lodge a complaint against them before the Synod, at this time, we cannot now enter upon the consideration of the merits of the complaint, but order both the Presbytery and Mr. Alexander Miller to attend our next Synod prepared for a full hearing, and, in the meantime, on account of Mr. Miller's unjustifiable delay for some years to enter his complaint before us, the irregularity of his proceedings during that time, and the atrocious nature of the crimes laid to his charge, we do hereby declare him sus- pended from the exercise of the ministerial office till his complaint can be fully heard. Mr. Alexander Miller was called in, and the above determination of the Synod read in his hearing, whereupon he gave in a paper, renouncing the authority of the Synod. Upon which the Synod find, that as Mr. Miller was deposed by the Presbytery of Hanover, he declined the judgment of that Presbytery and appealed to this Synod : and while we were taking measures to try and issue his complaint, he, in the paper aforesaid, hath re- nounced our authority : — The Synod therefore declare he is not a member of this body, and forbid all their Presbyteries and Congregations to employ him. 1827, p. 111. [The Assembly having sustained the suspension of Josiah B. Andrews, received the following note :] " Notice is hereby most respectfully given to the General Assembly of Presbyterians ill the United States, that the undersigned conscientiously believes it to be his duty to continue to preach the gospel, and to perform all other ministerial services, according to the rule of , God's word, wherever he may be providentially called ; any resolutions or decisions of the Assembly, or of any other ecclesiastical body under their jurisdiction, made to the con- trary notwithstanding. God alone is my judge. JosiAH B. Andrews." '' Philadelphia, June 2, 1826." p. 114. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Assembly the said letter is highly contumacious, and the sentiments avowed in it a gross infraction of Mr. Andrews' ordination vows. 136 the ordinances. [book iii. Title 8. — recourse against censures. § 82. • Removal of Censures. [That Memorial or Petition will not bring up a cause for judicial correction, see below § 125, and Book VII. §§ 61, 63, 171. Of removal of censure, upon discovery of error, see §§ 65, 158: 1; 160, Resolution 1.] § 83. New trial may he liad upon new evidence. 1798, p. 68. That as new evidence, apparently of an important kind, has been alleged on this case since the decision of the Synod, it is proper that a new trial be instituted thereon. 1811, p. 479. Resolved, That as only one of the parties in this case is present, this General Assembly do not consider themselves as placed in cir- cumstances which admit of their reconsidering the decision of last Assembly, on Mr. Hindman's appeal from the Synod of Philadelphia, even if the ex- istence of new evidence were ever so unquestionable. Resolved, That it is the well known privilege of Mr. Hindman, if he con- sider himself as having new evidence to oiFer in this case, to apply to the Presbytery for a new trial upon that new evidence. 1829, p. 380. The Judicial Committee reported on the appeal of John Ward from a decision of the Synod of Grenesee, that on the ground of new testimony the appellant be directed to apply to the Church of Bergen for a new trial. The report was adopted. [Also 1841, p. 307.] § 84. Iie20 trial after lapse of years. 1883, p. 491. 1. Our Book of Discipline, Chap. ix. See. 1, provides that if after a trial before any judicatory, new testimony be discovered, which is Bupposed to be highly important to the exculpation of the accused, it is proper for him to ask, and for the judicatory to grant, a new trial. 2. It is very conceivable that after a lapse of five or six years, the sentence of an ecclesiastical court which was originally considered as just and wise, although no new testimony strictly speaking has appeared, may in the view of the Church appear under an aspect equivalent to new testimony, and calling for reconsideration, yet 3. Inasmuch as the frequent reconsideration of cases adjudged by the in- ferior judicatories, without the appearance of new testimony, admits of great and mischievous abuse, and might lead to an endless recurrence of reviews and reversals of former decisions, in the absence of a majority of the court pronouncing the same; it is evidently more regular, safe, and for edifica- tion, when a review of a decision, without the disclosure of new testimony, is thought desirable, to refer the case to the next higher judicatory. § 85. If the court refuse to grant a new trial upon the allegation of new testi- mony, a complaint may lie. 1812, p. 496. A complaint from Mr. Francis Hindman against the Pres- bytery of New Castle, for not granting him a new trial in his case, agreea- bly to the resolution of last Assembly, having been put into the hands of the Moderator, was read, together with several papers accompanying it, [and referred to a committee,] who were authorized to call for other papers and to cite witnesses if they deem it necessary; and were directed to report to the Assembly the result of their attention to the sub- ject. § 86. Svjjcrior Jurisdiction to be maintained. 1789, p. 11. "Whether the General Assembly, out of their liberality, charity, and candour, will admit to their communion in the ecclesiastic as- SEC. 82.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 137 semblies, as far as they can consistently with the scrupulosity of their con- sciences, a Presbytery who are totally averse to the doctrine of receiving, hearing, or judging of any appeals from Presbyteries to Synods, and from Synods to General Assemblies; because, in their judgment, it is inconsistent with Scripture, and the practice of the primitive Churches?" In answer to which, the General Assembly reply: That although they consider the right of appeal from the decision of an inferior judicature to a superior, an important privilege, which no member of their body ought to be deprived of, yet they at the same time declare, that they do not desire any member to be active, in any case which may be inconsistent with the dictates of his conscience. § 87. iVb censure will lie, for endeavouring in an orderly manner to liave an adverse decision set aside. 1763, p. 332. A certain Andrew Mahaffey brought an appeal from a judg- ment of the Presbytery of Donegal, confirming a judgment of the Session of Chestnut Level. The minutes of said Session were read, and said Ma- haffey fully heard. Upon the whole, the Synod judge: 1. That inasmuch as Andrew Mahaffey sul^mitted to the judgment of the Session with respect to himself, that he ought not to have been deprived of any church privi- leges, because he disapproved of, and appealed from, the judgment in other instances. Title >9, — of reference. § 88. A. court may entertain a Reference not accompanied hy the testimony, and itself taJce it. 1853, p. 455. [The records of the Synod of Kentucky approved] with one exception, viz: according to the record on page 66, the Synod taught and acted on the principle, that a Presbytery acts irregularly, which, upon the reference of a church Session, takes the testimony and issues the case according to its bearings 3 even when the parties concerned agree to the reference. Your committee are of opinion that this principle is wrong in itself, and evil in its tendency, and therefore recommend this Assembly to express its disapprobation of it. [Adopted.] p. 456. [In reply to a protest against this decision, the Assembly says :] The action condemned is not "in exact accordance with the Constitution, Discip. Chap. vii. Sec. 2, Art. 9," as asserted by the protestant; the article referred to containing a rule, designed to facilitate business ; but as its lan- guage shows, it does not preclude a Presbytery from taking original testimony in certain cases ; and it does not appear from the records, that the Presby- tery of Muhlenburg was irregular in so doing. § 89. Reference may he direct to the Supreme Court. 1816, p. 615. The General Assembly sympathize with you, [the Presbytery of Harmony,] in the painful business detailed to them ; and lament the un- pleasant events which have taken place relative to Dr. Kollock. And it would afford the Assembly no small degree of pleasure fully to comply with the request of the Presbytery, and in such manner as to remove their diffi- culties, and heal the wounds which have been inflicted. It will be admitted by all that the decisions of the Assembly should be marked with correctness and wisdom ; and it will be as generally admitted that it is highly needful to enable them to do this, that they have a correct and clear view of the cases or facts on which they are to decide. The Presbytery of Harmony request the Assembly to examine their conduct, and to censure or support them as 18 138 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III they shall appear to have done right or wrong. The Assembly are ready to do this, and it is believed will cheerfully do it, as soon as the records of the Presbytery of Harmony, which relate to this subject, shall be fully before them. In the mean time, it is with pleasure that the Assembly reflect that the Presbytery of Harmony, by carrying this subject to the Synod of which they are a constituent part, may probably obtain a more speedy relief than they could receive, in the event of waiting for the decision of the next General Assembly.- § 90. A Reference saddled loitli Appeals and Complaints. [In the Pelagian controversy, it was a marked feature of New-school tactics, to preclude the decision of any case by the vote of the entire Assembly, by accompanying- all Refer- ences which involved disputed points, with a retinue of Appeals and Complaints ; and then in the Assembly, merging the Reference altogether in them. Thus, in the case of Mr. Barnes in 1831, in regard to the doctrines of " The Plan of Salvation," the Presby- tery of Philadelphia having referred the case to the General Assembly, the Reference was accompanied by "A Complaint of the minority of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, against a Reference by said Presbytery of the case of the Rev. Albert Barnes;" "A Complaint from Thomas Bradford, Jr., Esq., against certain proceedings of the Presbytery of Phila- delphia, in relation to the Rev. Albert Barnes :" and " A Complaint by the minority of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, against the proceedings of said Presbytery, in the case of tlie Rev. Albert Barnes." — {Minutes, 1831, pp. 159, 160.) The Judicial Committee ap- pears never to have reported the Reference back to the house ; but upon the Complaints of the minority, the Assembly proceeded to try the whole merits of the case. 1831, p. 176. The Judicial Committee reported the Complaint of the mi- nority of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, in the case of the Rev. Albert Barnes ; and recommended an order to be pursued in hearing this Complaint. This report was accepted. The Assembly resolved to take up the Complaint of the minority of the Presbytery of Philadelphia in the case of Mr. Barnes. The Moderator, agreeably to a standing rule, announced that the Assembly was about to pass to the consideration of the business assigned for trial, and enjoined on the members to recollect and regard their high character as judges of a court of Jesus Christ; and the solemn duty in which they were about to act. The Assembly united in prayer for direction in this business. The whole proceedings of the Presbytery in the case complained of, and the printed sermon of Mr. Barnes, entitled "The Way of Salvation," which led to these proceedings, were read, &c. [In the decision upon this Complaint, (see Book VII., § 90,) the Assembly, 1st, gave sentence upon the Reference ; and 2d, on the Complaints ; and 3d, made an illegitimate decision, upon the question of dividing the Presbytery of Philadelphia; a matter which was not before it, and in which, as well as all involved in the Reference, the members of that Presbytery had a right to vote, equal with any other Presbytery in the body. Ano- ther illustration of the same policy occurs in the case of "A Reference from the Synod of Philadelphia, in relation to the right of Presbyteries to require every Minister or licen. tiate, coming to them by certificate from another Presbytery or other ecclesiastical body, to submit to an examination, before he be received ;" accompanied with "A Complaint of several members of the Synod." — Minuics, 1832, p. 315.] § 91. Tlie principles which govern such cases. [1. A complaint or appeal against a reference of a case is illegitimate, and should not be entertained; because it implies an impeachmentof the rightful jurisdiction of the court of reference, and because the exercise of a constitutional right by the reference of the case, being a matter at the entire discretion of the court referring, is no just ground of com- plaint. Sec below, § 113 : 2. 2. No complaint or appeal is valid, which assumes to bring before the higher courtthe merits of a case, which has been already referred to it. If reference effectuates the sending up of the case, it is incompetent in a party to supersede that action, by an attempt to take it out of the hands of the referring court, and by a conflicting action bear it to the SEC. 89.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 139 Flip rior court. When tho inforior body has by reference waived its jurisdiction, the act precludes any room to sujjpose injury done by it, in so iar as the matter referred is con- crned ; and it is therefore not allowable, that the protective processes of appeal and complaint should be perverted to the overthrow ot the prior and equally im|jrtant rights of the infe- rior body, in reference, and in sitting with others upon the case fflcrred. 3. Tlic only case in which an appeal or com])laintmay come in connection with a refer- ence, is when the inferior court has come to a preliminary decision of doubtful propriety in connection with the cause ; as, for example, in regard to the propriety of entertaining the case, tlie competence of certain testimony, (fcc. 4. For maintaining the rights of all parties, and the integrity of the Constitution invio- late it is essential that all such points should be decided first, by a judicial process, in vvlw§i the inferior court would be cxclrded ; and then, the inferior court being admitted, the reference should be taken up, and decided by the concurrent judgment of the whole body. The opposite course blots the right of reference, practically, from the book.] Title 10. — the records. § 92. No document to he recorded except hy order of the Court. 1828, p. 239 Resolved, Tliat the records of the Synod of Albany be ap- proved, with the exception, that in two instances record is made of commu- nications, which were handed to the Stated Clerk, and by him inserted, when it does nut appear that he was directed by Synod to make such insertion. § 93. The Records shotdd be full. 1811, p. 479. The records of the Synod of Albany approved asorderl^^and correct, excepting that the Presbyterial reports are not so fully recorded, as to exhibit in detail even the changes which take place from time to time in the Presbyteries. 18.52, p. 216. The records of the Synod of Philadelphia were approved, with the following exceptions, viz : 1st. That there is no record of absen- tees from the meeting. 2d. That it appears from page 282, that an appeal and complaint was issued in the usual form ; withottt any intimation of what the sentence or proceeding was, against which the complaint was made. 3d. That it appears from page 273, that another complaint was issued, without any record of the proceeding complained of, or the body whose jsroceeding was the subject of complaint. 1848, p. 48. [The records of the Synod of Albany approved, except that] on page 257 we read of '■'■ a complaint of the minority of the Presbytery of Albany" to the Synod ; but there is no intimation what they complained of; and Avhen Synod took up the business, there is no evidence on record that the Moderator gave notice that they were about to proceed to judicial busi- ness, as the Constitution requires. [See 1853, p. 434.] § 94. The Records to he read and aj)proved hy the Court. 1856, p. 520. [The records of the Synod of Wisconsin approved, except that] 2. During the sessions of 1852, there is no evidence that the Synod read, corrected, or approved the records ; though on page 16, it appears that the records of that year were read twelve months after in Synod ; though still there is no evidence that they were approved by it. The Minutes of 1853 do not appear to have been ever read or approved in Synod. And the records of 1854 were not read and approved till the meeting of 1855. § 95. Records once approved, can he amended only hy unanimous vote. 1841, p. 424. It was moved to strike out the exceptions taken by the committee to the records of the Synod of New Jersey. The Moderator sug- gested that the motion was out of order, btit he would put it to the house; which having done, the motion was sustained, with the exception of one No. 140 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. The Modercator then declared the motion lost, as a minute rectrding a fact could not be amended but by a unanimous vote of the house. An appeal was taken from this decision, and the decision was sustained. § 96. Records not to he mutilated. 1845, p. 14. [The records of the Synod of Missouri approved, except that] The Synod severely censured the Presbytery [of Palmyra] for ex- punging a part of their minutes ; when it seems that the minutes referred to were not a part of the Presbyterial record. The committee think the Synod correct in the principle which they laid down, but erred in its appli- cation. [Adopted. See also, Book IV, § 140; and Book VIII, §41.] § 97. An inferior court may not he required to erase a record, although im- •properly made. 1788, p. 546. Agi'eeably to the order for the day, the Synod proceeded to consider Mr. Blair's appeal from a judgment of Philadelphia Presbytery, by which he conceives himself aggrieved, and prays that it might be re- scinded or erased from the records. After a full and free deliberation on the subject, the question was put, " Erase, or not ?" and was carried in the negative, by a large majority. And on further consideration of the subject, it was moved and seconded, and on the question being put, was carried in the affirmative, and ordered, that the following resolution be entered on the register of the Presbytery of Phila- delphia, viz : Though the Synod highly commend the zeal discovered by the Presby- tery of Philadelphia for the preservation of the truth ; yet, on considering the whole affair, they cannot approve of the form of their proceedings, which are irregular, both in making inquiry by private conversation in their Pres- byterial capacity, and also in putting proceedings of that nature on record ; and therefore remit to the Presbytery to commence a regular process if they shall find ground for it, and recommend it to Mr. Blair to give every rea- sonable satisfaction to his brethren, and not to injure his character by unne- cessary reserve. Title 11. — or review. § 98. Annual review imperative. 1809, p. 429. Whereas, It appeared in the course of the free conversation on religion, that in one of the Presbyteries under the care of the General Assembly, the sessional records of the several church Sessions were not regularly called up and examined every year by the said Presbytery, and there is reason to believe that other Presbyteries had conducted in the same manner, therefore Hcsolvcd, That it be and it hereby is required of all the Presbyteries within the bounds of the General Assembly, annually to call up and exam- ine the sessional records of the several Churches under their care, as di- rected in the Book of Discipline. 1810, p. 453. The Assembly, after seriously reviewing the order of the last -Assembly, and' maturely deliberating on the remonstrance of the Pres- bytery of Philadelphia against it, can by no means rescind the said order, inasmuch as they consider it as founded on the Constitution of our Chm-ch, and as properly resulting from the obligation on the highest judicatory of the Church to see that the Constitution be duly regarded ; yet, as it is al- leged, that insisting on the rigid execution of this order, with respect to some of the church Sessions, would not be for edification, the Assembly are SEC. 95.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 141 by no means disposed to urge any Presbytery to proceed, under this order, beyond what they n)ay consider prudent and useful. 1839, p. 165. Whrrean, It is an essential feature of the government of the Presbyterian Churcli that the records of all its Synods should be trans- mitted annually to its highest court — the General Assembly, for examina- tion ; and whereas, this Assembly has painful evidence that this important regulation is, b}'^ some of its Synods frequently, and by others entirely, ne- glected, therefore. Resolved, That all our Synods be enjoined to take such order on this subject as shall insure, hereafter, a faitbful observance of the above regula- tion. And in all cases where the Stated Clerks of any of our Synods have failed this year, or may hereafter foil, to obey their order, or the rule of the Assembly respecting this matter, such Synods are hereby required to judge of the reasons which such clerks may offer for their delinquency, and to excuse or censure them, according to the circumstances of the case. § 99. The cxJiihition of recent records may he required. 1839, p. 161. [The records of the Synod of Cincinnati approved, except] 2d, That on pages 114 — 116, it appears that, on a motion being made to re- quire the Presbytery of Chillicothe to produce the records of their proceed- ings at their sessions in September, 1837, (the month prior to the meeting of Synod,) which records were reported to contain decisions demanding the immediate review of the Synod, it was decided " that as there was no com- plaint nor appeal requiring the records in question, and as the Presbytery have regularly presented their book for review by the Synod, and the com- mittee of review has made no charge of delinquency in the Presbytery, in not transcribing the minutes of their late meeting, the Synod have no right to demand said minutes." § 100. Copies from the records accepted only in extraordinary cases. 1790, p. 23. It is recommended to the Synods of Virginia and the Caro- linas, to send attested copies of their minutes by their delegates to the As. sembly yearly, whenever they find it inconvenient to send their books. 1841, p. 423. Resolved, That the dispensation allowed to the Synods of Virginia and the Carolinas by the Assembly of 1790, to send up attested copies of their records, instead of the records, be and it is hereby rescinded. 1847, p. 381. The committee on the records of the Synod of West Ten- nessee reported, and their report was adopted, and is as follows, viz : " That the document presented to your committee is not the original book of re- cords, but purports to be a true copy from the original record, under the hand of the Stated Clerk. Accompanying this report is a letter from the clerk, urging the acceptance of the transcript, on the ground of a standing rule of the Assembly, authorizing the reception of a transcript when the original cannot be transmitted. Your committee are not aware of such a standing rule, and are of opinion that the document produced does not come up to the requirement of the Constitution. Your committee there- fore cannot report as to the manner in which the records are kept. Your committee recommend that the Synod of West Tennessee be required to produce their original book of records for examination at the next General Assembly. § 101. Members excluded from, voting in Revieio of their oion records. 1816, p. 611. A protest signed by a number of members of the Synod of Geneva, against a decision of that Synod, excluding the Presbytery of Geneva from voting on the question, Whether their own records should be 142 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. attested by tlie JModerator of the Synod, as approved. Your committee were, however, of opinion that the decision of the Synod was consonant to the prevalent usage of the judicatures of the Presbyterian Church, as well as to the usage of other analogous bodies in similar cases, and that it ought therefore to be approved. [Adopted.] 1821, p. 16. The records of the Synod of Kentucky approved, except] that the members of the West Lexington Presbytery voted in ajjprobation of their own proceedings ; which is deemed to be irregular. § 102. Reasons of exceptions should he stated. 1820, p. 728. The committee appointed to examine the records of the Synod of Pittsburgh, reported, and the book was approved, excepting the resolution on page 74, disapproving of the proceedings of a Presbytery, without assigning the reason. 1827, p. 115. The records [of the Synod of Ohio] were approved, with the exception of a minute on page 243, disapjjroving of a decision of a Pres- bytery, and ordering said Presbytery to reconsider that decision ; without any reasons being assigned. § 103. Neglect of exceptions is disorderlij. 1848, p. 48. [The records of the Synod of Albany approved, except that] The Synod claim and exercise the right, of disregarding the exceptions to their records, by the General Assembly of 1847; which we consider disre- spectful and disordei'ly. § 104. Effect of Revieio injudicial Cases [The reviewing court may not take up and issue a judicial case. See Book VII. § 69, and Book of Disc, Cii. vii. Sec. 1:4. It may direct the inferior court to take up and issue it; and in this case tlie statute of limitation does not apply. See below, § 161 : 5.] Title 12. — of appeal and complaint § 105. What is the difference hetioeen them ? [Prior to the revision of 1820, the Book of Discipline consisted of but two chapters, oc- cupied entirely with the rules of original process, the one in the case of private persons, the other in that of Ministers. Under the Constitution as it thus stood for thirty years, no discrimination was used between appeals and complaints, the two designations being indifferently used to express the carrying of any decision, wliether judicial or otherwise, to a higher court, by whatever parties. The common formula was, " We appeal and com- plain." There is hence a great liability to err, in the application of precedents of that date, as they may bear the designation of appeals, when they properly come under the category of complaints as now defined in the Constitution, and vice versa. This will be borne in mind in order to account for the apparent misuse of precedents and decisions in this work ; the confusion here described having affected the language and proceedings of our judicatories, more or less to the present time. Appeal is the recourse to a higher court by one of the original parties, in judicial cases. —Book of Discipline, Ch. vii. § 3 : 1, 2, 15, 17 ; and below, §§ 106-108. It is however to be observed that the phrase "judicial cases," comprehends not only cases of trial for heresy or immorality, but all those issues which arise, involving vested rights or privileges, whether of individuals or bodies ecclesiastical ; — questions in regard to the allowance of calls ; the examinations of candidates and of Ministers in transitu ; the creation and dis- solution of the pastoral relation ; erection, division, or dissolution of Churches, or church courts ; injunctions issued to subordinate courts or individuals, &c., — issues wliicli bear f.lie same relation to disciplinary trials, that civil actions do to criminal cases, in our secular courts of law. Sec Book II. § 3, and below, § 164. Complaint is the recourse to a superior court by any other than the parties to a judieinl case ; and may be used against any kind of decision whatever. — Book of Disnpline. ^ 4 : 2. The order of proceeding is the same in each form of process. The effect how- ever is different. An ajipeal suspends, under certain limitations, the execution of the de- cision appealed from ; which a complaint does not. — Book of Discipline, § 3 : 15. SEC. 101.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCirLINE. 143 § 106. Appeals limited to the original Parties. 1823, p. 115. The Judicial Committee reported a paper, signed by Dr. Cathcart and others, members of the Presbytery of Carlisle, purporting to be an appeal or complaint relative to a decision of the Synod of Philadel- phia. The committee gave it as their opinion that the subject could not be taken up on the ground of an appeal, because these persons were not one of the original parties, but that it might be taken up in the character of a com- plaint. Resolved, That the consideration of this complaint be the order of the day for next Tuesday morning. 1884, p. 17. The Judicial Committee also reported on judicial business, No. 8, viz : the appeal of Dr. Joshua L. Wilson, and others, against a de- cision of the Synod of Cincinnati, in the case of Dr. Beecher, that they have examined the same, and are of opinion that Dr. Wilson and others were not a party in the case, and consequently cannot constitutionally appeal; and recommend that they have leave to withdraw their appeal. This report was adopted. § 107. The memheis of a court may severally appeal or complain. 1834, p. 28. Judicial business, No. 6, viz: appeals of the Session of the Church in Bloomington, and of the Rev. Dr. Andrew Wylie, from a decision of the Synod of Indiana, on the cases respecting Mr. John H. Harney, was taken up. [The appeals were sustained and the decision reversed. Above, § 63.] 1854, p. 19. The order of the day was then taken up. The complaints of the Session of Wooster Church, and of the Rev. J. H. Baird, [Pastor of the Church,] against the Synod of Ohio The original par- ties were then heard — the Rev. James H. Baird for himself, the Rev. Dr. Monfort for the Session, and the Rev. Thomas McDermott for the Presby- tery. § 108. Appeals are limited to judicial cases. 1839, p. 160. The complaint of A. D. Metcalf, &c., against the Synod of Virginia, for deciding that appeals may lie in cases not judicial, was taken up. The decision complained of, the reasons of complaint assigned by the complainants, and the whole record of the Synod in the ca^ie, were read. The complainants were heard in support of their complaint. The Synod were heard in defence of their decision. The roll was called, that each member of the Assembly might have an opportunity of expressing his opinion. After which, the vote was taken, and the complaint was .sustained. § 109. Appeal in the case of a call. 1814, p. 648. The business left unfinished in the morning, viz: an appeal from the decision of the Synod of Philadelphia, affirming a decision of the Presbytery of Carlisle, in which decision the Presbytery resolved not to put into his hands a call for the Rev. Henry R. Wilson, from the Congregation of Carlisle. After the parties had been heard at full length, [The decision of the Synod was sustained. See also Minutes, 1817, p. 644.] § 110. App>eal against refusal to reconsider an unappealed decision. [The following was of doubtful constitutionality when adopted, and has been super- seded by the provisions of tlie Book of Discipline, since framed. Its admission would preclude the possibility of a judicial case ever being finally settled, except at tlic option of the respondent. In reply to a memorial from tlic members of Cumberland Presbytery, ttrho had not taken an appeal, the Assembly says :] 144 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. 1808, p. 409. We know of no way in which the matter can be regularly brought before the Greneral Assembly, so as to enable them to act upon it, but by your applying to the Synod to review their proceedings, and to re- verse what is wrong in them; and in case they refuse to review or rectify them, you know it is your privilege to appeal to the General Assembly, who will then be empowered to act judicially on it. 1846, p. 202. A complaint of the llev. Robert Tate, Colin Mclver, and others, was put into the hands of the Committee, in which they complain of a decision of the Presbytery of Fayetteville, by which they refused to reconsider certain decisions made at a former meeting of the Presbytery, touching the case of the Rev. Archibald McQueen. The Committee are unanimously of the opinion that the General Assembly cannot entertain this complaint, inasmuch as the complainants did not avail themselves of their right to complain of the aforesaid decisions, within the time and in the manner specified in our Book of Discipline. The Committee believe, that it was never intended that those who thus waived their right, should have the right, at a subsequent meeting of the Judicatory, on a mere motion to reconsider, to bring the whole previous action by complaint before the higher judicatory. [Adopted.] § 111. Complaint against refusal to conform to the decision of the appellate court. 1792, p. 53. It was overtured by the Presbytery of New Castle, that the Synod [of Philadelphia] be requested to review the minute of their last meeting, on the case of Mr. Hindman, and also to take into their considera- tion the conduct of Lewes Presbytery, in the affair of his licensure. The vote being put, Grant their request or Not? it was carried, Not. " We, whose names are hereunto annexed, dissent fr im the aforesaid vote of Synod, and complain of, and appeal therefrom, to the next General As- sembly, for the following reasons: ''1. Because, in our apprehension, the Synod have, by their vote in this affair, deprived aggrieved members of a privilege to which they have a just claim. *' 2. Because the Synod by this vote have, in our opinion, refused to correct the errors in their proceedings of last year, which were censured by the General Assembly, and which, in consequence of that censure, ought to be corrected. " 3. Because the vote, as we believe, will, in its effects, tend to keep alive, and increase uneasiness in the Presbyteries of New Castle and Lewes. "4. Because we believe that the whole transactions of the Synod of Phila- delphia, relative to this affair, have been in direct violation of a known and wholesome rule of the Synod of New York and ]-'hiladelphia, respecting the licensure of candidates, and contained in their Minutes of 1764, pages 78 and 80, [Book II, § 56.] And we likewise believe, that this violation has a tendency to promote irregularity, deception, and injury, both among the Churches and judicatures of the Presbyterian body." Ih. p. 56. [The complaint was entertained and the Synod censured.] § 112. Complaint ivill not lie against refusal to decide a constitutional question, in thesi. 1844, p. 366. The Judicial Committee having had under consideration No. 1, the appeal and complaint of the Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge, D. D., and others against a decision of the Synod of Philadelphia, on the quorum question ; and No. 2. the appeal and complaint of the Rev. R. J. Breckin- ridge^ D. D., and others, against the Synod of Philadelphia, on the question SEC. 110.] rOTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 145 of the irapositiou of hands in ordination, report, that in their opinion the Form of (jrovernnient and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church do not authorize the appellants and complainants to bring before the General As- sembly, either an appeal or complaint in the cases referred to. [The report was adopted.] Protest against this decision. p. 380. " I. 1. It is alleged that complaints cannot lie except in strictly judicial cases. We reply, that this is contrary, as we believe, to the express language of our Constitution; — that it is certainly undeniable that the large majority of cases of complaints tried by the higher judicatories of the Church are, and always have been, other than strictly judicial cases; and that no complaint has ever been thrown out of our church courts on the ground here assumed. " 2. It is asserted that where no personal wrong is done, or personal injury sustained, no one has a right to complain. We answer that this is contrary to the plain letter of our law, which says, (Chapter vii. Section 4, Part 3, of Book of Discipline,) that complaints are intended for cases in which ' the judgment in question may do no wrong to any individual; — that this is con- trary, too, to the whole reason and policy of that law, as well as to the whole course of proceeding in past time. " 3 It is contended that the action of the Synod in those cases was purely negative — that nothing was decided, and therefore there could be no complaint. We reply, first, that there is an error of fact in this statement, for the form of the vote shows, and the Synod itself positively declares, that it did decide a most important principle ; and secondly, there is an error of reasoning, for a decision in the negative is as really a decision as one in the affirmative, and may, therefore, according to our book, which subjects 'every kind of decision' to review, be carried up by complaint before a higher judicatory. (Book of Discipline, Chap. vii. Sec. 2.) "4. It is argued that the questions in the Synod being in the form of over- ture, and the adopting or refusing to adopt an overture resting on the discre- tion of the Synod, the refusal of the Synod to adopt did not afford ground of complaint. We answer, that every inferior court is responsible to the courts above it for the proper exercise of its discretion, and therefore they may be complained of as regards its exercise; and whether the Synod of Philadelphia did exercise its discretion soundly or not, was the very point to be tried, and which the Assembly refused to try. " 5. It is contended that as there was no law obliging the Synod to act on the subjects submitted to it, there could be no transgression in its refusal to do so, and therefore no ground of complaint. We reply, first, that they did act, and their action was complained of; therefore, whether it was obliged to act or not, is not relevant in the present state of the case; secondly, that if this argument be well grounded and Synod be not obliged to act, except in cases in which it is compelled by positive law, then Synods could not be com- plained of for even the grossest violations of duty, such as refusing to receive and issue appeals brought regularly before them, or refusing to redress what has been done by Presbyteries contrary to order; for there is no positive com- mand of law requiring Synods to exercise any of their specified powers — and the power of Synods to pass an overture stands on exactly the same basis with the power to perform everything else entrusted to it. (Form of Govern- ment, Chap. xi. Sec. 4.) "6. It is urged that if the complaints were tried, the Synod of Phila- delphia must be excluded, which, it is said, would be most unjust. We reply, that supposing this were true^ it is an argument against the Constitu- 19 146 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. tion of the Church, and not against the rights of the complainants in these cases. " II. We further protest against the refusal of the Assembly to hear the complainants on the question of the jurisdiction of this court — which was matter of common right. We protest, also, against the allowance of the com- missioners from the Synod complained against, to vote in every stage of the proceedings ; contrary to the common principle, that no one should be allowed to vote in his own case; and contrary to the express provision of our Book of Discipline, (Chap. vii. Sec. 4, Part 7.) We protest, too, against the whole decision of this case in all its parts, without the Assembly ever having sat as a court, or its members having ever been charged by the Moderator. " III. We contend that by the plain law of the Church as written, and by that law as constantly expounded until now, complaints have been rightly considered as competent against all sorts of action which can be taken in a church court. We consider this right as far more important in public than in private cases, — in erroneous decision in matters of doctrine and govern- ment, than in wrongs inflicted in personal cases. We believe also that the decision of the Assembly is inconsistent with the true policy of the Church, and that its tendency, if it is adhered to, will be to foster all kinds of diversity in practice and opinion, in the various parts of the Church, for want of remedy. It is, moreover, directly calculated to deprive the Assembly of important powers and rights which belong to it, not only under the Constitu- tion, but in virtue of its very existence and organization, as the court in which all the particular Churches are represented, and which has all the powers residing in all other church courts ; except so far as, for the sake of order and convenience, it is agreed in the Constitution, that it shall not exercise these powers. •' Wherefore, upon the grounds thus set forth, and without reference to the merits of the complaints, we protest against the refusal of the Assembly to try these complaints, and ask that this paper may be recorded on the minutes of the Assembly, as exhibiting the fact and reasons of our protest against its decision." [Signed by twenty-eight members.] § 113. Answer of the Assemhli/ to the above protest. 1844, p. 382. A considerable part of the protest is really not a protest against the action of the Assembly refusing to entertain the complaints in question, but an answer to various reasons urged, or supposed to have been urged, by individual members in favour of said action. Inasmuch as the Assembly is in no sense responsible for the arguments or reasons offered by individuals, that part of the protest which purports to be an answer to such arguments, is wholly out of place. The protestants, indeed, allege, that they are constrained to pursue this singular course, because the Judicial Committee failed to specify in what respects the Constitution of the Church •was opposed to these complaints, or to assign the reasons of the action of this body. But the Assembly are not aware that it is the duty of the Judi- cial Committee to give such specifications and reasons. A protest, accord- ing to our Book, " is generally accompanied with a detail of the reasons on which it is founded." (Book of Discipline, Chap. viii. Sec. 2.) The ap- propriate business of the protestants, therefore, was simply to give the rea- sons on which their protest was founded, not to answer the arguments of- fered by individuals in debate, for which the Assembly is not responsible. In replying to the protest in question, little more is necessary than to state distinctly what was the action of the Synod of Philadelphia, com- plained of by R. J. Breckinridge and others. Two papers were offered by SEC. 112.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIITIXE. 147 Dr. Breckinridge, for the adoption of the Synod; the one relating to the constitution of a quorum in Presbytery ; the other, to the imposition of hands by liuling Ehlers, in the ordination of Ministers of the gospel. In relation to each paper the question on which the Synod voted, was in the following words : " Shall this paper be adopted ?" By a large majority the Synod refused to adopt these papers. The Assembly know of no law in our Book of Discipline requiring a Presbytery or a Synod to adopt any paper or papers, submitted to them by any individual, or any number of individuals ; and if there is no such law, there could he no transgression of law .ir ne-. gloct of duty, and consequently, no ground of complaint. The papers in question condemn the interpretation of certain clauses in our Constitution, given by the last Assembly, propose an opposite interpre- tation, and overture this General Assembly to repeal the overtures adopted hy the last Assembly, and to adopt interpretations of an opposite character. In regard to these papers, it is proper to remark, 1. There was no ro.se before the Synod. No Elder complained that he had been deprived of what he regarded as a constitutional right. No Pres- bytery was charged with having constituted and proceeded to business with- out a constitutional quorum. The Synod, therefore, was not called upon t(» (idmiimter law, but to mteriiret our Constitution — to decide constitutional questions in thesi. How far it is expedient to give expositions of our Con- stitution, or to decide constitutional questions in thesi, it may be difhcult to determine ; but certain it is, that no church judicatory is bound, in any state of case, to give such decisions. But, " where there is no law, there is no transgression ;" and, of course, there can be no ground of complaint. The protestants allege, that the Synod did act, and that their nctimi was com- plained of. The answer is — that the only action of the Synod in the case, was a refusal to adopt certain papers offered by a member of that body. To this action, if it be proper to call it so, the Synod was forced by the mem- ber who offered the papers. They were obliged either to adopt them or to refuse them. They deemed it wise, as they had the perfect right, to do the latter. 2. Again : these papers, if adopted, required the Synod to send to this Assembly an overture or request to give an interpretation of our Constitution contrary to that given by the last Assembly. But, although it is the right of Sessions, Presbyteries, or Synods, to overture the Assembly, whenever they may deem it wise to do so, there is in our Book no law requiring them or any one of them to do so in any case. In declining to send up an over- ture, therefore, the Synod of Philadelphia violated no law, committed no transgression against ecclesiastical law ; and consequently a complaint against that body cannot lie. The very idea of forcing either individuals or bodies to overture or petition, is absurd. But the protestants strangely contend, that ''every inferior court is re- sponsible to the courts above it for the proper exercise of its discretion, and therefore they may be complained of as regards its exercise." Where there is resporisihiUti/ there ciin be no discrrf'on. To apaintain the contrary, is to contend that im individual or a body may use their discretion, provided they use it in a certain way — that they may do as they please, provided they are pleased to act in a particular manner ! The truth is, that where ecclesias- tical rights of individuals or bodies are concerned, there is no discretion. All sueh rights are guarded by our Constitution, by which every church court is bound. The admission of the protestants that the Synod had the right to exercise its own discretion in the matter complained of, is, in effect, an admission that the complaint is not legitimate, and ought not to have been entertained by this body. 148 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. Still more strangely, if possible, the protestants allege, that '' if the Synod be not obliged to act, except in cases in which it is compelled by positive law, then Synods could not be complained of for even the grossest violations of duty, such as refusing to receive and issue appeals brought regularly be- fore them, or refusing to redress what has been done by Presbyteries con- trary to order." Do they, then, maintain, that it is merely discretionary with Presbyteries and Synods, whether they will receive and issue appeals, Ac, regularly brought before them, as they admit it was with the Synod of Philadelphia, whether they would condemn the doings of the last Assembly, and overture this Assembly to do the same ? But, say they, " there is no positive command or law requiring Synods to exercise any of their specified powers." To prove that this statement is wholly incorrect, it is necessary only to refer to Chapter vii. Sections 1, 3, 4, of our Book of Discipline. Section first treats of the duties of church judicatories in relation to review and control. Sections third and fourth treat of the right to appeal and complain in certain cases, &c. Where there are deities, there can be no dis- cretion ; and where there is a right to appeal and complain, there is positive obligation on the part of the judicatory to receive and issue such appeals andcomplaints. But where, in our Constitution, is it said to be the duty of any church judicatory either to adopt papers that may be ofi"ered, to decide constitutional questions in thesi, or to overture a higher court ? Or where is the right given to individuals, in any case, to have their inter- pretations of our Constitution adopted ? There are no such duties on the one hand, or rights on the other ; and, consequently, no right of appeal or complaint. 3. An additional objection to the appeals and complaints is — that were they entertained, the Synod of Philadelphia would, in the final vote, be ex- cluded from voting. This, in the administration of law, where the inferior court has decided the case, and the appeal or complaint is against their de- cision, would be perfectly proper. But in the mere interjyretation of our Constitution, in regard to which all have a common interest, and therefore, common rights, such a course would be unconstitutional and grossly unjust. The Synod of Philadelphia, if the complaints had been entertained, would have been excluded as having decided the questions involved. But the Synod of Kentucky has also given its decisions of the same questions. Why, then, should the one vote and the other be excluded ? Nay, it is believed, that a large majority of the members of this Assembly have, in one form or another, decided upon them. Why, then, permit them to vote and exclude the Synod of Philadelphia ? What interest has this Synod, more than other Synods or Presbyteries, in giving a wrong exposition of our Book ? When we interpret our Constitution, the voice of the whole Church should be heard. But the protestants say, this is an argument against our Constitution. In this however, they are mistaken. It is only an argument against their in- correct interpretation of it. It gives no right to appeal or complain against a judicatory for declining £o decide a constitutional question in thesi, or to overture the higher court. 4. That the complaint is illegitimate, is further evident from the conse- quences which would follow the adoption of the principle involved in it. If our church courts are bound, in any case, to decide constitutional questions in thesi, and to overture the higher court, it follows : 1st. That any member of a Session, Presbytery, or Synod, can, at any time, force the Assembly to discuss and decide, in thesi, any constitutional question he may choose to raise, or any number of them. lie has only to offer his interpretation to the lower court^ and come up with his complaint, which must be regularly issued SEC. 113.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 149 2d. The Assembly can be forced to discuss and decide the same question re- peatedly at the same session. The minority of the Synod of Kentucky might have complained of its action on the same points; and, accordin"- to the doctrine of the protestants, the Assembly must have regularly tried both complaints, regularly hearing the parties from both Synods discuss the same points, not in relation to the admuu'sf rat ion of law, where both parties claim to have been aggrieved, but in relation to the interpretation of law. 3d. The Assembly could be forced to decide great constitutional questions by only a part of the delegates from the Presbyteries, — thus excluding a large number of Presbyteries from a vote on the interpretation of the Constitution by which they are to be governed. 4th. The Assembly, by the exclusion of ditlerent Synods, in deciding the different complaints, might be placed in the humiliating attitude of giving contradictory expositions of the Consti- tution at the same sessions. Who will pretend that our Constitution is so defective, so strangely inconsistent, as to expose our church courts to diflB- culties and absurdities such as those just mentioned? 5. In answer to the third reason assigned by the protestants it is sufficient to state, that it has not been, and we believe it cannot be proved, that any General Assembly of our Church ever entertained a complaint such as the one in question — a complaint against a church judicatory for refusing to decide a constitutional question in thesi, or to overture a higher judicatory. The complaint under consideration, is, so far as this Assembly is informed, strictly sui generis. 6. Finally, our Constitution prescribes the mode in which constitutional questions maybe brought before the General Assembly. The proper course was pursued by the Presbytery of Cincinnati in regard to the matters em- braced in Dr. Breckinridge's pa];)ers; and they were brought before this body untrammeled by judicial proceedings, and the voice of the representatives of the Chu.ich decided on the true meaning of the clauses in our Constitu- tion, concerning which there has been a difference of opinion. 7. In reply to the complaint of the protestants, that the Assembly refused to hear the complainants on the right of jurisdiction, it is. sufficient to say: 1st. That it cannot be shown that our Book gives such rights. 2d. The adoption of the principle involved in such a claim would be followed by most of the difficulties already enumerated as consequent upon entertaining the complaint. The Assembly must, from year to year, agree to hear every mem- ber of a Session, Presbytery, or Synod, who may choose to try to convince them that they have jurisdiction over all kinds of subjects. 3d. There was properly no question as to right of jurisdictiiin. The matter of complaint against the Synod, belongs not to the department of discipline. In re})ly to the complaint of the protestants that the Assembly did not sit as a court, and that the members were not charged by the Moderator; it is sufficient to state, that as the Assembly could not sit in a judicial capacity, until the complaint was decided to be orderly and legitimate, the objection is wholly without force. The protestants think the course pursued by the Assembly calculated to foster all kinds of diversity in practice and opinion. They seem not to see, that the course pursued by the complainants and by themselves, in relation to the decisions of the highest court of our Church, to which it properly belongs to expound the Constitution and settle all controversies, is directly calculated to produce the very result they seem to deprecate. § 114. Due notice of the reasons of appeal or complaint. 1828, p. 239. The Assembly resumed the appeal of certain pew owners of the First Church in Troy. After discussion, it was 150 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. RcwJvcd, That the appeal be dismissed, on the ground that Synod has not had the constitutional notice, of the reasons of the appeal. [The limitation of ten days, refers to the transmission of the notice, and not to its re- ception by the court. In the case of Mr. Lowry against the Synod of Ohio, (see below § 158: 2) the notice was not received at all by the Synod; yet the Assembly decided that Mr. Lowry had "complied with the rule of the Book of Discipline." In which case, the limitLition could only be applied to the time witliin which the notice was transmitted by Mr. L.] § 115. What memhers of the court may sit on the trial? ( rt ) The Moderator, if a member of the lower court, may not preside. 1792, p. 56. Ordered, That the business of the appeal, introduced last session, be now resumed. Whereupon, the parties were heard at full length j and previous to the discussion of the merits of the cause, it was Resolved, That no Minister belonging to the Synod of Philadelphia, nor Elder who was a member of the judicature when the vote appealed from took place, shall vote in the decision thereof by this Assembly. The Moderator, being a member of the Synod of Philadelphia, withdrew, and Dr. McKnight took the chair. 1826, p. 32. The appeal of Mr. Pope Bushnell was resumed. The Mode- rator being a member of the Synod appealed from, Mr. Jennings, the last Moderator present, took the chair. The duly authenticated documents pre- sent were read. After which the roll was called, that each member might have an opportunity of expressing his opinion, &c. {b) Contradictory decisions in Barnes' case. [The following decisions are contradictory and of no authority. They were adopted for tiie manifest purpose of giving- strength to a party pledged to acquit the accused.] 1836, p. 265. A question was raised by Mr. Cunningham, an Elder from the Synod of Philadelphia, who was not a member of Synod, at the meeting at which the case of Mr. Barnes was tried and issued, — whether he has a right to vote in this case in the Assembly. After some discussion, the Moderator decided that Mr. Cunningham, and any other members of the Assembly from that Synod similarly situated, have a right to vote in the Assembly. From this decision of the Moderator an appeal was taken ; when, by a vote of the Assembly, the decision of the Moderator was not sustained, and it was decided that Mr. Cunningham, and others similarly situated, have no right to vote on the case in the Assembly. p. 266. A motion was made that Dr. Skinner and Mr. Dashiell, who, at the time the trial was commenced in the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, were either not dismissed from that body, or had not yet connected them- selves with any other, though they did not meet with the Presbytery, and before the meeting of Synod were members of other Presbyteries, should not sit in judgment in the case of Mr. Barnes. This motion was decided in the negative. ( c ) Members of (he infe?-ior court may not vote on a preliminary question. 1850, p. 481. That the Sj'nod acted unconstitutionally in permitting the Presbytery of Louisiana to vote, on the adoption of the report of the Judi- cial Committee on the complaint of llev. Mr. Smylie. [Tliis exclusion should be strictly limited to the matters appealed. See above, §§ 90, 91 ; and Book VII. § 91.] § 116. Bars to the process. ( a ) [See the following subsections, and above, §§ 112, 114. That process will not lie against a decision already authorized by the Assembly, see McQueen's case below, § 196. That it is barred by the pendency of the case in the lower court, see below ( c ), and Book VII. §§ 46, 47. In Book IV. § 45, is a case in which the Assembly decided that the con- SEC. 114.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIOMS. — DISCIPLINE. 151 forinity of the lower court to the obnoxious decision precluded appeal. Tliis decision is of very doubtlUl constitutionality. No reason can be given why present submission to an erroneous or oppressive decree should forfeit the right of appeal, rightly presented in due time. In fact the opposite course would preclude it. See below^ § 156.] ( J ) Informality in the process bars it. 1829, p. 384. The subject of the complaint of the Session of Indian- apolis was taken up, and after considerable discussion and mature delibera- tion, it was Resoloed, That this business be dis-missed on account of informality. ( c) The case has not been before the inferior court. 1804, p. 809. A letter from several members of the First Presbyterian Church of the town of Ovid, in the State of New York, complaining of the conduct of the Presbytery of Oneida, in erecting another Congregation in their neighbourhood; also of Mr. Chapman for preaching in said Con- gregation, &c., was received and read. The Assembly having considered the same, Resolved, That as the complainants have not stated their grievances to the Presbytery, nor applied to it for redress, the petition be returned to them, and that they be directed to proceed in this case as the Constitution prescribes. {d) Death of respondent bars process. 1883, p. 485. [The records of the Synod of New York approved, except that] it appears that the Synod decided, that the death of the Rev. Mr. G riflith should be no bar, in the way of the prosecution of an appeal by his prosecutor, from the decision of the Presbytery of Bedford, acquitting Mr. Griffith. (e) Violation of a compromise bars appeal. 1858, p. 480. 1. TF/ieyeas, the Synod of New Jersey after having heard and adjudicated the appeal of Dr. Solomon Andrews, did pass a resolution, which may be so carried out as to remove the cause of his appeal to this body ; And whereas, time has not been afforded for the Presbytery of Elizabeth- town to learn officially whether their order carrying out said resolution has been complied with by the Session of the Church in Perth Amboy ; there- fore, Resolved, That the appeal of Dr. Andrews be not received by this As- sembly. 2. Whereas, it appears from the records of the Presbytery of Elizabeth- town, that Dr. Andrews stated that he would withdraw his complaint if the Session of the Church at Perth Amboy would grant a certain letter of dis- mission, which was granted ; and, as it appears that Dr. Andrews admitted the correctness of this statement before the Judicial Committee of the Synod of New Jersey ; and, as the complaint relates to the non-acting of the Synod in his case; therefore, Resolved, That the complaint be not entertained by this Assembly. (/) The appellant fully exonerated by the lower court. 1849, p. 236. The Judicial Committee report that they have examined certain papers entitled, " An Appeal and Complaint of W. H. Marquess against the Presbytery of» Nashville," with other papers belonging thereto ; and unanimously recommend the adoption of the following : 1. That the Presbytery of Nashville having fully exonerated the appel- lant from all blame in the matters respecting which he was charged before 152 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. the Session of the Church at Clarksville, his character is unimpeached ; and that he is now, and ever has been since the action of the Presbytery in his case, entitled to a dismission from the Church at Clarksville whenever ap- plied for, in order to connect himself with any Church in the vicinity of his present residence ; and that there is nothing in the action of Presbytery in relation to the charges preferred against him, which furnishes ground for appeal or complaint. [Adopted.] {g) Uearing may not be refused to an orderly case. 1854, p. 38. [The records of the Synod of Kentucky approved, except that] the Synod, in dismissing the judicial case recorded page 184, acted un- constitutionally ; and established a dangerous precedent. § 117. Appeals and complaints should ordinarily pass through the regular series of courts. 1822, p. 8. Two appeals of Samuel Lowery : the first from a special deci- sion of the Session of the Second Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati ; the second from a decision of the Presbytery of Miami. These appeals were dismissed, because the appellant had not prosecuted his appeal before the in- ferior judicatures. 1826, p. 36. The appeal of Mr. Charles Yale, from a sentence of the Presbytery of Bath, deposing him from the gospel ministry, was taken up and dismissed ; because it appeared that Mr. Yale gave notice to said Pres- bytery that he should appeal to the Synod of Geneva, several days before he signified his desire to the Moderator of Presbytery to appeal to the General Assembly. 1828, p. 234. It is a desirable thing to prevent the unnecessary accumu- lation of business before the Assembly ; no good reason appears why the Synod of Albany, who must be entirely competent, should be passed by ; and therefore in their judgment the matter [a complaint of the Presbytery of Philadelphia against the Presbytery of Columbia] ought to go before that body. 1853, p. 435. [The Judicial Committee reported] the appeal of William Cameron, from a decision of the Presbytery of Upper Missouri. The com- mittee recommended, that, inasmuch as the appellant has brought his appeal directly to the Assembly, without first carrying it to the Synod ; and, inas- much as there is good reason to believe that the case may be adjusted by the parties themselves, the papers be returned to the appellant, with the view of presenting them to the Synod ; and that the Synod be directed to consider the case at their next meeting. The report was adopted. § 118. They may /or sufficient cause be carried direct to the AssemLly. 1818, p. 688. Resolved, That the records of the Synod of Virginia be approved, except their censure of the Presbytery of Lexington, for allow- ing an appeal from their decision directly to the Assembly, without noticing the supposed irregularity of such appeal. [See also below, § 155, res. 2.] § 119. Hearing of a voluminous case luaived hy consent. 1847, p. 385. [On the complaint of the Rev. Mr. Smylie, in the case of the Rev. Dr. Scott, the Assembly adopted the following report of the Judicial Committee. But see below, § 150.] There are three ways in which this complaint liiight be disposed of: 1. The Assembly might take it up, wade through the testimony, receive the new testimony, that, it is understood, the complainant wishes to offer, to de- cide the case. But against this course, besides other difliculties, it may be SEC. 116.] POTESTAS JURISDICTIONIS. — DISCIPLINE. 153 mentioned as a very serious one, that the bare reading of the records of the Presbytery would consume four or five days. 2. Another mode might be adopted, by referring the case for reconsideration to the Presbytery of Lou- isiana, who might be directed to take any new testimony that should be pro- perly oflfered. 3. Or the General Assembly might remand the case to the Synod of Mississippi, to hear the complaint, and dispose of it in a regular and constitutional manner. This, it is deemed, would be the wisest course. But, were either of these modes adopted, it would require a great con- sumption of time, and subject the judicature that might adjudicate on the case to great inconvenience, and no inconsiderable expense; and instead of resulting in practical good, might produce great excitement and consequences injurious to the peace and edification of an important section of our Church. The testimony is so voluminous, that to form a correct judgment on it, would require a retentive memory, patient attention, diligent comparison of its several parts, as well as a discriminating mind. It is to be regretted that the Presbytery sanctioned by their authority the publication of the speeches on both sides of the question. The committee after carefully deliberating on the subject were unani- mously of the opinion, that if the case could be disposed of consistently with the rights of Mr. Smylie, without remanding it to either of the inferior courts, and without the Assembly's adjudicating on it, all the ends of justice would be gained, and the peace of the Church would be promoted. They therefore invited Mr. Smylie to a friendly interview, in which they expressed their opinion, and he stated his views. He did not concur with the com- mittee in regard to the probable consequences of the case being remanded to the Synod or the Presbytery; and stated that in prosecuting his complaint he was influenced by no personal feelings against Dr. Scott, but by a desire that truth might be sustained, justice done to all concerned, and the Constitution of our Church upheld; but if the committee would, without his concur- rence, assume the responsibility of recommending to the General Assembly to terminate the case without ahy further trial ; and the Assembly should de- termine to adopt this as the wisest way of terminating it, he would submit, and feel that he had discharged a duty, which, while it was troublesome and painful, had put him to no inconsiderable expense. It is due to the Eev. Mr. Smylie to say, that the committee believe, that in prosecuting his complaint, he has been prompted by a sense of duty, and a regard to the Constitution of our Church, and governed by what he deemed its purity and best interests required. The committee recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That in view of the representation of the case given in the above statement by the Judicial Committee, of the voluminous nature of the tes- timony, and of the difficulties attending the case, and believing that the in- terests of the Church will be best promoted by adopting the course recom- mended by the committee, and being willing to assume the responsibility of acting accordingly, this General Assembly do hereby terminate this unhapj^y case, without any farther judicial trial. § 120. Time and place of lodging the action. 1837, p. 4S0. The Judicial Committee reported the appeal of R. Taylor against the Synod of Michigan, which was not put into the hands of the Clerk in the constitutional time. The appeal was therefore dismissed. fSee also 1834, p. 14.] •" 1830, p. 28. An appeal was in the house in season, and the persons to whom it was intrusted were not aware of the constitutional rule requiring it 154 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III to be lodged with the clerk. [It was lodged with the chairman of the Ju- dicial Committee.] Resoloed, That in the opinion of the Assembly the rule has been virtually complied with. § 121. Personal attendance of the pursuer not necessary. 1827, p 124. The Assembly took up the complaint against the Synod of Virginia by theEev. Samuel Houston, and Rev. Samuel B. Wilson, reported by the Judicial Committee. The complainants did not appear, but a written communication, containing the reasons of their complaint, was laid before the Assembly. At the request of the complainants, Mr. Weed was appointed to manage their cause in their absence. [See Book VII. § 75, a. J 1832, p. 337. The appeal of Dr. James Snodgrass against a decision of the Synod of Pittsburgh, was called up, and the appeal was dismissed, on the ground that the appellant has not appeared either in person or by proxy, to prosecute said appeal. § 122. For sufficient cause postponement may he had. 1827, p. 124. The Judicial Committee reported an appeal by Mr. James Taylor, from a decision of the Synod of Pittsburgh; and that the commu- nication of Mr. Taylor gave information, that by reason of ill health he was unable to attend to prosecute his appeal before the present Assembly. Resolved, That Mr. Taylor have leave to prosecute his appeal before the next General Assembly. 1851, p. 19. [The Judicial Committee reported that] Mr. Lively being unable, through sickness in his family, to attend at this time, and prosecute his complaint, the committee recommend, that agreeably to his refCES. [BOOK III. our communicants, leaving a profit in their possession ; or as the rewards of daily labour, providing abundance of the good things of this life. From all the channels through which money is acquired with manual labour and without it, in which the present times have an unexampled distinction, and in which our Churches largely share, how very small must be the proportion which flows into the treasuries of the Lord! In the unparalleled prosperity which waits upon production and commerce, there is a scriptural demand for an unparalleled increase of the funds of or- ganized benevolence. But j^our committee are constrained to say, that they look in vain for this result in the funds placed at the disposal of the As- sembly's Boards. The enlargement of funds hardly keeps pace with the increase of Churches and membership, and falls far behind the enlarged re- sponsibility which accumulating means bring with them. In past seasons of ordinary prosperity, both the number and amount of our contributions should have been greatly multiplied, as we have already seen. When Grod bestows any good upon us, it is a law both of our moral nature and of his kingdom, that some expressive return should show our grateful sense of his mercies ; and when he pours upon us signal favours, he expects an appro- priate response. Your committee believe that through the length and breadth of the Presbyterian Church, that response which these times of temporal prosperity demand, has, with almost no exceptions, been withheld. (e) Another consideration, and the last one we shall notice here, is the daily enlargement of the great field of Christian efibrt. The theati'e for exertion in the cause of Christ is as broad as the world ; and access to im- portant points at home and abroad, where sanctified labour may be success- fully employed, is opening rapidly, but not improved. Many fields lie waste, because God's people withhold from God's servants the means to enter and to cultivate them. When the highways are cast up among the nations by the King of Zion, he calls his servants to enter ; and by the same act he calls for the means to sustain them. Our responsibility therefore widens with the expansion of the field before us. The calls are for the most part unheeded ; and the glaring sins of indiff"erence and covetousness rest upon the Churches. How can this adverse state of things be accounted for ? Your committee might enlarge upon the causes, but prefer the less unplea- sant task of suggesting a remedy. ( /') But there are, to any remedy, certain barriers which must be re- moved. One of these we mention with great reluctance, and yet we sincerely believe that there will be found in it a principal obstacle. We mean the apathy of the teaching and ruling Eldership in relation to this entire sub- ject. The criminal neglect of many Churches to honour the Lord with their substance and with the first fruits of all their increase, is occasioned in a great measure by the neglect of their teachers to expound faithfully and frequently the law of Christ's kingdom in relation to this obvious and explicit duty ; explaining the scriptural method of obeying it, and the scrip- tural motives to obedience. The word of God on almost every page contains something in relation to this law, its motive, or its method. And in view of this fact, it is difficult to account for the prevalent error, which regards this duty more as advice than precept, and more as optional than obligatory* unless the solution is discovered in the remissness of the Ministry, "rightly to divide the word of truth" on this particular point. Your committee would repel the charge of indiscriminately censuring our brethren in the Lord, whom we love and venerate as a pious, learned, and able ministry, to which many of us belong ; but we appeal to the established principle, that faithful pastoral labour in the pulpit, and in the family, is followed sooner or later with commensurate success ; and when applied to the point before SEC. 1G7.] BENEVOLKXT CONTRIBUTIONS. 177 US, tlie committee express their firm conviction, founded upon their own experience and observation, that not one of the Assembly's Churches which enjoys the stilted means of grace, would remain delinquent, after receiving the faithful and affectionate instructions of the Ministry on the scriptural law of beneficence, its motive, and its method. Give the people light, and by the help of Grod's Spirit they will walk in it. The want of information is, in many minds, a greater obstacle than want of disposition. The con- science of our people, enlightened by the Spirit of God, and regulated by the word of God, may be safely trusted on this or any other subject. The clergy and the laity of our beloved Zion believe that they draw nearer to the great source of Truth in doctrine and in polity than any other branch of the Church of Christ. If we occupy such a sacred nearness to the Foun- tain of Infinite Truth an^ Love, let it be seen that our practice corresponds with our profession, and our progress with our advantages. The committee quote from one of the resolutions placed in their hands, that " the doctrine of the Scriptures interpreted by the Confession of Faith," is " that collections for pious uses are a part of the regular ordinances of worship on every Sabbath."* The truth should be plainly stated, that while our creed is orthodox, the practice of many of our Churches in this depart- ment of Christian duty is heretical ; and they are so far guilty of " holding the. truth in unrighteousness." The question, whether covetousness, like any other sin, should not be disciplined, ought to engage in these days of Christ's coming, the profound attention of every Presbytery and every Ses- sion ; and no person, in the opinion of the committee, should be admitted to sealing ordinances, whose views on this subject are not clear and scriptural. Every member of the Church is under a solemn recorded obligation to do his part to sustain the cause of Christ. What his part is, he is left to deter- mine in prayer before God, and in the light of the divine word. He is a labourer in the vineyard, and must work. No excuse will justify, but ab- solute inability. Whoever is able to earn his living, is able to give some- thing to Christ's cause. At convenient seasons, he should " lay by him in store, as God has prospered him," a portion of his earnings for thank-offer- ings, to the Giver of every good. Let it be done with consistent liberality ; for " the liberal soul shall be made fat." Let it be done cheerfully, for " God loveth a cheerful giver." Every communicant who is above the ne cessity of receiving alms, who withholds his gift, however humble, is guilty of the sin of " covetousness," which is idolatry. The Saviour pointed out a much loftier act of self-denial than the foregoing, when he commended the poor widow's donation, and valued her two mites, which were all her living, above the costlier contributions of ostentatious alms. The wealth in the Presbyterian Church, in whatever form it may exist or circulate, is consecrated wealth. It became so by the act which received its possessors into membership. And your committee are convinced, that the practical denial of this truth clearly reveals one great cause of the de- cline of vital godliness, which extensively prevails throughout all our bor- ders, and over which this Assembly mourns. The tithes and offerings are * Form of Gover7iment, Chap. vii. — The ordinances established by Christ, the Head, in a particuliir Church, which is reirularly constituted with its proper officers, are prayer ; sing-ing' praises; rcadinfr, expounding and preaching the word of God ; administering bap. tisni and tlic Lord's Sujiper ; pubhc solemn fasting and thanksgiving ; catechizing; making collections for the poor, and other pious purposes ; exercising discipline ; and blessing the people. Directory for Worship, Chnp. vi. Sec. 5. — The sermon being ended, the Minister is to pray, and return thanks to (Jod ; then let a psalm be sung; a collection raised for the poor, and other purposes of the Church; and the Assembly dismissed with the Apostolic bene- diction. 23 178 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. not brouiiht into tlie storehouse ; and, consequently, God's blessing is not poured out. and Zion languishes. Powerful awakenings are almost unknown. The ministry is not adequately supplied with recruits, nor adequately sup- ported. Sinful conformity to the customs and fashions of a world lying in wickedness, and under (jrod's curse, is rapidly levelling the distinctions which should be preserved erect and prominent, between the Church and the world. This evil is the more dangerous, because its approach is gradual, and its in- roads covered by specious pretexts, that wear the garb of Christian propriety, which is a character frequently assumed by covetousness and pride. («7)In order to arrest these destructive tendencies, all scriptural means must be employed. But your committee are confined to one of these. And they would urge upon their brethren the much disregarded truth, that libe- rality is an indispensable means of grace. To e^mploy it successfully, the scriptural motives to beneficence should be fixed in the conscience, and influ- ence the heart. These motives may be variously expressed ; but we arrange them, for the sake of brevity, into three classes : 1. Philanthropy is one of these. But it is the lowest motive, and may be shared in common by the religious and the irreligious. Where it exists as a controlling motive, it is guided more by emotion and sympathy, than by principle ; and often leads the Christian to find in worldly associations the ways of doing good, to the partial or entire exclusion of the Church, which is the great benevolent society formed by Jesus Christ, its Head; and thereby much of the means of usefulness, which ought to flow through sanctified channels, is expended upon measures of temporary or doubtful utility. 2. Love to the souls of men is another motive, which elevates the preceding from the temporal to the eternal. It is philanthropy sanctified. It does not neo-lect the physical wants of man ; but it values beyond every other estimate his spiritual necessities. The realities of death, judgment, and eternity, ap- prehended as not far distant, coupled with the awful fact, that the day of grace is hourly closing upon thousands of our fellow-men, present an over- whehning motive to sanctified exertion. 3. But there is still another motive, which absorbs the first and second, as the greater includes the less. It is a supreme regard to the glory of God. This is the highest motive that can be addressed to the conscience and the heart. It places all human interests in their true relations to our Maker. It consecrates time, talents, and property, to the service of Christ. It sets out from the right point of exertion, to relieve the temporal and spiritual wants of man. It is sustained by the approbation of conscience and the favour of God. If the most benevolent plans, prosecuted under this paramount motive, should fail of success, and labour and means appear to be thrown away, the reflection that every act was done for God's glory, will extract the sting oi' disappoiiitnient, for God's will has been done, and the reward is laid up in heaven. This motive, therefore, supplies what no other motive can. It li:is» less to do with mere human feelings and sympathies, and more to do with divine principles, which should regulate all the desires and susceptibilities of the soul. This is the motive which should be brought to bear continually upon the Christian life and practice; and when its influence shall becunie paramount in all our communions, the Presbyterian Church will come up with one supreme purpose to the service of her Head, and lay her sons nnd daughters, and her costliest off'erings, upon the altar of consecration to liis cause. (h) Fully impressed by the facts and principles thus briefly presented, we turn anxiously to inquire, in what way the General Assembly may, in tlie exercise of its legitimate power, endeavour to remedy the evils on which we have animadverted, and draw out the resources of the whole Church, in sus- SKC. 167.] BENEVOLKXT CONTRIBUTIONS. 179 tainiiig the enteq)rises of Christian benevolence, which have been wisely or<2;anized by the Assembly itself, or by other ecclesiastical authorities of our Church. As a fair exposition of the great principles of a scriptural church order, we believe our Coastitution now provides all the re(|uisite organization for efficient effort in every department of such enterprises. The Church is a divinely constituted missionary society; and its courts are specific forms of executive agency, for the work of propagating as well as preserving the truth. To the General Assembly, as the supreme court of the Church, ciiargcd with tlie duty of providing measures, wliose operations njay be co-extensive with our ecclesiastical limits, " for the proniotion of truth, charity, and holiness, in all the Churches," properly belongs tiie work of presenting to the Presbyte- ries and other subordinate courts, and urging on their adoption and execution, by the moral power with which it has been entrusted, wise and practicable methods of procedure, in all the departments of service, necessary to the fulfil- ment of the great obligations devolving on the Church. This duty can be performed without entrenching on any rights of conscience ; neither "lording it over Cod's heritage" by enacting laws which require a blind and implicit obedience, nor arrogating to itself the province of the State, in laying taxes, even for the support of the best interests which are connected with human duty and destiny. Its power is moral. It is that with which tlie Church has clothed it. Though more than advisory, it is less than arbitrary. To those bodies, the Presbyteries, which, by commissioners, constitute the Assembly itself, it can address the language of requisition to the discharge of duties clearly recognized and cheerfully admitted. The Presbyteries sustain a similar relation to the Pastor and church Sessions, the former personally, and the latter by representatives, being their constituent elements. These, in turn, sustain a similar relation to the people, who have submitted themselves, under the laws of the Church, and according to the principles of a moral government, to their authority. When, therefore, the various courts of the Church have established instrumentalities for the pro- motion of religious knowledge, they are not only privileged, but bound to use the authority with which they have been entrusted, to procure the means for rightly sustaining such instrumentalities, by devising the plans and dili- gently supervising their proper execution. It is easily seen, that were all the members of our communion to comply with the Scripture injunction, to give of their substance for sustaining the cause of Christian benevolence "as God has prospered them," there would be a large increase in the incomes of all our schemes; whether connected with the Church at large, as represented in the Assembly, or established by any of our subordinate ecclesiastical authorities. Now, to procure such contribu- tions, it is not so material that any particular plan be urged on the Churches, in whose details all should agree, and according to whose provisions all should act. All that is properly demanded is, that the duty of securing the desired result should be urged, and its execution enforced. If an ecclesiastical court possesses the right to prescribe any particular duty, it must also possess the right to inquire into its performance. According to these plain and simple principles, which are clearly and succinctly presented in the overture submitted by the Presbyteries of Lex- ington and Elizabethtown, we arc prepared to recommend for the adoption of the Assembly the following resolutions, which embrace in substance those presented in that overture : 1. Revoked, That this Assembly hereby enjoin upon the Pastors of onr Churches to give greater prominence, in the ministration of the word, to the doctrine of the Scripture, as interpreted and set forth in our standards. 180 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK TIT. (more particularly in Chap. xxvi. Sec. 2, of the Confession of Faith ; in Question 141 of the Larger Catechism ; in Chap. vii. of the Form of Gov- ernment, and in Chap. iv. 8ec. 5, of the IMrectory for Worship,) viz : that *' Saints, by profession, are bni;nd to maintain an holy fellowship and com- nunion in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities ; which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who in every place call upon the Lord Jesus," " giving and lending freely according to their abilities ;" and, in conformity to this doctrine, recognizing as one of the ordinances established by Christ in connection with the sermon, prayer, and praise, " a collection raised for the poor and other purposes of the Church." 2. Resolved, That the Presbyteries which have not anticipated the pro- visions of this action of the Assembly, are most earnestly and affectionately enjoined, 1st. At their meetings following the rising of this Assembly, to take order that the Ministers and church Sessions in their bounds shall be directed to adopt some practicable method by which an opportunity shall be afforded, and an invitation given, to all the members of their Congregations to contribute regularly to the objects of Christian benevolence, recognized by the Assembly, in the organization of the Boards of the Church ; and to such other institutions as to them may seem right. 2d. And at every spring meeting to institute a proper inquiry, into the diligence of Ministers and church Sessions in executing the provisions of such a method. 3. Resolved, That the Presbyteries are further enjoined to enter on record, and report to the next Assembly, their action on the first part of the fore- going resolution; and also to record at their next and all subsequent spring meetings, the result of the inquiry prescribed, and report the same to the General Assembly, with the usual Annual Presbyterial Report, stating the delinquencies -and diligence of Pastors and church Sessions. 4. Resolved, That there shall be appointed a standing committee on Sys- tematic Benevolence by the Assembly; which sh;ill be charged with the re- ception and examination of such reports, and the \ i'<'sentation to the Assem- bly of their aggregate results. 5. Resolved, That the Boards of the Church are invited to aid in the pro- per execution of the foregoing arrangements of the Churches, in such oflBcial communications with the Presbyteries, as may seem proper. 6. Resolved, That the Professors in our theological seminaries are re- spectfully requested to give proper attention to the right training of thie future Pastors of the Church, in view of the duties herein contemplated. 7. Further, the committee recommend the following plans for contribu- tion : 1. A committee may be appointed by the Session for each object of benevolence, and a particular month assigned, in which they are to do their work, by calling upon the people, or otherwise obtaining contributions. 2. All the objects to be aided may be presented in separate columns, and each contributor called upon to say what he will give quarterly or annually. 3. Weekly or monthly collections may be tiiken up, and thrown into a benevo- lent fund, which the Session may divide among the several objects approved by them, in such proportion as they think proper. § 168. Clerks to jiut the subject on Prrshyterial docket. 1857, p. 34. It is urged upon each Stated Clerk to see that systematic henevolence is placed on the docket of Presbyterial business every spring, •,nd send, as his regular annual report to the General Assembly, an attested iiinute of the proceedings of the Presbytery on the subject. [See preced- ing section, resolutions 2 and 3.] f EC. 167.] THE CATECHESIS. 181 § 1G9. Annual application to every Clmrcli memher. 1843, p. 169. Whereas, the Presbyterian Church is now fully organized with its different Boards, to raise up and educate her ministry, and to sus- tain them amid the wastes of our own and foreign countries, it is of essc-n- tial importance that a systematic plan of benevolence be devised, which will secure the annual presentation of the claims of all our Boards to all our Church members ; and it is hereljy earnestly recommended to the several Presbyteries, and to all our Ministers and Churches, to take action for the attainment of this great object. p. 198. Rcsolvod, That it be enjoined on the Presbyteries, to take such order for the organization of the Churches under their care, for a systematic effort to aid in the education of indigent candidates for the ministry, and in the efforts making to spread the glorious gospel of Christ throughout our own country and the world, as will secure the presenting these objects to every member of the Church, at least once a year ; and that the Presbyteries require the Sessions of each Church to report in writing their diligence herein at every spring meeting. 1856, p. 537. Resolved, That all our Pastors and stated supplies be earn- estly requested, for our Lord's sake, to give to every member of their Churches the opportunity to contribute something for the glory of God, presenting the claims of the various objects ordered by the Assembly, pub- licly and prominently from the pu|pit ; and that the Presbyteries be earn- estly requested to see that the same privilege is afforded to all their vacant Churches ; and that they report their action on this subject, and the success of it, to the next General Assembly. § 170. Female Benevolent Societies. c|^ 1815, p. 600. Resolved, That the Assembly have heard with lively pleasure, of the exertions of pious and benevolent females, in some portions of our Church, to raise funds for the support of indigent students in the Theological Seminary. By these seasonable exertions many promising youth have been supported at the institution, who otherwise could not have had access to its advantages. But notwithstanding all that has been done, the funds are still inadequte for the supply of all the applicants ; and through the past year several young men of promising talents and piety were pre- vented from entering the Seminary for want of support. The Assembly hope that this fact will be sufficient, to increase the number of female asso- ciations for the support of indigent students, preparing for the gospel min- istry. The money which such associations may raise, may be applied by the associations themselves, to such students in the institution as they may think proper ; or it may, which has usually been done, be transmitted to the professors, to be appropriated at their discretion. Title 2. — the catechesis. § 171. Family religion enjoined. 1799, p. 178. Let the heads of families be careful to instruct their chil- dren, and those committed to their care, in the great principles of our holy religion. Let their morning and evening sacrifices be daily offered u|) in their families to God. 1804, p. 316. Parents, train your children in the '^nurture and admoni- tion of the Lord;" your houses should be temples of the living God, in which should ascend to his mercy-seat the continual incense of your daily sacrifices. Pious parents can most effectually preach to the hearts of their 182 TIJE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. children, by their aiFectionate precepts, and their holy example. Your in- structions will best prepare them to receive benefit from the public ordinan- ces of reli^aon. And oh ! can you sec these dearest portions of yourselves ready to perish, without earnestly reaching forth a hand to pluck them as brands from the burnings ? 18'J8, p. 402. We have observed with puin. that in some Presbyteries the duties of family religion, and of catechetical instruction, are neglected. Truly it is shameful, in men who call themselves by the name of Christ, not to honour him before their families, by worshipping him statedly. Every head of a family is responsible for all its members, to God and his country. How can he expect to fulfil his duty, if he does not pray for and with them, and instruct them from the word of God '( If he does not honour God, it cannot be expected his family will. And a Christian family, living without family religion, is a contradiction. It argues, on the part of such professors, an awful declension, and a criminal dereliction of duty. § 172. Injunctions in regard to the hisfruetiun of Baptized Cliddren. 1809, p. 431. Whereas., The Book of Discipline states that children born within the pale of the visible Church, and dedicated to God in baptism, are under the inspection and government of the Church, and specifies various important particulars, in which that inspection and government should be ex- ercised, as also directs the mode in which they shall be treated, if they do not perform the duties of church members ; and whereas, there is reason to ap- prehend that ninny of our Congregations neglect to catechize the children that have been admitted to the sealing ordinance of baptism, and do not exercise suitable discipline over them ) therefore, Resolvrdm^wi the different Pre.sbyteries within our bounds are hereby di- rected to in^nre of the different Sessions, whether a proper pastoral care be exerci.sed over the baptized children in their Congregations; that they learn the principles of religion, and walk in newness of life before God ) and that said Presbyteries do direct all Sessions delinquent in this respect, to attend to it carefully and without delay. 1811, p. 484. Attention to the young and rising generation has evidently increased during the past year Baptized children are more generally objects of special care. Catechetical instruction is administered to them in most of our Congregations ; and in some, measures are taking to introduce a S3'stem of discipline in regard to them, suitable to the relation they sustain to the Church, and to the duty which the Church owes to them. We trust our brethren will go on in this good work. Much remains to be done The children which the Lord has committed to our care, ought not to be thrust into the world without defence. The mere elements of religion are not suffi- cient for their use. They ought to be instructed in the higher doctrines of the gd'-pcl. to be acquainted with the contents of Scripture, and furnished with tl;c evidences which demonstrate the divinity of the Scriptures. Churches, as well as parents, have a solemn account to render to God, for the manner in which the children, sealed with the seal of the covenant, have been trrafcd They are reapinsr the fruits of their negligence, in the care- lessness and profaneness of multitudes of their youth. These, though dedi- cated to God in baptism, have been suffered to wander at large, with no suit- able restraint exercised over them. On whom then must the blame chiefly descend 'I We shudder at the truth. We hope, however, that the future will exhibit a different picture. Present exertions promise such an issue. We leave the subject with God, commending it to his blessing. 1818, p. G.ll. licanlred. That the (icneral Assembly recommend, and they do hereby recommend to the Pastors and Sessions of the different Churches SKC. 171.] THE CATECHESIS. 183 utuler rlieir care, to a.^'^einble a.s uften as they niaj' deem iKicpssary fliirinp;the year, the baptized children, with tlieir parent.s ; to recominend said ciiildren to (jrud ill prayer, explain to them the nature and obligations of their baptism, and the relation they sustain to the Cliurch. 1854, p. 30. Reso/rt'd, That the Assembly rer, and by Pastors thoutrh cateche- tical and Bible-classes, as binding upon the Church, according to the injunc- tion, " Train up a child in the way he should go," and as having a vital con- nection with the increase of numbers and efficiency of the ministry, and of the stability and purity of the Church. § 173. Neglect hi consequence of Sabhath-school facilities. 1834, p. 43. But few of the Presbyteries have reported specifically on the subject of the treatment of the baptized children of the Church. This fact is both painful and alarming. The institution of Sabbath-schools is doubtless one of the most important means of moral influence which God is employing to destroy the works of the devil, and subject the family of man to the obedi- ence and authority of Christ; but is it not to be feared, that family instruction and the instruction of the baptized children of the Church, as persons holding relations, and lying under responsibilities, which do not appertain to unbap- tized children, have given place, to a considerable extent, to the exercises of the Sabbath-school ) or have been wholly abandoned ? The attention of the Ministers and Elders of our Churches is invited to this subject; that a course of instruction may be instituted for our baptized children, appropriate to the nature of that relation which they hold, by divine covenant arrangement, to the visible kingdom of Christ. [See 1830, p. 29. and below § 178.] 1835, p. 37. In consequence of but little being said [in the Presbyterial narratives] in regard to the care and instruction of the baptized children of the Church, the Assembly fears that there is a lamentable deficiency in this respect. Let us, as we value that covenant, which makes the promise not only ours but our children's, take a more diligent oversight of these youthful members of our Church. Too often are they left to wander unrestrained and forgotten in the paths of error and of sin. Can the Church answer to her great Head, if this neglect of duty be not mourned over and corrected ? § 174. Children should he trained in the faith of our fathers. 1840, p. 310. \ye have two suggestions to make to Christian parents, on this general subject. One is, that they cause their children to be brought up in the faith of their fathers. We do not mean by this, that our youth should be prevented from following out their honest convictions of duty; but that they should be dissuaded from uniting with other denominations, from mere caprice or childish fancies. We consider *the conduct of those parents who sufiier their children to abandon our own Church, without any adequate reason, aa in a high degree reprehensible, and calculated to inflict a serious injury both on the Church and on their divided households. 1841, p. 452. It is evident that the duty of indoctrinating the young in ' the truths of the gospel, as set forth in our invaluable standards, is much more deeply felt than in former years. In many of our Churches, where the religious instruction of childi'cn had been formerly entrusted entirely to the Sabbath-school, they are now regularly assembled by ^Ministers and Elders for the purpose of catechetical instruction; and in many families there has been a revival of the ancient and honoured practice of family in- struction, on every Sabbath day, in the formularies of our Church. When- ever the Church, fully awake to her duty in this respect, shall sow with a 184 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. faithful and unsparing hand the seeds of religious knowledge in the minds of the children committed to her care, we cannot doubt that God will reward her with an abundant harvest. Let every child be taught, upon its parents' knees, and by the voices that it most loves, that form of sound words which our Church is commissioned to teach; and in the family and the Church, as well as in the Sabbath-school, let the mind be imbued, by line upon line and precept upon precept, with the truths of the glorious gospel of our Lord, and we shall find in the early conversion of multitudes among our youth, and in their steadfast adherence to the faith of their fathers, the rich reward of our labours. The General Assembly have, this year, adopted and sent down to their Churches, a report upon this subject, prepared by a committee to whom it was referred by the Assembly of 1889, which they hope may be the means of enlisting still more hugely the prayers and labours of the Church, in the religious education of her youth. § 175. Consecration of cliildren to the ministry. 1840, p. 310. We suggest to Christian parents the important duty of dedi- cating their children to God, and especially of pleading continually with the Most High, in subordination to his holy will, to sanctify their sons, and pre- pare them for the sacred ministry. Our feelings have been deeply enlisted in this subject, by the statements laid before us from the Board of Education, which show that the number of our candidates for the ministry is decreasing. We call upon all the pious parents in our communion to consider this affec- ing circumstance. We have hundreds of vacant Churches in our connec- tion ; several millions of the population of the LTnion are believed to be destitute of the stated means of grace; the heathen world, spread out before us as one vast scene, of crime, >and cruelty, and woe, appeals to us with an unyielding and soul-piercing importunity to send them relief. And yet our candidates for the ministry are fewer now than they have been for five years. Will you not lay this to heart? Will you not bring your sons, and consecrate them anew to your covenant God ? Will you not give over seek- ing for them the transitory honours and riches of the world; and pray the Lord of the harvest, if it seem good in his sight, to anoint them with his Spirit and send them forth into his harvest, which is perishing for lack of labourers ? § 176. Catechizing enjoined. 1787, p. 532. On inquiry being made whether the several Presbyteries had complied with the order of last year, respecting catechizing vacant Congregations; [See Book V. § 159;] it appeared that the Presbyteries of New York, New Brunswick, New Castle, Baltimore, and Carlisle, had com- plied therewith; that the Presbytery of Philadelphia had complied in part; that the Presbyteries of Lewes and Redstone had not complied; that Lex- ington had complied with it, as far as their circumstances would admit; that Hanover and Abingdon found it impracticable; and that South Carolina Presbytery had not received the order in time to take any measures in the affair. Resolved., That the order of last Synod, respecting the catechizing of all vacant Congregations under their care, be a standing order of Synod. 1830, p. 29. Rcsolvi'd, That as there is reason to apprehend that the Cat-' schisms of this Church have not, in some parts of our Zion, received that measure of attention to which their excellence entitles them, it be, and hereby is recommended to Pastors, Sessions, heads of families, superintendents of Sabbath-schools, and all charged with the education of youth, in our con- nection, to give these admirable summaries of Christian truth and duty a SKC. 174.] Tnt; cateciiesis. 185 prominent place in their instructions to the youth and children under thei) care. [See also 1832, p. ool, and Minutes juassi'm.] 1835, p. 37. The Assembly have reason to fear that whilst Sabbath schools are doing good, they have iu many instances superseded entirely th* Catechetical instructions of the Pastor. This is to be regretted. The Pas- tors of our Churches should, and if their influence is to be permanent, must come into frequent and familiar contact with the young. What, moreover, in these days of excitement and innovation, can so efiectually secure the mind from the influence of a zeal without knowledge, and furnish the ground-work of a consistent and intelligent piety, as a faithful inculcation of our excellent Catechism? [See also below §§ 178, 179.] § 177. Recommendation of Sahhath-schools. 1824, p. 225. In all parts of the Church Sunday-schools are established, and there is but one sentiment respecting them. Tlie Assembly consider them as among the most useful and blessed institutions of tlie present day. They have a most extensive reforming influence. They apply a power- ful corrective to the most inaccessible portions of the community. They begin moral education at the right time, in the best manner, and under the most promising circumstances. They act indirectly but most powerfully upon teachers and parents, and frequently become the means of bringing thfui to the Church, and to the knowledge and love of the truth. Sunday- schools are highly useful everywhere; but they are particularly adapted to new and destitute regions of the Church. The plan is simple, and easily ac- complished. It requires comparatively little knowledge and experience to conduct them with ability. Very much good has been accomplished by the instrumentality of young ladies and gentlemen. The pleasing scene is often witnessed in some of our new settlements, of large meetings of children on the Lord's day, in school-houses, or beneath the shade of the original forest. § 178. Sabbath- scJiools only auxiliaries to parents. — Subject to Sessions. 1840, p. 310. We are pleased to find that our Sabbath-school system ap- pears to be gaining upon the confidence of the Churches ; but we caution heads of families against the idea that their duties may be delegated to the Sabbath-school teacher. The obligations of parents are in transferable. The teacher is not the parent's substitute, but his helper; and it is equally the duty of the parent to superintend the instruction of his family, as though there were no such thing as a Sabbath-school. These schools, it may be remarked here, should always be under the di- rection of the Pastor and Session; and they should see to it, that our Cate- chisms constitute in all cases a part of the regular course of instruction. 184(5, p. 221. The Assembly would earnestly exhort every Christian to rememl)er that Sunday-school and other teachers are but auxiliaries in the work of a pious education ; while parents are, by the authority of God, ap- pointed the principals in this matter; and should they ])rove delinquent in the discharge of their solemn trust, they cannot reasonably expect the divine blessing upon any other means which may have supplanted them. 1S54, p. 183. Some of the Presbyteries which tell us of the flourishing condition of their Sabbath-schools, and many others, which speak not so fa- vourably on the subject, report to us that there exists among their church niembers an alarming delin(juency in the proper instruction of the young at the domestic hearth, under parental oversight. There is, we are assured, no necessary conflict between the Sabbath-school and the family, as institu- tions in which this class may be trained in the knowledge of God's word. They may be made, and ought to be made mutual helps one to the other. 24 186 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. Yet it is not to be disguised that the eiFect of the privileges offered by the Sabbath-school may be, in some cases, to relieve the minds of parents from the sense of the personal responsibility resting upon them. Hence, they are led to consign the religious instruction of their children, chiefly, if not wholly, to the Sabbath-school teacher. If such a result were inevitable, or even general, then should the Sabbath-school institution be condemned as a curse to the Church. God has laid upon parents the command to bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." The obliga- tion is recognized as one personal to themselves, in the covenant into which they enter when presenting their children to God in the ordinance of bap- tism. In this matter there can be no transfer of responsibilities, no sub- stitute in the discharge of duties. The Sabbath-school teacher cannot answer for the parent in the day of final reckoning; neither should the parent's work be committed to his hands in this life. The instruction of the chil- dren is so important an element of all domestic religion, that when it is ne- glected it is to be feared that family worship, and other kindred duties, are also but slightly regarded. As on various occasions heretofore, we would now exhort you, brethren, to all diligence and fidelity in the whole duty of family religion ; not omitting the regular instruction of your children in the word of God, and the Catechisms of the Church. § 179. The CatecMs-m in Sahhath-scliools. 1854, p. 183. The reports before us afford gratifying proof of a growing interest among our Churches generally, on behalf of the religious instruction of the young in the Sabbath-school. The Catechisms of the Church, which at one time were so commonly banished, or omitted from the ordinary routine of studies pursued in this institution, have been to a great extent restored to their proper position. From their use in all our Sabbath-schools we hazard nothing in predicting that the piety of our children and youth, to whom God should sanctify the knowledge derived from their study, would be at once enlightened, symmetrical, and robust, eminently qualifying the rising generation of Christians for the arduous conflict with error and iniquity which awaits the Church at no distant day. We should hail it as an infal- lible omen of good to all future times, if even to a greater extent than can now be claimed, these incomparable manuals should supersede in all our methods and schemes for the instruction of the young, the numerous works, superficial in character, avowedly, and sometimes boastingly, negative in doctrine, and often enervating both mentally and morally, by which our Catechisms themselves have been supplanted. § 180. Bible- classes. 1816, p. 627. Resolved, 1. That it be recommended, and it is hereby re- commended, earnestly to Ministers and Sessions which are in connection with the General Assembly, to pay especial attention to this subject; and provide without delay for the stated instruction of the children and youth in the sacred Scriptures within their respective Congregations. Rct^olcad, 2. That although the particular manner of instruction find reci- tation in the Congregations ought to be left to the discretion of their Min- isters and Sessions respectively; yet as some degree of uniformity is desira- ble in a business of so much magnitude, it is recommended as the most effectual means of promoting the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, that in all our Churches, classes be formed of the youth, to recite the Scriptures in regular order; that the recitations, if coiivt'nient, be as often as once a week, and from two to five chapters appointed for each recitation. That the youth be examined on, 1. The history of the world, but more SEC. 178.] THE LO.. IvT especially of the Church of God, iind of the heathen nation.s who were God's agents, in accomplishing his purposes towards his Church. 2. Persons noted for their piety or ungodliness; and the effects of their example, in pro- moting or injuring the best interests of mankind. 3. Doctrines and pre- cepts, or "what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty (xod requires of man." 4. Positive ordinances, or the directions w hich God has given, as to the way in which he is to be worshipped acceptably. 5. The particular features of character of which the Spirit of God has given notice, both in wicked and good persons; in the last, particularly regarding those who were types of Christ, and in what the typical resemblance consisted. 6. The gradual increase, from time to time, of information concerning the doctrines contained in the Scriptures; noting the admirable adaptation of every new revelation of doctrine, to the increased maturity of the Church. The nature of God's law; its immutability, as constituting an everlasting rule of right and wrong; the full and perfect illustration of its precepts given by Christ. 7. The change which God has made from time to time in the positive ordinances, together with the reasons of that change. The dif- ference between the moral law, and those laws which are positive. 8. The illustrations of the divine perfections, in the history, biography, doctrines, and precef)ts, together with the positive ordinances of the Scriptures. 9. The practical lessons, to reuulate our conduct in the various relations of life. On all these particulars the meaning of the words used in the Scripture must be ascertained, that thus we may understand what we read. ReavJoed, 3. That the I*resbyteries under the care of the Assembly be directed to take order on this subject, and they are hereby informed that this is not to come in the place of learning the Catechism of our Church, but to be added to it, as an important branch of religious education. § 181. Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb. 1829, p. o.'^l. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 8, viz: "A communication from the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania In- stitution for the Deaf and Dumb," made the following report, which was adopted, viz : It appears from the above named communication, that an a^^propriation has been made by the Legislature of Pennsylvania for the instruction in this institution of fifty indigent deaf and dumb persons; by the Legislature of Maryland for twenty; and by that of New Jersey for twelve; — that the proper age for their reception is from ten to twenty-five years; and that not- withstanding this liberal provision, many through ignorance or indifference, neglect to avail themselves of the charitable aid thus proffered for their children. In view of these statements, and of the fact that similar institu- tions have been established in different States, and similar provision made for the gratuitous instruction of the indigent of this class of our fellow-beings, the Assembly would avail themselves of this opportunity of calling the at- tention of the public in general, and especially of Ministers of the gospel, and those parents whose children may need the instruction of such schools, to this truly benevolent and Christian charity. [See also, 1828, p. 258, &c.] Title 3. — use of the lot. § 182. Case of the Church of Hanover. 1733, p. 104. The Synod look upon the practice of submitting of congre- gational affairs to the decision of a lot, though accompanied with sacred solemnity, to be unwarrantable ; inasmuch as lots are only warrantably used 188 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. to decide matters tli;,t cannot be otherwise determined in a rational way; particularly by applying to higher judicatories. 1734, p. 110. The aiVuir of Mr. Nutman and the people of Hanover re- sumed, and after reading our last year's minutes, and Mr. Dickinson pro- posing a difficulty concerning the obligation of the determination by the lot mentioned in said minutes, whether the obligation of the said determination yet remains binding upon said people, the Synod, after much discourse and reasoning about that matter, at length came to a judgment in the following propositions : 1. That the Synod look upon the obligation of a determination of a dif- ference by a lot, to be sacred and binding upon the conscience ; if the matter so determined be lawful and practicable ; and consequently to act contrary thereunto must be a very great sin. 2. That as the foundation upon which a lot is cast may cease, and the praeticableness of acting according to the determination thereof may, in time, cease also, (though for a time it may continue practicable,) in such a case we judge that the obligation thereof doth cease also ; because it can never be designed that such an obligation should remain, after the design thereof becomes either impossible, or hath been fully obtained. 3. Our determination last year relating to the people of Hanover, did wholly go upon this supposition, that the affairs of that people and their cir- cumstances were so far altered, upon representations then made to us, that we supposed the foundation of said lot, and of the people's acting upon it were ceased, which, whether it be certainly so or not, we do not peremjjtorily determine, but leave parties to judge thereof as in conscience they can. 4. That however, as in our minutes last Synod, we disapprove of the use of lots, without necessity, yet we are afraid, upon representation, that there hath been much sin committed by many if not all that people, in their profane disregard of said lot in time past, and therefore excite them to reflect upon their past practices in reference thereunto, in order to their repentance. § 183. Case of Tehicken Church. 1750, p. 241, (N. Y.) An affair of the Congregation of Tehicken was brought into the Synod, by a reference from the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick, which the Synod proceeded to consider, and ordered the parties con- cerned to lay the case before them, in order to be determined, which was ac- cordingly done; and after much was said, many papers read, and all persons had offered what they thought proper with respect to the matter in contro- versy, the Synod came into the following conclusion, viz : That whereas the Congregation of Tehicken is sadly divided about the fairness and obligation of a lot made use of by them for the determining the place for their meet- ing-house, the Synod, after a full hearing of the case, caiue unanimously into this judgment, viz : That though they do by all means discountenance the method of ending such matters of controversy by lottery, yet as to the lot under debate, the Synod is of the opinion that it was fairly cast, and consequently binding upon the parties concerned, as also other former agreements said people have solemnly obliged themselves to ; and the Synod doth judge, that they have acted very sinfully who have broken through these repeated solemn obligations, and that a solemn admonition be given unto them by Mr. Pemberton in the name of the Synod; which was accord- ingly done. sec. 182.] marriage. 189 Title 4. — marriage — miscellaneous questions. § 184. Inconsiderate engagements. 1750, p. 198, (P.) An affair concerning promises of marriage between and a young woman, being laid before the Synod, by the Presbytery of New Castle, the Synod on the consideration thereof, and because de- sired on some accounts to be loosed from said obligation, and it was found the young woman scrupled the lawfulness of their being loosed from said obligation, the first question put in the affair was. Whether a single man and woman having promised marriage to each other, may lawfully agree again to release each other from the promise ; and after mature delibera- tion, the Synod resolved the case, that it was lawful, nemine contradicente. being called before the Synod and asked, whether he had pro- mised to this young woman marriage, he acknowledged he had, and that he was culpable in entering into such rash and unwarrantable methods of engaging. The question was put, Censure or not ? and it was carried. Censure. Another question was put, What censure is to be inflicted upon him for his misconduct in the above mentioned affair ? And after serious consideration and much reasoning on this head, the Synod came to a resolution, that a rebuke before the Synod was necessary, to show our detestation of such rash proceedings in young people. x\nd that Mr. John Thompson admonish him. being called, the minute in respect to his affair was read, and he cen- sured accordingly ; to which he submitted. § 185. Licentiates may solemnize marriage. 1844, p. 377. Resolved, That while our Form of Government does not recognize licentiates as Ministers of the gospel, yet this Assembly do not consider them as violating any rules of the Church, by solemnizing marriages, in those States where the civil laws expressly authorize them to do it. § 186. What is sufficient publication ? 1820, p. 740. " What is a sufficient publication of the purpose of mar- riage, according to the second sentence of the sixth section of the eleventh chapter of the Book of Discipline [the Directory] ?" Resolved, That the following be given as an answer to this question, viz : That the Presbyteries are the best judges in the case. § 187. Questions of divorce. 1785, p. 509. The following question, referred to Synod by the Presby- tery of j3onegall for their decision, was brought in by the Committee of Overtures, viz : " Whether, on full proof of adultery by one party, the Presbytery has a riglit to declare the marriage so far void as that the innocent party may marry again, without being liable to church censure ?" '* And after some time spent in debuting the case, it was moved and agreed, that each member should speak to the question in the order of the roll. After which the vote was put, and the question carried in the affirmative, by a small majority. 1700. p. 28. "A married man left Ireland a number of years ago, leaving his family behind him, with hopes of providing better for them in this 190 THE ORDTNANOES. [BOOK III. country. He afterwards returned to Ireland three sundry times, with an in- tention of bringing in his family. But by no arguments could his wife be persuaded to come with him ; and the last time peremptorily refused all far- ther cohabitation. He afterwards returned, and remained in single life ten years in this country. He is since married, and has children in secondmar- riage : his wife and he are desiring communion." This man ought not to be admitted to the privileges of the Church ; be- cause, although wilful and obstinate desertion is a legal cause of divorce, yet it does not appear that this man has actually been divorced from his wife ; and it is improper and dangerous to receive to church communion such per- sons as, in the eye of the civil law, are living in vice. And although a good man may sometimes be oppressed by power, and prevented from obtaining a divorce, where sufficient causes exist, yet it does not appear from your representation that he has used the proper means to obtain a legal divorce, nor even to authenticate the facts upon which he founds his application for the privileges of the Church, by sufficient evidence from Ireland — the place in which they happened, and where alone they can be substantiated ; and it is contrary to all just rules of proceeding to take any evidence or representa- tion ex parte. But, the decision of the Assembly notwithstanding, if it shall appear that this man has separated from his wife by her wilful and obstinate desertion, and that he has taken all just means to obtain a divorce, to which he was lawfully entitled, but was prevented and oppressed by the power of antagonists or of unjust courts; and if he shall moreover produce such evidence of these facts from the place in which they happened, as would entitle him to a divorce by the laws of this land and of this Church, then, in that case, it is the opinion of the General Assembly that such man, behaving himself otherwise as a good Christian, may be admitted to church privileges. But in such case, it is necessary that the most authentic evi- dence be required, and great caution used, both that the proceedings of the Church may not be inconsistent with the civil law, and that a door be not opened tolaxn^-ss on this important subject of morals. § 188. Clandestine marriage. 1735, p. 115. The Synod do recommend it to all their members to use the greatest caution tlaat they do not countenance any clandestine mar- riages, and especially that they do not marry any that they have reason to suspect to go contrary to the minds of their parents and guardians in seek- ing it. § 189. Marriage of Mission Converts with Ileatlien. 1850, pp. 458, 482. A memorial from the Presbytery of Ningpo, in China, asking for advice from this General Assembly, on the subject of the marriage of professing Christians with the heathen. The committee recommended that it be answered as follows : " In performing the work of missions among the heathen, many difficul- ties will arise which will require great wisdom and forbearance, and which can only be overcome by a wise application of scriptural rules. Of this kind are the cases respecting marriage, which will frequently occur so long a« the great majority of the people are heathen. And this ap])lication of these rules must be made with a sound discretion, and be very much modi- fied by particular circumstances. That the apostolical direction ' Be not un- cuualiy yoked together with unbelievers,' is the advice of the Lord by the apostle, and is to be observed carefully in all cases, as far as practicable, is true. But like other divine injunctions, it must be applied in all cases with due consideration of circumstances. It is not, therefore, in tlie circum- SEC. 187.] MARRIAGE. 191 stances stated in the overture, to be regarded as sinful universally and ne- cessarily, for a Christian to marry a heathen ; nor is a Christian to be sul)- jected to discipline on this account, unless the circumstances show crimi- nality, and require the infliction of censure ; of which circumstances the missionaries are the best judges." [The overture was] referred back to the Presbytery of Ningpo. Title 5. — affinity in marriage. § 190. Wife's brother's daughter. (a) [A case overtured in 1770, was postponed till the next meeting. In 1771 it was ag-ain postponed. In 1772 the following decision was had:] 1772, p. 427. After mature deliberation the Synod declare their great dissatisfaction with all such marriages as are inconsistent with the Levitical law, which in cases matrimonial we understand is the law of our nation ; and that persons intermarrying in these prohibited degrees, are not only punish- able by the laws of the country, but ought to sufier the censures of the Church ; and further judge, though the present case is not a direct violation of the express words of the Levitical law, yet as it is contrary to the cus- tom of Protestant nations in general, and an evidence of great untenderness, and so opposite to such precepts of the gospel as require Christians to avoid things of ill report, and all appearance of evil, and what is offensive to the Church ; that the persons referred to in this instance ought to be rebuked by the church Session, and others warned against such offensive conduct; and in case these persons submit to such rebuke, and are in other respects regular professors, that they be not debarred of Christian privileges. And Mr. Hunter is ordered to read this minute publicly in his Congregation, where the persons live, referred to in the above case. § 191. Wife's half-brother's daughter. 1797, p. 127. A reference from the Synod of Virginia was received through the Committee of Overtures, respecting a certain Charles Mitchel, who had married his former wife's half-brother's daughter, requesting the opinion of the Assembly whether such persons may be admitted to church privileges. Whereupon, Resolved, That though the Assembly would wish to discountenance im- prudent marriages, or such as tend in any way to give uneasiness to serious persons, yet it is their opinion that the marriage referred to is not of such a nature as to render it necessary to exclude the parties from the privileges of the Church. § 192. Wife's sister's daughter. 1799. p. 176. From the records of the Synod of the Carolinas a reference, on the petition of John Latham, who has married his deceased wile's sister's daughter, praying a reconsideration of his case, which was tried and issued against him nine years ago in the Synod of the Carolinas. After mature deliberation, it was . Resolved, That the case of John Tjatham, referred for the decision of the General Assembly by the Synod of the Carolinas, be remitted to the said Synod; and that they be directed to review the case, and if they shall judge it to be consistent with the existing laws of the State, and the peace of the Church, they may admit the parties alluded to, to its privileges. 1802, p. 248. [In a case from the Church of Westminster, Jefferson County, Ten nessee :] Resolved That such marriages as that in question have been determined 192 THE ORDINANCES. ■ [BOOK III. both b}' the hie Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and by the General Assembly, to be on the one hand not forlndden by the laws of God, and on the other hand to be contrary to the general practice of Protestant Churches, and the feelings and opinions of many serious Christians among ourselves; and on that account to be discountenanced; therefore, Rf solved, That when such marriages take place, the Session of the Church where they happen are carefully to consider the case, and if they think it expedient, to administer such discipline as they may judge to be deserved, for that want of Christian tenderness and forbearance that are incumbent on all the professors of our holy religion, or for violating any municipal law, if this has been done ; and then to admit or restore them to good standing in the Church. And if the Session judge that the state of society is such where these marriages take place, as that neither the duty of Christian tenderness and forbearance, nor the laws of the State have been violated, they may admit the persons concerned to Christian privileges without cen- sure. 1804, p. 306. [In the case of James Gaston,] The Assembly having given repeated decisions of similar cases, cannot advise to annul such marriages, or pronounce them to such a degree unlawful, as that the parties, if other- wise worthy, should be debarred from the privileges of the Church. But as great diversity of opinion seems to exist on such questions, in different parts of the Church, so that no absolute rule can be enjoined with regard to them, that shall be universally binding and consistent with the peace of the Church, and as the cases in question are esteemed to be doubtful, the Assembly is constrained to leave it to the discretion of the inferior judica- tories under their care, to act according to their own best lights, and the cir- cumstances in which they find themselves placed. § 193. The relicts of a brother and sister. 1760, p. 303. That such a marriage, however inexpedient it be, yet as we cannot find it prohibited by the Levitical law, is not to be condemned as incestuous. § 194. Half brother^ s wife, and wife^s sister. 1760, p. 300, 303. Though the majority of the Synod think that the marriage is incestuous, and contrary to the laws of God and the land, and agree that it is sinful and of dangerous tendency, yet inasmuch as some learned men are not so clear in this point, it is agreed to resume the con- sideration hereof next year. 1701, p. 312. As the Levitical law, enforced also by che civil laws of the land, is the only rule by which we are to judge of marriages, whoever marry within the degrees of consanguinity and affinity forbidden therein, act un- lawfully, and have no right to the distinguishing privileges of the Churches; and as the marriages in question appear to be within the prohibited degrees, they are to be accounted unlawful, and the persons suspended from special communion while they continue in this relation. § 195. Brother's wife. 1717, p. 50. The afiair of Andrew Van Dyke, that was referred from the Presbytery of New Castle to the Synod, came under consideration, and a considerable time being spent in discoursing upon it, it wns determined, neriiine confradiccnfr, that his marriage with his brother's wife or widow was incestuous and unlawful ; and their living together as the consequence of that marriage is incestuous and unlawful ; and that so long as they live to- gether, they be debarred from all sealing ordinances- SEC. 192.] MARRIAGE, 193 1805, pp. 338, 340. [In the case of William Adams.] The Assembly hav- ing taken the subject into consideration, were informed by some of their members, who are also members of the Synod of Pittsburgh, that Mr. Adams's moral and religious character is perfectly fair and exemplary, ex- cept in what respects his marriage, which was contracted above fifteen years Whereas frequent decisions on marriages of a similar nature have been given by the late Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and by the (j-eneral Assembly; and whereas it appeared on these occasions that while such marriages are ofiFensive to some, to others they appear lawful, therefore this Assembly consider the subject doubtful and delicate, and do not think it expedient to express any opinion on the decision of the Synod of Pittsburgh in the present case. But in conformity to a decision made by last Assem- bly on a marriage somewhat similar, this General Assembly refers the case of Mr. Adams to the Session of the Church at Rocky Spring, or that of any other in which he may be, and leave it to their discretion, " to act according to their own best light, and the circumstances in which they find themselves placed." § 196. Wife's sister. 1782, p. 495. Anthony Dushane, who has married the sister of his former wife, and whose case has been before the Synod for two years past, preferred a petition that he might no longer be debarred the privileges of the Church on account of said marriage. After full and deliberate discussion, the ques- tion was put. Shall Anthony Dushane and his wife be capable of Christian privileges, their marriage notwithstanding ? which was carried in the affir- mative, by a considerable majority. Notwithstanding the decision of last evening in the particular case of Anthony Dushane, the Synod, in consideration that such marriages are of ill report in many parts of the Church, do recommend it to their people, to abstain from them in order to avoid giving offence. 1810, p. 456. A reference from Bethel Church, South Carolina, was overtured, requesting the decision of the Assembly in relation to a case in which a person had married the sister of a deceased wife. On motion, Resolved, That this reference be answered by the decision of the Assem- bly of 1804, [above § 192.] 1821, p. 15. [In the case of William Vance.] Resolved, 1. That in the opinion of this General Assembly, the marriage of a man to the sister of his deceased wife, and all similar connections, are highly inexpedient, unfriendly to domestic purity, and exceedingly offensive to a large portion of our Churches. 2. That it be and it hereby is earnestly enjoined upon the Ministers, Elders, and Churches of our communion, to take every proper occasion to impress the sentiments contained in the foregoing resolution on the public mind, and by all suitable means to discourage connections so unfavourable ill their influence on the peace and edification of the Church. 8. That while the Assembly adopt the opinion, and would enforce the injunction above expressed, they arc by no means prepared to decide that suoh marriages as that in question are so plainly prohibited in Scripture, and undoubtedly incestuous, as necessarily to infer the exclusion of those who contract them from Church privileges ; they therefore refer the case of Mr. Vance back again to the Session of the Church of Cross Creek, agree- ably to former decisions of the General Assembly in similar cases, to be dis- posed of in such a manner as the said Session may think most conducive to the interests of religion. [Reaffirmed, 1822, p. 17.] 25 194 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK Til 1848, p. 57. The appeal of Jolm Cathey from a decision of the Synod of North Carolina, sustaining the action of the Presbytery of Concord, and of the Session of Paw Creek, by which he was suspended from the Church for marrying his deceased wife's sister. [Sustain 26 ; not sustain 55 ; non li- quet 3.] 1842, p. 44. [The Rev. Archibald McQueen appealed from a decision of the Presby- tery of Fayetteville, by which he was suspended from the ministry, for marrying the sis- ter of his deceased wife,] Shall the appeal be sustained ? — Ayes, 11, Noes 68. Sustain in part, 8. Excused, 1. Resolved, That the judgment of the Presbytery of Fayetteville, in the case of Archibald McQueen, be affirmed, and that the appeal be dismissed. 1845, p. 32. [Upon a memorial ag-ainst the Presbjrtery, for refusal to restore Mr. McQueen.] Resolved, That the prayer of the memorialists be granted so far as that this General Assembly recommend to the Presbytery of Fayetteville to re- consider their decision in the case of the Rev. Archibald McQueen ; and if in their judgment it should appear conducive to the peace of the Church and the promotion of religion in the region around them, to restore Mr. McQueen to the communion of the Church, and to the exercise of the func- tions of the gospel ministry, on the ground that in his case the ends of dis- cipline are attained by the operation of the sentence under which Mr. McQueen has been lying for a period of three years. [The Presbytery, acting imder the discretion thus conceded, restored Mr. McQueen. A complaint was taken.] 1847, p. 395. Whereas, The Rev. Archibald McQueen prosecuted a com- plaint before the Assembly of 1845, against the Presbytery of Fayetteville for refusing to restore him to the exercise of the gospel ministry; and did at the same time memorialize that Assembly to decree his restoration ; and whereas that Assembly did take up and judicially entertain the said complaint, and pronounced judgment in the case by authorizing and recommending the Pres- bytery to restore the said Archibald McQueen to the gospel ministry, pro- vided that in the judgment of the Presbytery it was wise so to do ; and whereas the Presbytery, in the exercise of the discretion thus confided to them, did restore Mr. McQueen; therefore, Resolved, That the complaint of the Rev. Colin Mclver and others against the Synod of North Carolina, for having sustained the action of the Presby- tery of Fayetteville in restoring the said Archibald McQueen, in accordance with the judicial decision of the Assembly of 1845, cannot be entertained by this house, and is hereby dismissed. Id making this disposition of the above-mentioned complaint, this General Assembly wishes it to "be distinctly understood, that they do not mean either to retract or modify any judgment hitherto expressed by any Assembly re- specting the offence for which Mr. McQueen was suspended from the exercise of the gospel ministry. They simply declare that his case cannot be regularly brought before them by this complaint. § 197. Proposed changes in the Constitution on the subject. 1826, p. 22. The committee on Mr. McCrimmon's appeal from a decision of the Presbytery of Fayetteville, confirming his suspension from the commu- nion of the Church, for having married his deceased wife's sister, reported that in their opinion no relief can be given to the said McCrimmon, without an alteration of the Confession of Faith, [Chap. xxiv. Sec. 4,] the last clause of which declares that "The man may not marry any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his owd, nor the woman of her husband's SEC. 196.] SACRED MUSIC. 195 kindred nearer in blood than of her own ;" but inasmuch as a diversity of opinion and practice obtains on this very important subject, your committee beg leave to submit the following resolution, viz : Resolved, That the Presbyteries be and they are hereby directed to take this matter into serious consideration, and send up in writing to the next General Assembly an answer to the question, whether the above quoted clause of our Confession shall be erased. The above report was adopted. [Out of 88 Presbyteries, G8 reported ; 50 against, and 18 in favour of the erasure. — Min- utes, 1827, p. 132. Efforts were again used in 1843 and 1845 to have the above clause erased ; but in eacli case tlie Assembly refused to send down the proposition to the Pres- byteries.—(J/mw^es, 1843, p. 184; 1845, pp. 26, 31.)] 1847, p. 397. The order of the diy was suspended to take up the following resolution, viz : " Resolved, That the General Assembly overture to the Presbyteries the following question, viz : Shall that part of the fourth section of the twenty- fourth chapter of the Confession of Faith, from 1 to 2, which says, ' Nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful by any law of man, or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife,' be stricken out V The previous question being insisted on, the resolution was put to the vote, and lost § 198. The principle governing the preceding decisions. [The principle is, that the act of forming such relations is criminal, deserving censure; yet wlien constituted the marriage is valid, and the parties are not, of necessity^ to be per- manently debarred from the privileges of the Church. See the following minute :j 1783, p. 500. The Synod having again resumed the consideration of the judgment which they passed last year concerning Anthony Dushane, declare their dissatisfaction with all such marriages as are inconsistent with the Levitical law, and persons tuarrying within the degrees of consanguinity pro- hibited in that law ought to suffer the censures of the Church ; and they further judge, that although the marriage of a man to two sisters successively, viz : to the one after the death of the other, may not be a direct violation of the express words of that law, yet as it is contrary to the custom of the Prot- estant Churches in general, and an evidence of great untenderness toward many serious and well disposed Christians, and may, through the prejudices or generally received opinions of the members of our Church, be productive of very disagreeable consequences ; the persons contracting such marriages are highly censurable, and the practice ought to be disallowed in express terms by the Synod, and we do therefore condemn such marriages as imprudent and unseasonable. Yet as some things may be done very imprudently and un- sea.sonably, which when done ought not to be annulled, we are of the opinion that it is not necessary for the persons whom this judgment respects, to sep- arate from one another; yet they should not be received into the communion of the Church without a solemn admonition, at the discretion of the Session of the Congregation to which they belong ; and the Synod publicly recom- n^end it to all their members to abstain from celebrating such marriages, and to discountenance them by all the proper means in their power. Title 6. — sacred music. §199. The Assemhlij' s Collection of music. 1848, p. 18. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report to the next General Assembly upon the general subject ot Church Music, with spe- cial reference to the preparation of a book of tunes adapted to our present psalmody. 196 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK HI. [This committee, the next year, reported a selection of music] " The principles by which the committee were guided in making the compilation now submitted to the judg- ment of the Assembly, are such as the following : " 1. To restore and preserve old standard tunes, and, as far as practicable, in their origi- nal forms, both as to air and harmony. "2. To select from more recent compositions, sucli as had been approved by trial in many places, or might be suitably introduced into all their Churches. " .3. To insert some tunes which appeared to be favourites in some considerable sectioni of the Church, notwithstanding some fastidiousness on the part of the committee with re- spect to them. They desired not to forget that tiiey were making provision for the edifica tion of a large community of various tastes. While the desire to insert only music oi such a character as might elevate and improve the standard of taste throughout the Church they did not feel at liberty, even while they rejected some tunes which were suggested t< them from abroad, as well as some suggested by members of the committee, to discarr such as, after all, might be approved by a better judgment than their own, especially sue! as were endeared by long and hallowed association, and would be extensively and pain fully missed from the collection. "4. To provide tunes for all the various metres of our Psalms and Hymns, and in suit able proportion as to their respective numbers, and the various character of the words. And also to illustrate the tunes by words selected from our own psalmody. " 5. To provide a sufficient body of sacred music of such various style and character, that the collection might serve for all ordinary purposes ; especially for Sunday-schools, families, social worship, and Congregations, as these various exigencies may require. " 6. It is proposed to add an appropriate selection of set pieces for special occasions, such as Anthems and Chants, both metrical and prose, adapted to our psalmody, and also to portions of the common prose version of the book of Psalms, and other inspired lyrict from the Old and New Testaments. This selection is not yet completed. " Should this work be prosecuted to completion, and be approved by the Assembly, . and recommended to the Churches, the committee believe that it will be of advantage in these respects : "1. It will embody in one volume, of convenient size, a collection of tunes, the most ap. proved and in use among our Churches — to the greater parts of which, very few individua) Churches have access at present. "2. It may be enlarged, if hereafter that should appear desirable, by an Appendix or Supplement, without displacing the book, or disturbing it in any manner. " 3. It would serve to produce, to a very considerable extent, that uniformity hi th«. praises of our Church, as a whole, which cannot but be thought desirable. " 4. It will promote congregational singing, and prevent its disuse, which, in part, at least, arises from the frequent change of books, and introduction of new tunes, many of which never become known and domesticated in our public worship. "5. It will be an appropriate accompaniment to our authorized book of Psalms -and Hymns — prepared as it will have been with reference to that book throughout, and to the state of our Churches. It may be too, that such a work as this may aid in promoting the more general use of that book in all our congregations," — Minutes, 1849, p. 393. § 200. The Psalmodist completed and ]p%d>lished. 1849, p. 245. 1. Resolved, That said Committee on Church Music be con- tinued, and they are hereby authorized to go on, at their discretion, to revise, change, or enlarge and complete the present selection of tunes submitted in the Appendix to their report, to employ at all necessary expense the proper professional skill to arrange the harmonies and adapt the music to our Psalmody, and to complete and print the book through our Board of Publi- cation. 2. Resolved, That as the original committee are now in progress, our Min- isters and members individually, and the Presbyteries, be still invited, as be- fore, to communicate freely with said committee, and make such suggestions as may aid in the completion of a book which may, as far as possible, be adapted to the widest and most approved use in our Churches — that these suggestions be addressed, post paid, belure the first day of December next, to the chairman. Rev. John M. Krebs, D. D., New York; and the committee shall not put the book to press before that time. 1851, p. 35. 1. Resolved, That the Committee on Sacred Music be dis- charged, and their functions transferred to the Board of Publication. SEC. 199.] MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. 197 2. Resolved, That the Board of Publication, if they shall find it impracti- cable to procure the assent of owners of copyright, be instructed to proceed to the publication without such tunes as are thus withheld ; and that in get- ting up the Book of Tunes, they bind with it by way of Appendix a sufficient number of blank pages of music paper, for such manuscript additions as may be desirable to purchasers of the work ; and that the Book of Music consist of the tunes, a list of which was finally approved by the committee, and none others, omitting only those which are held by copyright. § 201. Abridged Psalmodist fur families and Sahhath-sclwols. 1854, p. 43. Resolved, That the Board be directed to have an edition of our music book published with seven characters ; and that they also publish an abridged edition of the Psalmodist, for the use of Sabbath-schools, and for family worship, both in round and shaped notes, together with a simple course of instruction for youth ; and the Assembly urge upon all the Presby- teries and Churches, the necessity of greatly increased eff'orts in the study of sacred music. § 202. Church Music is under the control of the Sessions. 1845, p. 21, [In reply to an overture from the Synod of Cincinnati on the subject of instrumental music, the following minute was adopted :] Whereas, By our Constitution, (Form of Gov. Chap. ix. Sec. 6, and Direc- tory for Worship, Chap. iv. Sec. 4,) the whole internal arrangement of a Church, as to worship and order, is committed to the Minister and Session ; therefore, Resolved, That this Assembly do not feel themselves called upon and obliged to take any further order on this subject, but leave to each Session tlie deli- cate and important matter of arranging and conducting the music as to them shall seem most for edification, recommending great caution, prudence, and forbearance in regard to it. 1855, p. 281. Overture No. 19, a memorial from John W(^dman, an elder in the Presbytery of Iowa, asking the Assembly to define the rights of the Session of a church in regard to the singing in the house of God. The Committee recommend that the petitioner be referred, for a suflacient answer, to the action of the Assembly in 1845. Title 7. — ministerial support. § 203. Dufi/ of the Churches. 1782, p. 495. As it appears the interest of religion is in danger of suflFer- ing greatly at present, from the many discouragements under which tlve Min- isters of the gospel labour, from the want of a sufficient support and liberal maintenance from the Congregations they serve, the Synod appoint a com- mittee to take this matter into consideration, and report thereon to the next Synod. Ordered, that Drs. Witherspoon, Ewing, and Spenser, be a committee for this purpose. 1783, p. 499. Said committee brought in their report, which was read and .considered. Whereupon Ordered, That Drs. Witherspoon and Spencer, with Mr. S. Smith, be a committee to prepare a draught of a pastoral letter to the Congregations, under the inspection of Synod, as also to prepai-e some resolves to be passed by Synod, and accompany said letter; the whole to be brought in to-morrow morning. [A pastoral letter was, in accordance with this appointment, published.] 1811, p. 485. With pain we have heard, that, in some parts of our Church, 198 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. the disposition to support the gospel ministry is becoming cold. We lament thi.s appearance the more, because we learn that there is no backwardness to advance money for objects, which, though laudable in themselves, are sub- ordinate in importance to the preaching of the word. We trust that our people possess too much good sense, and too much respect for the God who made and redeemed them, to listen to the dreams of men who neither know what they say nor whereof they affirm. These do not hesitate to libel an ordinance of the living God, to promote their selfish views, their degrading prejudices. God has said, Whosoever serveth at the altar shall live of the altar. But these say, No ; the ministry must be kept in want, that they may be kept humble. We fervently wish that the men who thus act towards the ministry would, to be consistent, apply their reasonings to themselves. We do not hesitate to say, that the profession of religion which is connected with a disposition to abridge the means of supporting the gospel, is, at best, sus- picious. Men who do so, practically s-dj, We love our bodies more than our souls; our temporal substance more than our eternal inheritance. It is among the foulest blots on the Christian name that, in so many instances, the confession is made of the heart being opened to receive the truth in the love of it, whilst at the same time great reluctance is displayed in giving worldly substance, for the service of Him who alone changes the heart. One of the best evidences of the power of religion, is an increase of libei'ality in relation to all those objects that they who have in this respect gone back, will, without delay, retrace their steps, and redeem their name from reproach or suspicion. 1843, p. 193. For the purpose of facilitating the settlement and support of Pastors, and to guard more effectually against the temptation, or almost necessity, as in some cases seems to exist, for Ministers to involve them- selves, to the injury of their usefulness, in procuring accommodations for themselves and families, 1. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to our Churches, wherever it is expedient and practicable, to provide suitable parsonages for the ac- commodation of their Pastors. 5. Resolved, That great care be taken to have these parsonages so guarded by legal arrangements, as most effectually to prevent controversy, and secure their perpetual enjoyment by the Churches providing them, for the continued support of the gospel through coming generations. § 204. The subject in the AssemUy o/1854. 1854, p. 18. [A memorial from the Synod of New York on the subject of ministerial support, came before the Assembly of 1854, and was referred to a committee to consist of one member from each Synod. "It was ordered further, that the members of this com- mittee consist exclusively of Ruling- Elders."] p. 40. Judge Fine, from the Special Committee on Ministerial Support, presented a report, which was read, amended, and adopted, the resolutions being as follows, viz : 1. Resolved, That we affectionately and earnestly recommend to the Churches under our care, that they scrupulously avoid holding out any in- ducements to a Minister to become their stated supply, or settled Pastor, which will not be realized. 2. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to every Presbytery, that un- less suitable provision be made for the support of a Minister or stated sup- ply, they decline to give their aid or sanction, as a Presbytery, to settle him in any Congregation which is able to furnish such suitable provision. 8. Resolved, That we recommend to the Elders, and Deacons, and Trus- tees, of our Churches and Congregations, to meet together on some day be- SEC. 203.] MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. 199 fore the 1st of November next, and yearly thereafter, or oftener if necessary, and institute the inquiry whether the Minister or stated supply is properly and fully supported ; and if they find that he is not so supported, to take immediate measures to increase his support, and report to their Presbytery at its next meeting. 4. Resolved, That we recommend to the Presbyteries to require of every Minister to preach on the subject of ministerial support, — " that laying aside all fiilse delicacy, they enlighten their people upon this, as upon any other branch of Christian duty, pleading not for themselves, but for their Master, if happily they may reclaim their respective charges from a grievous sin, which must bring down God's displeasure;" and that the Presbyteries call upon every Minister to answer whether he has complied with their in- junction. 5. Resolved, That Messrs. B. M. Smith, Stuart Robinson, and James N. Dickson, be appointed a committee to publish this report, and that the Pas- tors be directed to read it from the pulpit at such time as may be considered most convenient. § 205. The report thus adopted and published in 1854. ( (T ) The Committee on Ministerial Support beg leave to call the attention of Churches to the fact that the great body of Presbyterian Ministers are inadequately supported. With the exception of the prominent Churches in our cities, the standard of ministerial support is a bare competence for the simplest necessaries of life, while the pastors of Churches in some of our rural districts, receive less from their respective Congregations than the common labourer secures by his daily work. It is the opinion of those who have instituted all necessary inquiry, that the average salary of country Min- isters is less than four hundred dollars per year; and this, in not a few in- stances, irregularly paid, and sometimes not paid without aid from the Board of Missions. According to the report of the Board, the average appropria- tion last year to 290 of 500 missionaries, was $132; and all that these re- ceived from the people to whom they preached, including their receipts from the Board, did not average from each more than $372. It is true that some of the Churches within our bounds number but few members, and those in very moderate circumstances; but these are exceptions, and must, therefore, if they are to be supported at all, be viewed as mission Churches; and if their Pastors are not comfortably sustained, the blame, if any, is to be at- tached to the Church at large, in withholding from the Board of Missions the requisite means for the support of the gospel in destitute places. ( i ) From inquiry, however, we are of opinion that there are but few Churches absolutely unable to raise more than they have been accustomed to do for the support of, the gospel. We must look to some other cause than the poverty of the Churches, to account for the inadequate support of the ministry — especially as salaries have not been increased, though land has everywhere risen in value, and business is everywhere more active, and money in more general circulation. It cannot be, while within the last five years the country at large has been so prosperous, and so many have amassed fortunes, and so many have been engaged in successful operations, that the supporters of the gospel have in no degree participated in the general rise of property, and in the unprecedented success of all trades and occupations. It is known and admitted that a Minister with a family cannot live on a few hundred dollars in a city where rents are high, and all articles of food, furniture, and apparel, are sold at enormous prices ; but, to a great extent, the old impression still obtains, that comparatively little is necessary to the support of a family in the country. Places there are still, it may be, where 200 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. but little uioiiey is needed to secure an abundance of the ne^rs—ries of life ; but they are not found along the line of our railroads, and nm. h less within the neighbourhood of a city, which draws all kinds of jjrovisiou.s to itself as to a common centre. ( c ) There are Churches which, having been accustomed to give only a small salary, seem unable to divest themselves of the impression, that what was once sufficient for a Pastor's support, must needs be so at the present day ; or if one cannot support himself on so small an amount, another may be found who can ; and it is a fact, that so great at times are the necessities of candidates, that some one is seldom wanting who will accept of a call on the most moderate terms ; thus, as it were, underbidding for a situation, in- stead of declining a call, as others would and should do, from the conviction that the Church is able to raise a larger amount, and that the sum which they oiFer is clearly inadequate to the end proposed in their " call." In order to secure the pastoral services of one who has warmly commended himself to their favourable notice, some Congregations promise more than they are able to pay; and then merge all sense of their pecuniary respon- sibility in their oppressive disappointment that the Minister has not an- swered the expectation on which they grounded their promise. ( (Z ) The custom of annual giving-visits, old as it is, and seemingly pro- ductive of kindly and social feelings, has not been without its objectionable influence in either creating or perpetuating the impression that the Minister is an object for the people's charity — not their creditor, to whom they owe a stipulated amount for services rendered in the discharge of pastoral offices. Such visits have in some cases been substituted for the payment of arrear- ages of salary, or paid in consideration of the Minister's necessities. (e) In, the fact of the general silence of the ministry on the subject, may be found one of the principal reasons for the inadequate support of Ministers in many places. And on the other hand, in still more frequent instances, it may be traced to the want of due consideration on the part of the people, and to the want also, of a deeper religious sympathy, and of a truer appreciation of the importance of gospel privileges. (/) Whatever may be the cause of inadequate ministerial support, or however these causes may vary with different Congregations, and in differ- ent parts of the country, the evil is painfully apparent, and imperiously calls for a remedy. The Christian ministry is of no human origin, and for no worldly ends. Instituted by Christ himself, its design is identical with that of his mission, and its continuance as essential to the perpetuation of the Church as it was to its establishment. It is consequently an office of great dignity, as well as of great responsibility ; severely arduous in the tasks which it imposes, and immeasurably important in the ends which it contemplates. Hence it is variously termed the " Ministry of the Word," the " Ministration of the Spirit," the " Ministration of Righteousness," and the " Ministry of Recon- ciliation." And all Ministers of the gospel are " Stewards of the Mysteries of God," "Labourers together with God," "Ambassadors for Christ;" the reception or the rejection of them being the same as the reception or the rejection of Christ himself. In accordance, therefore, with its nature and design, and with its different aspects and functions, the Christian ministry demands of all who enter on the discharge of its sacred duties, pure hearts and clean hands ; and it is to be presupposed that all who are called of God to this work, are swayed by none other than the purest motives of love to God, and zeal for his glory in the salvation of perishing men. A selfish, worldly spirit can in no one be so unbecoming, so inconsistent, so reprehen- sible, so fatal to all hopes of either usefulness or comfort, as in him whose SEC. 205.] MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. 201 privilege it has become to proclaim God's free, unmerited grace, and whose duty it is to charge dying sinners " to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Hence the Saviour, in sending his disciples forth to preach, cautioned them against secularizing their high and solemn avoca- tion. " Freely ye have received, freely give." " Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses — for the workman is worthy of his meat." (^) Paul, also, is equally explicit in warning Ministers against the love of filthy lucre as being most incongruous with their sacred calling, and most disastrous to their appropriate influence. He himself found it necessary at times to prove his disinterestedness by working with his own hand ; nor can this fact in his history be regarded as a precedent for Ministers at the present day, or be legitimately adduced as argunient against the support of the ministry, since he has stated his ob- ject in doing so, which was, that he might not be burthensome to those who were themselves destitute of property, and that he might silence those who had impugned his motives ; while it is evident he accepted a present from the Church at Philippi, and it is by no means probable that he could have taken so many journeys without assistance from the Church at large. But whatever his own course, he could not have' meant to contravene the principles which Christ had laid down in relation to the ministry, that the *' labourer is worthy of his hire ;" nor by his own example to contradict his own teachings in relation to the matter of ministerial support. " Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things," Gal. vi. 6. " If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things ? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather ? Nevertheless we have not used this power, but suffered all things lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know (for though you may have neglected the duty, it is self- evident) that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple ? and that they who wait at the altar are partakers with the al- tar. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." 1 Cor. ix. 11 — 14. As Paul did not exercise this power, or avail himself of his rights, so a Minister, and for a similar reason — lest he should be the innocent occasion of reports prejudicial at once to himself and the cause which he represents — may not see fit to enforce his rightful claims on the people ; he may take less than the whole amount of his dues for the whole ; or he may decline any compensation for services rendered, and fall back on his own resources. But every JMinister of the gospel has a scriptural claim to be supported by the Church which he serves in the Lord ; not a drone — not a man wholly unfitted for the work he had undertaken, but every workman that needeth not to be ashamed — every well qualified, competent, trustworthy, faithful la- bourer in the Lord's vineyard is worthy of his hire; and scripturally, in accordance with the divine ordinance, is entitled to all needful pecuniary support. ( /t) No man can now alternately preach and work, and be alike success- ful in " getting gain" and in " winning souls." Certain it is that he who gives to any worldly business that degree of attention which is indispensable even to ordinary success in a state of society where there are so many con- flicting interests, cannot long retain the spirit of the gospel ministry. No one is in greater spiritual danger than the Minister who is directly exposed to the insidious influences of secular pursuits. If it be difiicult to keep the heart always right, even in the uninterrupted exercise of the pastoral oSice, how much more must it be, M'hen some of its duties are neglected to make needful provision for the flesh ! To be divested of worldly solicitude is of 26 202 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III the last importance both to the fiuthful discharge of all pastoral duties, and to etfective preparation for the ministration of the word. The ministry, therefore, to preserve its own appropriate and requisite spirit intact from the world, as well as to subserve, in any marked degree, the great end of its ap- pointment, must be adequately supported ; and hence the express reasoc assigned for a certain fixed sum, in the formulary of a call from a Congre- gatioa to become their Pastor, is that he " may be free from worldly cares and avocations." It were easy to show the justice and the reasonableness of such an arrangement on the part of the Congregation. Evidently he who in the spirit of self-consecration to the cause of Christ, has foregone all worldly emoluments and honours, should not be left by the Church to sup- ply his own temporal wants, and much less to contend with poverty. (t) But it is not only just and right for a people to support their Minis- ter ; they owe it to themselves to support him ; nay more, they owe it to their children, to their country, and to the world. Confining our view to the rising generation, and to the moral interests of the community, it might be made to appear with all the force of demonstration that, even in a worldly point of view, it is the wisest economy for any people to secure and to retain the stated ministration of God's will. Who does not know that the influence of the gospel ministry is averse to all that is evil, and in favour of all that is good? that just in proportion as any community has enjoyed and appreciated the benefits of the gospel ministry, is it characterized by intelligence and virtue, by sobriety and industry, by the love of law and order, of freedom and of good government, by all that respects man's weal and Grod's glory. If such, then, are the prominent reasons for the support of the ministry, it requires but a moment's reflection to be able to foresee the consequences of its inadequate support. They who are so straitened in their circum- stances, will not be able to procure suitable books, or to command the requi- site time for study ; and thus, whatever may have been their preparatory education for the ministry, their mental resources will become impoverished, and their ministrations monotonous, uninteresting, and powerless. They will not be able to contribute to benevolent objects themselves, nor have the disposition to urge the claims of Christian benevolence on their people; and thus their own example will be wanting to influence others, and many will withhold their proportionate aid from the missions and charities of the Church. It were idle to expect that a Minister will make any special eftbrt to induce his people to do for others what they say they are unable to do for him ; or that any people will abound in good works when they deprive their Pastors of the means of doing any. (^) Under such circumstances. Ministers, too, will be constrained to prac- tise the most pitiful economy, to the detriment of health, and it may be, in some instances — for want is a sore tempter — to the hazard of personal integ- rity. They will be weighed down by worldly cares, to the unhappiness of their household, to the loss of their spirituality, and to the heartless per- formance of their incumbent duties. Discontented, restless, with aff"ections alienated from their people, and with diminished interest in their work, they will be ever on the alert for some other situation, or harassed by the thought of at last being obliged to seek some independent employment. Are these unfounded surmises, or morbid imaginings ? Would that they were. But no ; for thus it is that the ministry is fast acquiring a changeable and tran- sifint character ; that so many have already given up the pastoral office to become editors, and secretaries, and agents, and even keepers of boarding- houses, and officers under government. Other influences may have, in a measure, contributed tu tiicse transformations and changes ; but if all other SEC. 205.] MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. 203 causes were wanting, this which is found in the scanty .^u wit of the minis- try, would of itself be amply sufficient. If Ministers are to be left to small and irregularly paid salaries — to sup- port themselves and their families on their scantiest means, it is obvious that the pastoral office will be held in less estimation — will be in less, and increasingly less request ; and hence it is, that in the Presbyterian Church the number of Pastors has already decreased ; while the number of Minis- ters without charge is constantly increasing. Examine the Minutes of the General Asseuibly of 1853. See how large the proportion of those of our numbers who are without charge, or who act as stated supplies ; and behold in this one fact at once the proof and the consequence of an inadequately supported ministry. And, what is still more to be deplored, if possible, let the ministry continue to be, as a body, so poorly supported, and candidates for admission will soon be few and fewer. (^) We do not intimate that a regard to pecuniary support should ever influence one's choice of the ministry. It is most probable that the great majority of those who have prepared themselves for this sacred work, have had no reference to any temporal benefit. When one is constrained to preach " Christ and him crucified," he is willing to lay his account, if need be, with all trials as well as all toils. Under any circumstances, the gospel ministry, if exercised in the right spirit, is an office of the severest self- denial. Stillj it requires no very profound knowledge of human nature to perceive tlmt young men will not be so forward to embrace the ministry as a profession, with little else before them than the prospect of a struggle for temporal subsistence ; that, though truly converted, they may naturally con- elude that they can be quite as useful in some other relation, in which the means may be secured of at once supporting themselves and doing good to others. Who can say how much this consideration may not have already weighed in the minds of our religious youth, and especially at this day, when there are opened on every hand so many avenues to riches and dis- tinction ? (??i) If ever there was a time when the ministry of the gospel should be relieved from all unnecessary burthens, and placed in circumstances of com- fortable competence, it is the present; when error, with its hydra head, is assailing, through innumerable mediums, the truth of Grod; and when secu- larism, with its pride of science, and love of self, and in.sensibility to wrong, and recklessness of the future, is invading all departments, and permeating all relations : now, when in consequence of the extension of our territories, the increase of our population, the influx of foreign errors and superstitions, the insidiousness of popery, and the selfishness of demagogues, there is only the more urgent need of all the conservative and corrective influences of God's unadulterated word. Vain is it to think that any other agency can take the place of the living ministry. Do whatever else they may, let the Churches fixil to make ade- quate provision for the support of their Ministers, and we may bid farewell to the hopes of the rising generation, farewell to the enjoyment of our civil and religious freedom, farewell to the hopes of a dying world ! But it may not, cannot be ! An effijrt must, — an effort will be made, to avert the evils which threaten the Church. We cannot for a moment entertain the thought, that there is so little faith in the Bible, so little appreciation of its value, so little love for the Church, that a matter of so great moment as the adequate sup- port of the ministry will any longer be neglected. 204 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. § 206. Aged and invalid Pastors. [See Book V, §§ 2G2-265.] 1733, p. 104. Mr. Andrews having nuule a motion to tiie Committee of Overtures, that an assistant Be allowed unto him, in the work of the minis- try in this city; and the committee, after discoursing upon it, having re- commended the consideration thereof to the Synod, upon this proviso, that if the said motion be allowed or approved, there be first a sufficient provi- sion made for an honourable maintenance of Mr. Andrews, during his con- tinuance among this people; the Synod entered upon the consideration of said motion; and after considerable discourse upon it, it was put to the vote, Whether Mr. Andrews should be allowed to have an assistant, if first suffi- cient provision be made for his honourable maintenance during his life among them? and it was carried in the affirmative, nemine contradicente. It is further ordered, hy the Synod, That the Committee of Overtures meet this evening, and consult about what may be necessary to prepare a way for putting the said motion into execution. 1733, p. 105. An overture being brought in from the Committee of Over- tures about the ascertaining Mr. Andrews his maintenance, in case of an assistant; the Synod had long discourse about the whole affiiir, and also had conference with some gentlemen of this Congregation, and at last agreed upon the following conclusion : 1. That the Congregation be allowed to call an assistant to Mr. Andrews. 2. That in order to secure Mr. Andrews's maintenance, tho^ gentlemen who have expressed a desire of an assistant, shall not diminish, but rather strive, and as much as may be, increase their own subscriptions to him on their part : neither shall they endeavour to alienate any of the present sub- scription of the Congregation from Mr. Andrews. And inasmuch as the present subscription appears scanty, that all care shall be taken to get new subscriptions to Mr. Andrews. 3. That he shall also have all the monthly collections. Title 8. — the oath. § 207. The lawfulness of judicial oaths. 1823, p. 145. "An oath for confirmation (says the apostle) is to men an end of all strife." Heb. vi. 16. It is a solemn affirmation, wherein we appeal to God as the witness of the truth of what we say; and with an im- precation of his vengeance, if what we affirm is false, or what we promise be not performed. Its force results from a belief that God will punish false swearing with more severity than a simple lie, or breach of promise, because perjury is a sin of greater deliberation, and violates superior confidence That oaths are lawful is evident from the fact that our Lord, when interro- gated on certain occasions, answered upon oath. See Matt. sxvi. 63, 64. Paul also uses several expressions which contain the nature of an oath. See Rom. i. 9 ; ix. 1 ; 1 Cor. xv. 31 ; 2 Cor. i. 18 ; Gal. i. 20. They are solemn appeals to God. It is manifest that oaths are not to be used on light or trivial occasions. We are expressly commanded not to take God's name in vain. But as the Bible does not point out the particiilar occasions when oaths are to be used, nor the persons who are to administer theni, these cir- cumstances are left to the discretion of individuals and communities. The necessity of oaths is founded in expediency, and all associations, whether civil or ecclesiastical, have a right to use them for confirmation, when, in the exercise of a sound discretion, they are deemed important. It is law- ful for every community in the compact, on which their union is founded. &V.C. 2.(5.] SOCIAL PRAYER. 205 to point out the eases in which oaths shall be used, and who shall administer tliem. Tlie authority of Moderators in the Presbyterian Church to administer oath,^^ is not derived from the General Assembly, but from the Constitution, or articles of compact, which our Churches have adopted, and by which they have agreed to be governed as a Christian community. It may be proper also to add that the oaths prescribed by ecclesiastical authority, and admin- istered by ecclesiastical authority, in no respect interfere with our relations to civil society • nor can the administering of them, if rightly viewed, be considered as a violation of those laws of the State which prescribe the man- ner in which civil oaths shall be administered. Title 9. — of prayer. [That rulers are to be remembered, see Book IV, § 182 : 6.] § 208. Posture in prayer. 1849, p. 255. While the posture of standing in public prayer, and that of kneeling in private prayer, are indicated by examples in Scripture, and the general practice of the ancient Christian Church, the posture of sitting in public prayer is nowhere mentioned, and by no usage allowed; but on the contrary, was universally regarded by the early Church as heathenish and irreverent; and is still, even in the customs of modern and western nations, an attitude obviously wanting in the due expression of reverence : therefore this General Assembly resolve, that the practice in question be considered grievously improper, whenever the infirmities of the worshipper do not ren- der it necessary; and that Ministers be required to reprove it with earnest and persevering admonition. [Reiterated 1857, p. 38.] § 209. Social prayer-meetings. 1707, p. 10. Overtured, That it be recommended to every Minister of tho Presbytery to set on foot and encourage private Christian societies. [See Book II, § 86 : 4, and below § 228, e.\ 1799, p. 178. Let those who fear the Lord speak often to one another. Let them individually and in a social capacity importune the throne of grace, and according to his own glorious and condescending language, give God no rest until he appear in his glory and build up Zion. Special seasons recommended. 1796, p. 116. The General Assembly, taking into serious consideration the general aspect of religion, the great decay of vital piety, and the prevalence of infidelity and immorality, and being deeply aft'ected thereby, (especially considering the many blessings which as a nation and a people we enjoy,) agreed to urge, in the most earnest manner, upon all their members, the ut- most diligence, perseverance, and zeal, in the discharge of the duties of their ofiices and stations; and that they prosecute those measures agreeably to the word of God, which they may judge most conducive to counteract the exist- ing evils, and most efiectually serve the interests of evangelical principles, and of true and undefiled religion ; and would recommend that some par- ticular times be set apart as special seasons of prayer with respect to those objects; as may be found most convenient in their respective circumstances. Revivals consequent. 1803, p. 275. The Assembly consider it as worthy of particular attention that most of the accounts of revivals communicated to them, stated that tlie in- stitution of praying societies, or seasons of special prayer to God for tlie out- pouring of the Spirit, generally preceded the remarkable displays of divine 206 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. grace with which our land has been recently favoured. In most cases, pre- paratory to the signal effusions of the Holy Ghost, the pious have been stirred up to cry fervently and importunately that Grod would appear and' vindicate his own cause. The Assembly see in this a confirmation of the word of (jrod, and an ample encouragement of the prayers and hopes of the pious, for future and more extensive manifestations of divine power. And they trust that the Churches under their care, while they see cause of abun- dant thankfulness for this dispensation, will also perceive, that it presents new motives to zeal and fervour in applications to that throne of grace from which every good and perfect gift cometh. [Also 1808, p. 401; 1810, p. 443, &c.] § 210. Female praying societies. 1816, p. 621. Several conversions to God in individual cases, and several revivals of religion in societies, maybe traced to these seasons of social prayer. In many plac.es " devout and pious females" have formed themselves into praying societies, and obtained in the discharge of duty, comfort to themselves, and light and direction for others. [See also below, § 227 : 5.] § 211. Monthly Concert. 1815, p. 601. Whereas, The King and the Head of the Church has during the last year poured out his Spirit in a remarkable and glorious manner on many of the Churches within our bounds, and has manifestly succeeded the efforts of Christians in past years, in their endeavours to diffuse the light of revealed truth among the heathen ; and has hereby encouraged and urged the pious to united and importunate wrestling at the throne of grace ; and whereas many Christians in Asia, Africa, and Europe, have agreed to set apart the first Monday evening of every month, that they may meet together, and say with one heart, to the prayer-hearing God, " Thy kingdom come; come Lord Jesus, and fill the world with thy glory" — Therefore, Resolved, That this General Assembly do approve of concerts of prayer for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and do recommend it to the friends of Zion in their connection, as far as may be convenient, to spend the first Monday in every month in special prayer to God, for the coming and glorious reign of Christ on earth. 1830, p. 42. [A pastoral letter on the monthly concert, closes as follows :] We exhort you therefore, brethren, that rn your closets, and families, and praying associations, and the sanctuary of God, and the monthly concert, there be an earnest cry, and an earnest effort for the revival of the spirit of prayer. In regard to the concert, let those professors of religion, who have hitherto neglected it, be entreated by a regard to the consistency of their Christian profession ; by a consideration of the example which they are bound to set be- fore others ; as they would encourage and not grieve the hearts of their fel- low Christians ; as they would promote their own growth in grace, and spirit- ual peace and comfort ; as they love the Redeemer that died for them ; as they love their country, exposed, on account of abounding iniquity, to the sore judgments of Heaven ; and as they wish to share in the happiness and the re- ward of those who promote the kingdom of God, and his declarative glory in the world — in view of all these motives, let them be entreated to take part with their brethren in the sacred duty of praying for the speedy accomplish- ment of the promise, that " the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the liord, as the waters cover the sea." § 212. Change to the first Sabbath of the month. 1838, p 45. Whereas, it has appeared from the reports of the Church for many years that there has been a very lamentable neglect of the monthly SEC. 209.] PSALMODY 207 concert for prayer; and as there is reason to believe that this is owing partly to the time of its observation ; and as there is a strong probability that a change might be made which would subserve the great interests involved ; and whereas, it is the solemn and imperious duty of the Presbyterian Church, and especially at the present juncture, to promote with renewed vigour the kingdom of her Lord and Master, and for this purpose to avail herself of any facility in compassing her object: therefore, Resolved, That it be recommended, 1. That the Monthly Concert be ob- served hereafter on the first Sabbath of every month j and, 2. That collections be taken up at the close of every concert, in aid of the foreign missionary operations of our own Church. 184:1, p. 309. We learn with much pleasure, that in a large number of our Congregations the monthly concert of prayer is more numerously attended than it has been at any former period. As this change is ascribed to the transfer of the concert to the first Sabbath of the month, we advise all our Churches to consider the expediency of adopting this arrangement ; while at the same time we leave any Churches which may prefer it, at full liberty to adhere to the original practice of celebrating this interesting service on the first Monday evening of the month. § 213. Prayer for the overthrow of Papacy. 1852, p. 220. A resolution from the Presbytery of Steuben, asking the As- sembly to recommend to the Churches to observe a general concert of prayer to Almighty God, against Romanism. The following minute was adopted in this case : Resolved, That while this subject should occupy a prominent place in the supplications of God's people, especially at the monthly missionary concert, the Assembly deem it inexpedient to multiply special occasions of prayer for particular objects. Title 10. — psalmody. § 214. Early acts. — Introduction of Watts's Psalms. 1753, p. 255. (N. Y.) It being moved to the Synod whether a church Ses- sion hath power to introduce a new version of Psalms, into the Congregation to which they belong, without the consent of the majority of said Congrega- tion ; it was voted in the negative, nemine contradkente. 1755, p. 267. (N. Y.) That as there is a number of the Congregations [of New York] much dissatisfied with the constant use of Dr. Watts's version of the Psalms, and earnestly desirous that the Scotch version should be used, and as mutual forbearance and condescension in such cases is a duty which Christians owe to one another, and is necessary to preserve the peace of so- ciety; the Synod determine that the Scotch version be used equally with the other in the stated public worship on the Lord's days. 1756, p. 275. That as to the singing of Dr. Watts's version of the Psalms, though the conduct of the Congregation in their adhering to them, contrary to Synodical appointment, without waiting for an opportunity to obtain a re- peal of said appointment, was not regular ; yet as the said Psalms are ortho- dox, and no particular version is of divine authority, and that the using them is earnestly desired by a great majority of said Congregation, contrary to the view we had of the case the last year, the Synod, for the sake of their peace, do permit the use of said version unto them : and determine that this judg- D ent shall be finally decisive as to this aflPair. 1763, p. 331. A query was brought in, in these words : " As sundry mem- 208 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. bers and Congre,Q;ations within the bounds of our Synod, judge it most for their edification to sing Dr. Watts's Imitation of David's Psalms, does the S3'nod so far approve said Imitation of David's Psalms, as to allow such Ministers and their (Congregations the liberty of using them ?" As a great number of this body have never particularly considered Dr. "VVatts's Imitation, they are not prepared to give a full answer to the question. Yet as it is well approved of by many of this body, the Synod have no objec- tions to the use of said Imitation by such Ministers and Congregations as in- cline to use it, until the matter of psalmody be further considered. And it is recommended to the members of this body, to be prepared to give their sen- timents respecting this subject at our nest meeting. 1 765, p. 345 After some consideration of the query concerning the use of Dr. Watts's Imitation of the Psahns, the Synod judged it best, in present circumstances, only to declai-e that they look on the inspired Psalms in Scrip- ture, to be proper matter to be sung in divine worship, according to their original design and the practice of the Christian Churches ; yet will not for- bid those to use the Imitation of them, whose judgment and inclination leads them to do so. 1773, p. 448. The committee appointed to converse with the parties in the Second Presbyterian Church in this city differing about psalmody, report, " That they have taken opportunities of conversing with both parties, so far as the time and circumstances would permit, and that they do not think the Synod should directly judge of the merits of the appeal, so as to affirm or disapprove the several distinct propositions laid down by the Presbytery in their judgment ; but as there is not now time to consider fully the diiferent versions of the Psalms in question, and there are minutes of Synod formerly, which countenance Congregations in determining this matter according to their own choice, they eannot make any order to forbid the Congregation to continue the practice now begun." Which being considered, was approved; and the Synod on this occasion think proper earnestly to recommend to both parties peace and harmony, and to forbear all harsh sentiments and expres- sions, and in particular that neither of them intimate that either of the ver- sions in question is unfit to be sung in Christian worship. 1785, p. 513. A motion was made in the following terms, viz : "Whereas the nearest uniformity that is practicable in the external modes of divine worship is to be desired, and the using diiferent books of psalmody is matter of offence, not only to Presbyterians of difi'ereot denominations, but also to many Congregations under our care; it is queried, if the Synod might not choose out, and order some of their number to take the assistance of all the versions in our power, and compose for us a version more suitable to our cir- cumstances and taste than any we yet have ;" which, having been read, and seconded, after some conversation thereon, the question was put, whether to appoint a committee, or defer ; and was carried by a small uiajority to appoint. Whereupon Dr. Allison, Dr. Davidson, Dr. Ewing, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Jones, were appointed a committee for that purpose, who are to make report of their diligence herein at our next meeting. 1787, p. 535. [Apparently in consequence of the foregoing appointment, the following minute was adopted :] The Synod did allow, and do hereby allow, that Dr. Watts's Imitation of David's Psalms, as revised by Mr. Barlow, be sung in the Churches and families under their care. j p. 537. In respect to the psalmody, the Synod have allowed the use of the ; Imitation of the Psalms of David for many years, to such Congregations as J choose them, and still allow of the same ; but they are far from disapproving of Rouse's version, commonly called the old Psalms, in those who were in the use of them and chose them ; but are of opinion that either may be used by SEO. 214.] PSALMODY. 209 tlie Churches, as each Congresjation may judge most for their peace and editicatiou ; and therefore highly disapprove of public, severe and unchristian censures being passed upon either of the systems of psalmody; and recom- mend it to all .Ministers iu thuse parts of the Church, to be more tender and charitable on these heads. § 215. Conscientious scruples. 1789, p. 11. The following query, signed by a member of the Presbytery of Transylvania, was overtured by the Committee of Overtures : " Quere; Wliether the Churches under the care of the General Assembly have not, by the countenance and allowance of the late Synod of New York and Philadelpliia, fallen into a great and pernicious error, in the public worship of God, by disusing Rouse's ver- sification of David's Psalms, and adopting in the room of it. Watts' imitation ? Con- science is the motive that lias induced me to make the above inquiry, and I trust I shall be heard on tiie subject with candour." Adam Rankin. The General Assembly having heard Mr. Rankin at great length, and endeavoured to relieve his mind from the difficulty he appears to labour under, are sorry to find that all their eiforts have been in vain ; and therefore, only recommend to him that exercise of Christian charity towards those who differ from him in their views of this matter, which is exercised towards himself; and that he be carefully guarded against disturbing the peace of the Church on this head. § 216. Watts' s Hymns allowed. * 1802, p. 249. Whereas, The version of the Psalms made by Dr. Watts, has heretofore been allowed in the Congregations under the care of the General Assembly, it is now thought expedient that the Hymns of Dr. Watts be also allowed ; and they are accordingly hereby allowed in such Congregations as may think it expedient to use them in public and social worship ; and whereas, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Dwight, by order of the General Associ- ation of Connecticut, has revised the version of the Psalms made by Dr. Watts, and versified a number omitted by him, and has also made a selection of Hymns from various authors, which, together with the Psalms, were intended to furnish a system of psalmody for the use of Churches and families, which system has been revised and recommended by a joint commit- tee of the General Assembly and the General Association of Connecticut heretofore appointed, as well as examined and approved by a committee of this present Assembly; the said system is hereby cheerfully allowed in such Congregations and Churches as may think it for edification to adopt and use the same. § 217. The use of frivolous or heretical Psalmody censurable. 1806, p. 359. [The Presbytery of Ohio sent up the question :] Did the General Assembly, in the recommendation and allowance of those Psalms and Hymns which they have recommended and allowed to be sung in the (Churches, ibtend that the Churches should be confined to them alone, and is it irregular and censurable to use others in public or family worship?" , p. 300. Your committee are of opinion, that the General Assembly of the year 1802, in their resolution on this subject, did not intend that the Churches under their care should use no other Psalms and Hymns, than those specified in the resolution. It is further the opinion of your committee, that when any families or Congregations in their religious worship make use of hymns containing erroneous doctrine or trivial matter, it becomes the duty of church Sessions and Presbyteries to inquire into the matter, and act as the case may require. [Approved.] 27 210 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. § 218. Tlie Assemh\i/)i first collection of Hymns. [Upon a proposition which was made in 1819, for an enlarged system of psalmody, and referred to the next Assembly, the following- report was adopted :] 1820, p. 740. Psalmody has in all ages been considered a most important part of the worship of God. The Church, therefore, has ever been careful to preserve its purity for the edification of her members ; whilst they who have departed from the faith once delivered to the saints, have availed them- selves of it to accomplish their divisive plans with the best success. Mind- ful of their duty in this matter, the General Assembly have, from time to time, authorized the use of Rouse's version of the book of Psalms ; Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David, with his three books of Hymns ; Barlow's alterations of, and additions to, Watts's Imitation ; and Dwight's revision of Watts, with his additional versifications and collections of hymns ; in the Churches under their care. Whilst the committee grant that each of these systems of psalmody has its excellencies, they respectfully recommend that one uniform system of psalmody be prepared, under the direction of the Assembly, for the use of the Churches under their care. They believe that the time has come when such a measure may be adopted without offending any of our Churches, and with the prospect of complete success. If they are correct in this belief, of which the Assembly must judge, it appears to them that uniformity in this matter will furnish a strong bond of peace and. harmony between the different sections of our Church. The committee further recommend that this uniform system of psalmody consist of two parts, viz : I. A compilation of metrical versions of the book of Psalms, adhering to the order and connection of the same as far as practicable. In this compilation the preference ought to be given to the authorized versions now in use, so far as the poetry and conformity to the text allow. The committee, in recommending this compilation, disavow any design of committing the Assembly on the difference of opinion which exists about the book of Psalms. They also wish it to be distinctly understood that they do not disapprove of Watts. But they think that a compilation, such as is recommended, if judiciously executed, will satisfy the friends of Dr. Watts's imitation, and the advocates of the exclusive authority of the book of Psalms. II, A copious collection of Hymns and spiritual Songs from various authors, giving the preference to those now authorized, so far as good taste, sound sense, and enlightened piety admit. Such a system of psalmody, the committee think, besides producing har- mony among ourselves in this part of public worship, will tend to enlarge that growing disposition among Christians of different denominations, to union of exertions for promoting the kingdom of Christ. They therefore submit the following resolutions, viz : 1. That a committee be appointed to digest and prepare a uniform system of psalmody, as recommended in this report; the whole, when prepared agreeably to the views of the committee, to be submitted to the General Assembly for their adoption. 2. That the committee appointed to carry this resolution into effect, be authorized to procure, at the expense of the Assembly, such versions of the book of Psalms, and such collections of Hymns and sacred Songs as they may deem necessary. The Assembly appointed Drs. Romeyn, Alexander, Nott, Blatchford, and Spring, a committee to prepare and digest a system of psalmody, as recom- mended in the foregoing report. SEC. 218.] PSALMODY. 211 [This committee, increased from time to time by additional appointments, reported to the Assembly of 1829 a book of Psalms and Hymns, whicli was recommitted to the same committee tor lurther revision, {MinuU's, 1820, p. 387.) Next year] 18>J0, p. 32. Resolved, That the book of Psalms and Hymns, with the alterations and additions submitted by the committee, be approved by the Assembly, and its use in the worship of God be authorized in all the Churches under their care. § 219. The Asscmbli/' s j^Tesent collection. 1838, p. 43. [A Committee was appointed in 1838] to revise the Assem- bly's edition of the Psalms and Hymns, and to suggest and report such alterations, corrections, and additions, for the consideration of the next General Assembly, as they may think proper. First Report of this Committee. " The first meeting of this committee was held in the city of Philadelphia, on the 18th of October, 1839; present, tlie Rev. Drs. Cuyler, and R. J. Breckinridjre, tog-ether with Messrs. Alexander and Gray. After prayer to the great Head of Zion lor direction in this important matter, and serious consTilt.ition, the committee settled the leadinir princi- ples upon which they thought it desirable to proceed, viz: 1. A collation and revision of all the English versions of the Psalms. 2. A careful examination of the Hymns now in use, and an inquiry whether some, and if any, wliich of them ought to be omitted on ac- count of incorrectness in doctrine, on account of their unsuitableness as Hymns, and on account of the inferiority of their poetry. 3. The restoration of the Hynms to be re- tained in the revised edition, Iroin the modern emendations to which they have been sub- jected. 4. The selection of an additicmal number of Hymns. 5. A special regard to the devotional character of all the Hymns. 6. A suitable arrangement and copious index of tlie whole book. "These subjects thus determined on, were severally apportioned to the members of the committee, each having a special part designated to himself, while each and all were re- quested to have a general charge and supervision of the whole. In addition to this, the secretary was ordered to write to the absent members of the committee, apprizing them of our doings, apportioning to them certain subjects, and requesting those wliose distance might prevent their attendance at future meetings, to communicate with the committee by letter. In order to have time for the prosecution of a work of so much magnitude and importance, the committee adjourned to meet in the city of Philadelphia, in January, 1840; but owing partly to the inclemency of the season, the conditioi\ of the roads, and the necessity for more time in private for the accomplishment of the amount of labour apportioned to the members of the committee, they did not meet till the 19th of May, 1840, and on the 26th of that month made a report of their progress to the General As- sembly, having adjourned to meet at Princeton, N. J., on the 25th of August next ensu- ing. At this meeting of the committee, the Rev. James W. Alexander resigned his seat ; and the Assembly on being advised thereof, filled the vacancy by the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Potts, of the city of New York. The only members of the committee then in attendance, were Drs. Cuyler, Phillips, R. J. Breckinridge, and Rev, J. Gray. " In pursuance of the aforesaid adjournment, the committee met in Princeton, N. J., August 25th, 1840; present, Drs. Cuyler, Phillips, J. Breckinridge, R J. Breckinridge, and the Rev. .1. Gray. The committee at this meeting continued in session for several days ; spending on an average nine hours per day in the prosecution of the duties assign- ed them, not only reporting the results of their privr.te and individual labours, but as a" committee, criticising, and thereby receiving or rejecting these reports, as well as pushing our inquiries still further forward. During this longnnd Lborious session, all the Ilj'ums of our present book, after determining to take up tlic Hymns and dispose of tbein first, were read .siriatim ; and after a critical examination by the committee as a whole, in ad- dition to tlie previous individual revision by the menibers, :ibout 25 per cent, of the whole wis rejected, in accordance with tlie canons of criticism formerly laid down, presented to and approved by the Assembly of 1840. Having, in addition to this, devised and agreed upon a suitable arrangement and a co])ious index of subjects, and distributed the four liuadred approved Hymns among the members of tlic conuiiittee then present, to be pro- firrly iirr.inged according to said index, it was resolved th t ;ibout two hundred and fifty : (Iditional Hymns be selected, in order to complete that pnrtLn of the book. In order th.it these additional Hymns be wisely selected, the committee, now worn and fatigued by tiieir lib'our, resolved to adjourn, to meet in the city of Piiil.idel))hi i on the second Tues- d ,y of Janua-y, 1841. And as an additional precaution and security, it was resolved 212 THE ORDINANCES. BOOK III.] that public invitation be given through the religious press to the whole Church, to com- municate to the committee, or any number thereof, on or previous to the said second Tuesday of Jiiuuary, sucli Hj^nns as ni-iv one of them might desire to see inserted in the forthcoming book. In order that the Church might have as flill and correct knowledge as possible of their proceedings, it was also agreed that the doings of this meeting be pub- lished, as far as it was necessary to exhibit the Hymns rejected and retained, together with the proposed arrangement of subjects and index. " In accordance with the above mentioned adjournment, the committee met in th--. city of Philadelphia, on the 13th of January, 1841. This meeting was attended by Drs, Cuyler, Phillips, R. J. Breckinridge, and the Rev. J. Gray. Part of two weeks was spen. at this meeting in selecting, by the committee, from the individual selections made b^ the members during the adjournment, or received from their correspondents. Hymns of e suitable character for the intellectual and spiritual edification of tlie Church. The inde. . previously attended to, was at this meeting enlarged and amended — a more complete ar. rangement and classification of subjects made, and a publication ordered, containing the chapters and sections agreed on, with the retained Hymns arranged by their numbers together with the first lines of the Hymns now agreed to be added, in their alphabetical order, as well as a list of those previously omitted. But while the committee, in the pro- secution of their work, had proceeded so far as to publish to the Churches the Hymns agreed upon, by their first lines, as it regarded retention, omission, and addition, they wish it to be distinctly understood, that they have reserved to themselves another and a final revision, after receiving, as they have thus solicited, the advice, judgment, and criti. cism of their Christian fathers and brethren." — Report of the Committee, Minutes, 1841, p. 477. § 220. Second Report of the Committee. " Agreeably to the expectation held out in their report to the last Assembly, they have at length been enabled to complete the work, and to pass their final and unanimous vote thereon, in so far as relates to the selection and compilation of a book of Hymns. These are six hundred and seventy in number, besides the necessaiy doxologies ; and in making the selection, the committee have consulted every similar work to wliich they could gain access, and have agreed to admit only such as after mature deliberation received the unanimous vote of the committee. It is hoped that the book thus carefully and toilfully prepared, will be found worthy of the Assembly's approbation, containing, as it is believed, in great variety of metre, a very copious variety of evangelical Hymns on every topic ap- propriate to the exigencies of private, family, social, and public worship. This book is novv herewith presented to the Assembly. Having received authority from the last As- sembly to print an edition so soon as they sliould be ready, the committee have caused a sufficient number of copies to be printed and bound, to put into the hands of every mem- bcr of the Assembly a specimen of the work. ...... The committee intimated in their report last year, which was approved by the Assem. bly, that the complete revision of the book of Psalms miglit require until May, 1843. That expectation has now become a certainty. In order t'ully to meet and do justice to the subject entrusted to them, they feel after the consideration and experience they have already had, that in so important a work as the full revision of the book of Psalms, already authorized and in use, and in the settlement of the principles upon which a book is to be composed, which is intended to meet the wants of a communion so various and extensive as the Presbyterian Church, and is designed for the use of generations to come, they do need the entire amount of time proposed. No one who has not made the experiment, ■can well conceive the delicacy, difficulty, and toil of such a work. Yet the committee are also satisfied that, with the leave of Piovidence, they will be able to make a final report upon the book of Psalms by next May. That tliis delay is not unreasonable will be fiir- ther apparent, when it is considered how many books are to be consulted, and existing versions compared with each other, and with tlie inspired Psalms ; thtt tliis is first to be done, by eacli member of the committee individually ; and that afterward, journeys are to be performed, and meetings held wherein there is to be a full intercliange and compari- son of views, in order to secure which so large a committee was appointed — and that all this labour is to be performed amid the pressing cares and duties pertaining to the em- ployment of the members of the committee in the pastoral office. — Minutes, 1842, p. 55. 1842, p. 31. Resolved^ That the book of Hymns be referred back to the Committee on Psahnody, with directions to make such alterations as their own judgment or the suggestions of others m^y dictate, and to report it to- gether with the book of Psalms to the next Assembly. SEC. 219.] PSALMODY. 213 § 221. Final Report. — Tlie Book adopted . 1843, p. 218. "Tlie Committee on Psalmody report that, in coni])liance with the reso- lution of tiie last Assembly, they met early in January of tlie present year, and continued in session until they had completed the work which had been assigned them. Commu- nications were received from one Synod, fourteen Presbyteries, and si.x individuals located in different parts of the Cliurch. ...... "Taking into consideration the great variety of tastes to be consulted, and the fact that a number of Hymns, though possessing little intrinsic excellence, have become endeared to many of our people by tlieir long use of them, or it may be, by the recollection of some peculiar circumstances under which they were read or sung, they have aimed to make a selection, whicli as a whole may be generally acceptable, and supersede the use of the many different Hymn-books which have been introduced into our Churches, lecture-rooms, and families. They have especially restored those Hymns of Watts which were urgently called for by almost all who sent in any communication on the subject. The committee have done this the more readily because such restoration was one design of their first appointment The selection as it is now presented is as much the selection of the Church as of the committee " With regard to the Psalms ; after mature deliberation and full examination of the sub- ject, the c6mmittee were of opinion that an acceptable, literal, and metrical version of them, however desirable, could not at present be obtained. The versions of Psalms to which they have had access do not furnish such a number of superior merit as to justify the attempt to alter the book now in use. " It has occurred to them tliat very important ends might be answered by having the received prose translation of the Psalms set to music, and so prepared as to be conveni- ently used in all our Churches. This might satisfy those who desire to use no other than a literal translation of the Psalms; would constitute a uniform and identical psalm- ody for all Presbyterian Churches ; and would secure a solemn, peculiar and appropriate Church music, to the exclusion of all those tunes which have been composed from light, secular, and profane songs, and whose use is necessarily attended with improper associa- tions in the worship of God. They therefore earnestly recommend this subject to the consideration of the Assembly. "The committee having now finished their gratuitous labours, beg to be discharged. Signed, W. W. Phillips, Chairman, John Gray, R. J. Breckinridge, C. C. Cuyler, W. M. Engi.es, J. M. Krebs." [The Rev. Drs. George A. Baxter and John Breckinridge, members of the committee, were removed by death during the progress of its labours.] 1843, p. 194. The repoi't of the committee, to whom was referred the re- port of the standing Committee on Psalmody, was taken up, amended and adopted, as follows, viz : That the said committee appear to have discharged the duty assigned them with zeal and ability; and that they are entitled to the thanks of this Assembly. Resolved, That the book of Psalms and Hymns reported by the Commit- tee of Psalmody, be approved, and authorized to be used in all our Churches. That such portion of our standards be appended to such portion of any future edition of the Book of Psalmody as shall be deemed expedient by the Board of Publication. That the whole, or such portion of the common translation of the Psalms, without note or comment, accompanied as far as may be by appropriate music, be appended to such portion of one edition of said Book of Psalmody as may appear expedient to the Board of Pitbli- cation. § 222. Overture from the Associate Reformed Si/nod, on Psalmody. 1854, p. 31. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported Overture No. 14. The communication of the Rev. H. Connelly, accompanied with a copy of his book ; also a cinnmuiiication from the Eev. Messrs. Joseph Clay- baugh, James Prcstley, and David 11. Kerr, a committee on behalf of the General Synod of the Associ;!te Reformed Church in the West, inviting this Assembly to co-operate with them in obtaining an improved version of 214 THE ORDINANCES. [)JUOK 111 the book of Psalms, adapted to the wants of the various Presbyterian bodies in our country, accompanied with a statement of the principle to be ob- served in making such a version. The committee having been satisfied, on an examination of these principles, that a book of Psalmody, prepared in view of them, would not meet the wants of our Church, recommend the resolution, that although the General Assembly recognizes the right of our Churches and members to use the version of Psalms commonly called Rouse's, if they prefer it, yet it respectfully declines the invitation to co- operate in the projected work • while it desires, at the same time, to express the strongest sentiments of fraternal affection for the brethren of the Asso- ciate Reformed Church of the West ; and pray that the Great Head of the Church may ever guide and bless them, and prosper them in the work com- mitted to their hands. Adopted. § 222. 6. A selection from Rouse^s version of the Psalms. 1855. p. 293. Resolved, that the Board [of Publication] be authorized to make a selection, not exceeding fifty in number, from Rouse's version of the Psalms, and to have the same printed on separate sheets, in such forms as to admit of their being bound up with our other Psalms and Hymns, when- ever desired, [In the printed muiutes of the Assembly, the number ol' the selection is erroneously stated to be twenty-five.] SEC. 222.] REVIVALS. 215 PART IV. REVIVALS. « § 223. Testimony to the revival of 1801-1804. 1803, p. 274. In many of the southern and western Presbyteries, revivals more extensive, and of a more extraordinary nature, have taken place. While many within the bounds of those Presbyteries have been, as is hoped, effectually called, without any exercises other than those which have gener- ally attended the progress of vital piety, there have been multitudes of in- stances in which great bodily agitations, and other circumstances out of the usual course of religious exercise, have attended the work. As these ex- traordinary appearances have been before announced to the Assembly, as the knowledge of them is generally diffused throughout the American Churches, it is not judged necessary to enter into minute details on the subject. The Assembly would only observe, that although they forbear to express any opinion as to the origin and nature of some of those circumstances which have attended the southern and western revivals, and which have attracted so much of the attention of the religious world, yet they are constrained to acknowledge with thankfulness, that the last year, while it presented a con- tinuance and great extension of this extraordinary work, furnished also increasing evidence that it is indeed the work of Grod, for which the friends of piety are bound to praise his holy name. 1804, p. 808. The Assembly, moreover, have the unspeakable satisfaction to announce that the extraordinary influences of the Divine Spirit have, since the last year, been spread over new and very extensive countries still farther to the South and AVest. To the North-west and North, from the Ohio river to the lakes, a vast region which a few years ago was an unin- habited wilderness, new Churches are forming with astonishing rapidity, and the Spirit of God seems to be remarkably poured out, and to accompany the word and ordinances of the gospel with the most solemn and affecting impressions. The same spirit appears to prevail through a large portion of the Synod of New York and New Jersey, and the Synod of Albany, Its effects, though more silent, seem to be not less deep, or consoling to the friends of true re- ligion. Sinners are convinced, and sincere believers comforted and estab- lis'hed in the faith and hope of the gospel. Trophies are continually raised to the grace of the Kedeemer, and numbers are almost daily added to the Church, of such, we trust, as shall be saved. In the Churches in which these extraordinary influences of the Divine Spirit are not so conspicuous, the power, and the salutary effects of the ordinances of the gospel, seem, notwithstanding, to be visibly progressing. That inattention to the things of religion; that neglect of its institutions; that tendency to infidelity, or to skepticism in principle, and to dissoluteness of manners; which, a few 216 / THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. years since, the truly pious had so much reason to deplore, are in most places evidently arrested, and the tide of public .sentiment has happily begun to flow in a contrary direction. Places of divine worship are in general more fre- quented ; the institutions of religion are held in higher honour, and attended with greater solemnity and apparent devotion. § 224. Disorders in that Revival reproved. 1804, p. 315. With not less regret have we heard of certain extravagan- ces in the exercises and agitations of many persons, who, in this work, other- wise so desirable, have once been the subjects of strong religious impres- sions. That the sudden blaze of divine truth upon a mind hitherto covered with thick darkness ; that a deep conviction of guilt and sense of the wrath of Grod against an offending worm of the dust, especially when these appre- hensions are raised to the highest pitch by the power of sympathy, and the panic excited by the emotions of a vast assembly, should often produce strong bodily affections, is not surprising to those who ai-e acquainted with the human economy; that the transports of a mind suddenly brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light, suddenly raised from the borders of despair to 'the ecstasies of religious hope and joy, should be accompanied with a simi- lar influence on the nervous system, is not incredible. The preceding are not pretended to be assigned as the certain or the sole reasons of many extraordinary appearances in some of our southern Churches. It is sufiicient to answer the views of the Assembly, to show that causes are adequate to the production of the highest effiects of this kind, in order to preserve them from the unjust imputation of a fanatical, or demoniacal influ- ence. But when bodily agitations, which in most instances disturb the se- rious, sober, and rational exercises of the mind, instead of being soothed and restrained within the bounds of decency, are encouraged and excited by those who lead the worship, and some who join in it, they very easily run into excesses highly reproachful to religion. When they go into antic ges- tures, ridiculous contortions, to movements of apparent levity, and contrary to propriety and religious order, and which resemble the eff"ects of delirium, or of a spirit very difi'erent from the spirit of the gospel; these are the evi- dences of a wild enthusiasm, whose extravagancies are infinitely various and unaccountable. When each person has a psalm, a prayer, a triumphant ex- ultation, in the public worship of God, is not this the very evil which once took place in the Corinthian Church, which the apostle severely reproves; saying, "God is not a God of confusion, but of order?'' In genuine and rational religion, however high and fervent may be its affections, '' the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.'' And if so, surely this power is still more necessary for the sake of order, in every ordinary Christian. We strongly bear our testimony against those persons who pretend to immediate impulses and revelations from heaven; those divine communica- tions which were given only to the prophets and apostles, who were appointed by God to reveal to mankind the way of eternal life. When men presume that the Holy Spirit, contrary to the established order of providence, inter- feres by particular inijjulse to direct them in all the common affairs of life ; when they deem themselves to be impelled by him to particular acts, or particular religious exercises, contrary to the established order of the gospel, and the obvious duties of the moment; when, finally, they pretend to mirac- ulous powers or prophetic influences, and the foretelling of future events, all these are evidences of a wild, enthusiastic spirit, and tend eventually to destroy the authority of the word of God, as the sole rule of faith and prac- tice. Ecclesiastical history furnishes us with many examples of such enthu- siastic impulses following great revivals of religion, which have ever been SEC. 223.] REVIVALS. * 217 strongly and uniformly condemned by the voice of the whole Church, as in the case of the French prophets, the fanatics of Munster, and we may add, the fanatical Jews who sprung up in such numbers, and persevered with such obstinacy, even while the disasters of their city and their temple were daily refuting their predictions. And it will be a subject of sincere lamen- tation to us if any Ministers in our communion should unhappily be found to encourage such great evils. But we hope better things of you, though •we thus speak. Dear brethren, and fellow labourers in the gospel of our common Lord, Study to prevent excesses so dishonourable, and contrary to the beautiful order of the Church of Christ, or zealously endeavour to repress them where- ever they begin to appear. In a great and general inflammation of the human mind, we ought not to be astonished if these fervours, operating sometimes on weakness, sometimes on an enthusiastic temperament, should impel a few men to very considerable errors and excesses. Such have happened in every re- vival of religion, and in even every great political commotion ; and such espe- cially happened in various instances in the memorable and glorious Reforma- tion of the Christian Church, from the spiritual thraldom and the errors of popery. By common concert and counsel endeavour to restrain every irregu- larity in the worship of God, at its very commencement. Disorders of an enthusiastic spirit may often be checked in the beginning with facility, which, when suffered to progress, come at length to overleap all the barriers of autho- rity, and burst through all the bounds of order and of decency. Solemnly bear in mind, brethren, how much the great Head of the Church has com- mitted his glory, and the glory of his holy cause in the world, to your activity and your faithfulness, to your prudence, as well as your zeal. § 225. A like testimony. 1805, p. 334. Whilst there is satisfactory evidence to believe that there has been a great and glorious work of God carried on throughout a widely ex- tended portion of country to the South and West, within the bounds of the General Assembly, and that many souls have been savingly brought home to God, it is proper to observe that in general this has been accompanied with very uncommon and extraordinary effects on the body. There appears also reason to believe that in certain places some instances of these bodily affections have been of such a nature, and proceeded to such lengths, as greatly tended to impede the progress and to tarnish the glory of what, in its first stages, was so hiiihly proraisitig. That God has all the powers both of our mortal and immortal part, absolutely under his direction and subject to his control, and can influence and affect them according to his sovereign pleasure, will not be doubted by any who acknowledge liim as the framer of our bodies, and the Father of our spirits ; and that in him we live, and move, and have our being. Experience and the very reason and nature of things, also manifest that human nature may be deeply affected, and even overpowered by particular views and impressions of spiritual and divine things. But it is equally mani- •fest that these effects may be, in a considerable degree, produced by natural causes, or by the agency of spiritual and subordinate beings. Satan may transform himself now, as well as formerly, into an angel of light. It is en- joined upon us not to believe every spirit, but to try the spirits whether they be of God. As the matricians endeavoured by their enchantments to imitate and discredit the miracles performed by Moses, so has it been an artifice of Satan in every period of tlie (^liurch, to endeavour to obstruct and bring a reproach upon a revival of reliijiou, by counterf«Jting the operations of the 28 218 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. Spirit of God, and exciting those who wpre concerned in such revival, to ex- travagant and disorderly proceedings. True religion is a most rational and scriptural thing. One of the unhappy circumstances usually attending a re- vival of religion is, that some vyho are engaged in it are prone to consider all its concomitants, and everything connected with it, as sacred. This affords the adversary an opportunity, unsuspected, of sowing tares among the wheat, to the great prejudice of the approaching harvest. In times of the revival of religion, it highly concerns us carefully to guard against grieving the Holy Spirit of God, and provoking him to suspend or withdraw his gracious influ- ences, either by resisting, or not duly improving his operations, or by yielding to the suggestions and influences of Satan. All religious experience is to be brought to the test of divine truth. To the law and to the testimony, if it be not conformable to these, it is because it is spurious. God is a God of order and not of confusion ; and whatever tends to destroy the comely order of his worship, is not from him, for he is consistent with himself. Whilst then the General Assembly mourn over and lament those irregular and disorderly pro- ceedings which have taken place in some parts, and which have tended to obscure and tarnish the glory of this good work of God, they rejoice that iu general they appear to subside, that the minds of the people are reverting to more rational and spiritual views and exercises ; that but few of the Ministers in their connection have countenanced or encouraged these wild extravagan- ces, or considered any bodily exercises as a criterion by which to form a judgment of a person's character or state, but have formed their opinion in this case from the conformity of their views and exercises to the word of God. § 226. Vindication of the preceding warnings. 1806, p. 364. The Assembly answer to the request of the Presbytery [of Concord] to explain a minute of the Assembly of 1804, that this Assembly deem it presuming to explain the meaning of a former Assembly, otherwise than their own language expresses, nor is the explanation necessary. This Assembly's sentiments on the subject, are expressly given in the detailed account of the result of the free conversation on the present state of religion, which will appear in the printed extracts of this year, to which the Assembly would refer the Presbytery of (Concord. By adverting to the sentiments therein expressed, the Presbytery will per- ceive that the Assembly devoutly rejoice in the late glorious revival ', that far from questioning the operation of the Holy Spirit in many who have been the subjects of unusual bodily affections, they merely wish to caution their brethren against giving countenance and encouragement to those extravagant and indecent outrages against Christian decorum, which tend to interrupt the devotion of worshipping assemblies, and to mar that beautiful order which should always be maintained in the house of God. Surely God is not the God of confusion, but of order ; and in the genuine effusions of the most fervent piety, " the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." § 227. Dangers to he avoided in Revivals. [The following letter was issued in 1832, in the height of the New School controversy. It was written by Dr. Ashbel Green, reported by a committee consisting of him and Dr. Jnnics Ricluirds, and adopted by tlie Assembly, with one dissenting voice. It is tiiere- forc the concurrent sentiment of Old and New Scliool, on the subject.] 1832, p. 346. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, to the Ministers and Churches under their care : ( a') Dearly Beloved Brethren: You will perceive by the narrative of the Btate of religion which we this year publish, that the God of all grace has SEC. 225.] DANGERS TO BE AVOIDED IN REVIVALS 219 been pleased, during the last year, to pour out more copiously his blessed Spirit on the people of uur denomination in this land, than perhaps in any period of" equal extent in former times. For this siirnal and itiefi'able benefit, we desire that you may unite with us in ascribing humble and fervent thanks- givings to Him from whom we have received this transcendent mercy, and "from whom cojiieth down every good and every perfect gift." (6) And suffer us to remind you, dear brethren, that one of the best and most acceptable expressions of gratitude to God for the unspeakable favour we have received, is to be exceedingly careful not to abuse it. It is of more im- portance than we know how to express, that we should, together with much prayer for direction and aid from on high, use all our influence and put forth our best efforts, to preserve the glorious revivals of religion with which we have been blessed, from all that may mar their beauty and prevent their ex- tension ; and where anything of an injurious tendency has already taken place, that we should labour to correct the evil as speedily as possible. ( c ) Let it not be supposed, however, that we would willingly say anything that might encourage or countenance those who condemn all revivals of religion — condemn them because they may be attended by some errors and irregulari- ties, which, it is readily admitted, ought to be deplored and avoided. Far, very far, be this from us. Those who cherish an aversion to the revivals of religion, because they are accompanied by imperfections and are liable to abuse, should recollect that there is nothing with which the hunian powers and passions have to do, whatever be its general excellence, that is not open to the same objection. In revivals of religion in which there are confessedly some things to be lamented — as there was in the abuse of the miraculous gift of tongues in the primitive Church of Corinth — there may still be numerous and sound conversions of sin- ners unto God : and " what is the chaff to the wheat, saith the Lord ?" There re- main in our land, and in our beloved Church, many Congregations in which formality and a Laodicean spirit are mournfully prevalent. Little reason have they to felicitate themselves, that they are free from all the extravagan- ces which they censure in. others, and which it is not denied do exist in cer- tain places, and to a limited extent. Let them rather remember, that a Con- gregation in which many souls are born into the kingdom of God, although some false pretensions to piety and some censurable practices appear, is, on the whole, in a state infinitely preferable to that of a Congregation in which hundreds are going quietly down to eternal perdition, and in which the wise virgins are slumbering and sleeping with the foolish. Let Congregations of this latter description be exhorted to arouse themselves from their spiritual lethargy, make use of the means and efforts which God is wont to bless, and cry mightily to him, that they may partake in those gracious visitations with which others are so remarkably blessed and distinguished — partake of them, purified from all that is justly offensive either to God or man. Having thus endeavoured to guard against a misconstruction of our pur- pose, we desire, with parental solicitude and affection, to caution and warn the Ministers and Churches of our communion, against some of the most com- mon errors and improprieties to which revivals of religion are exposed, and from which, we grieve to say, some of the congregations within our bounds cannot plead an entire exemption. 1. In a time of the revival of religion let it be remembered, that while all proper means are to be used to deepen and cherish serious impressions, and to awaken and alarm the sinfully secure, an undue excitement should be care- fully avoided. Here is the fruitful source to which may be traced nearly all the abuses which so often mar, and deform, and bring into disrepute the work of God, when sinners are awakened in clusters, and led to inquire with great anxiety what they must do to be saved. If instead of distinguishing 220 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. between deep, and genuine, and salytiiry convictions of sin, and the mere effusions of animal passiuns aud nervous sensibility, the latter are encouraged and stimulated, as leading to a desirable issue, the most baneful efl'ects are likely to ensue — effects, multiform in appuarance and character, but in all deplorable and pernicious. Therefore, 2. We advise, that with tenderness, but yet with unshaken firmness, all bodily agitations and noisy outcries, especially in worshipping assemblies, be discouraged, and as far as possible prevented. Inculcate the truth that every appearance of this description is a weakness, or an error, which, so far from promising anything beneficial, is likely to lead to the most disastrous results — so far from deserving to be cherished and applauded, is to be discounten- anced and deprecated, and as speedily ag may consist with Christian kindness and forbearance, entirely suppressed 3. Guard against every species of indecorum in social worship — such, par- ticularly, as is manifestly apparent, when several individuals pray, or exhort, or converse, at the same time. This is an irregularity pointedly rebuked and forbidden by the apostle Paul, in the fourteenth chapter of his first epis- tle to the Corinthians ; and his summary and repeated injunction is, " Let all things be done to edifying — Let all things be done decently and in order." But besides the particular irregularity specified, we would dissuade our brethren in the ministry, and the eldership of our Churches, from introducing or countenancing any practice in their public religious assemblies which savours df ostentation, or which may have a tendency to ulterior evils that they would themselves deprecate and seek to avoid. We designedly leave this as a general but important monition ; the application of which to particu- lar instances or cases, our brethren must judge of for themselves. 4. There may be, in a revival of religion, an excess of social meetings and exercises. That such meetings should be frequent in the time of revival, we not only admit, but recommend. Yet it ought not to be forgotten, that they may be carried to a hurtful extreme ; and such an extreme they cer- tainly reach, when they encroach, to any considerable extent, on the ordi- nary duties of life; or when they leave very little time to the thoughtful and inquiring for private meditation, self-reflection, aud examination, secret prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures, and other books of instruction, direction, and serious exhortation, which, as they have opportunity, they ought to peruse. 5. Meetings of pious women by themselves, for conversation and prayer, whenever they can conveniently be held, we entirely approve. But let not the inspired prohibitions of the great Apostle of the gentiles, as found in his epistles to the Corinthians and to Timothy, be violated. To teach and ex- hort, or to lead in prayer, in public and promiscuous assemblies, is clearly forbidden to women in the Holy Oracles. 6. Let not the settled order of Churches be disturbed. Let official Elders be respected, and in the absence of Pastors, or other authorized Min- isters of the gospel, let the Elders, or Deacons, or other Christians of standing and experience, rather than young converts, take the lead in the social exer- cises of religion. 7. Listen to no self-sent or irregular preachers, whatever may be their pretensions to knowledge, piety, and zeal. 8. Let no doctrine, inconsistent with the sacred Scriptures, as explained and summarily taught in the doctrinal standards of our Church, be pro- mulged and favoured in any of our Churches. That the word of God, con- tained in the Old and New Testaments, is the only infallible rule of laith and practice, is a sacred principle which we steadfastly maintain. But when almost every description of persons who profess any regard to Christianity, SKC. 227.] DANGERS TO BE AVOIDED IN REVIVALS. 221 are roady to declare their adherence to the same principle, it becomes indis- pensable for Christians who would walk together in the peace, and order, and comfort of the gospel, to state in what manner they understand the great truths of divine revelation. This has been done by our Church, in our Confession of Faith ;ind Catechisms; and he who teaches any doctrine plainly and palpably inconsistent with the evident meaning of these excel- lent formularies, should be regarded by Presbyterians as an errorist, whom they ought not to encourage, but to discountenance, reject, and avoid. 9. Let not apparent converts be hurried into the Church, and brought to the table of the Lord, without a careful examination ; nor, ordinarily, with- out a suitable period of probation, by which the reality of their religion may be better judged of than it can be by any sudden indications, however plau- sible. Nothing is more directly calculated to injure ultimately the cause of God and the credit of our holy religion, than urging or permitting individuals to make a public profession of religion, as soon as they have experienced some serious impressions, and flatter themselves that they have been re- newed in the temper of their minds. All experience shows that such per sons often and speedily dishonour the profession, and not unfrequently be come open apostates, and sometimes avowed infidels. We know and admit that after all possible care which the Churches can take, instances of decep tion will occur ; for it is the prerogative of God alone to search the heart But to use all proper means to preserve the purity of the Church, and save religion from reproach, is a sacred duty, incumbent on all Church oiEcers and it is a duty which, when faithfully performed, will, to a great extent secure its object — the Church will rarely be disgraced by self-deceived hypO' crites, and eventual apostates. As well might men pretend that no care should be taken to preserve their health, because disease cannot always and certainly be avoided, as that no care should be taken to preserve a sound state of the visible Church, because its members and its jMinisters do, in some instances, and in despite of all precaution, become profligates and a public scandal. Let the Church do its duty, and leave the event to God. 10. Finally — let no measures for the promotion of religious revivals bo adopted, which are not sanctioned by some example, or precept, or fair and sober inference, drawn from the word of God. This is a safe general rule, applicable to numerous particular cases, which we have neither time nor inclination to specify. Some variety of opinion will exist, and may lawful- ly and properly be indulged, in regard to the measures which are best calcu- lated to produce revivals, and to conduct them, where they exist, to a happy result. But we earnestly counsel, that for every measure contemplated, a wan-ant be carefully and impartially sought In God's unerring word. If such a warrant can be fairly made out, let the measure be adopted ; but otherwise, let it be promptly abandoned ; for it must be remembered that the Bible contains not only a safe, but a complete rule of duty. ( d ) Thus, beloved brethren, we have raised our warning voice, to caution you against certain things, by which those displays of God's special grace, v.-liich we denominate revivals of religion, may be clouded and counteracted ; ■ and the incalculable benefits which might otherwise be derived from them, n::iy be finally and irretrievably lost. Let us receive instruction from past times — let us for a moment turn away our attention from all that is now pi'.ssing in our country, to what was witnessed in the days of the celebrated evangelist Whiteficld ; and at a still later period, in the southwestern parts of our land. ( f ) In both these instances, there was certainly a most powerful and promising religious awakening ; and for a time the happiest efl"ccts were ex- 222 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK ITT. perienced. Numerous conversions of a solid and lasting character tooTc place, and many and most desirable additions were made to the Church of Christ. But through the subtilty of kSatnn, and the inflamed and misguided passions of men, doctrines were at length taught, and measures adopted — with a view, as it was loudly proclaimed, to promote and extend the revivals — which was speedily followed by the most disastrous consequences. The Holy Spirit was grieved away ; excesses which shocked all sober minds suc- ceeded ; every form of fanaticism and religious error appeared ; soon the passions, which had been raised to their highest tone, subsided into apathy and carelessness in regard to all religion ; a season of the most lamentable spiritual declension and deadness followed ; infidels multiplied, and infidelity proclaimed its triumphs ; revivals of religion were reproached and ridiculed, and a deep prejudice against them was excited and fostered, which in sume places and in many minds has not yet been removed. (/) It is, dear brethren, to prevent the recurrence of such evils as these, that, with great solicitude for your welfare, we entreat you to be on your guard. Think not that vigilance, caution, and prayer, in relation to the abuse of revivals, is superfluous. Hear, on this subject, the eminent and justly venerated President Edwards. He remarks, that in a time of revival, the chief exertions of the great adversary will be likely to be made with the friends and promoters of the work, to drive them into such excesses and extravagances as shall ruin its credit, and ultimately bring all religion into disgrace. And in this his success will be rendered the more probable, if he can first persuade such persons that they are in no danger on that side. It was " while men slept," that the enemy came and " sowed tares ;" not while they were in a state of indifierence, but while they were not watching against his devices. It is not while men are in a state of indifference that the false conversions, represented by the tares, are brought in ; but while men are asleep in a far difl"erent sense — while their passions are in such a state of excitement as blinds their minds to the danger. Then the great deceiver can work to the best advantage, both in promoting false conversions, and in leading into dangerous extremes those who are zealous promoters of the work. Such is the monitory language, of at once the most powerful defender of revivals of religion, and the ablest corrector of their abuses, which our country has ever seen. Let us hear and regard his voice, uttered as it is in concert with the voices of men the most distinguished for wisdom, piety, and prudence, from the period of the Protestant Eefcrmation to the present hour. Doing thus, and looking earnestly to our covenant-keeping God to crown our endeavours with success, it is scarcely too much to hope, that revivals of religion will spread throughout our whole land, and that their heavenly influence and lustre will continue and increase, till they mingle with the noontide splendour of the millennial day. Signed by order of the Assembly, June 1, 1832. James Hoge, Moderator. § 228. Means of promoting Revivah. A Pastoral Letter. 1849, p. 424. (a) Dear Brethren — With pious delight your fathers have often told you of the wonders which God wrought in their day, when he poured out'his spirit on Ministers and people. Yea, many of you have been eye-witnesses of his majesty and grace, in his visits to the Churches. You can remember the time when well authenticated accounts of glorious revi- vals were found in almost every number of our best religious journals. It has caused deep sorrow to lively Christians, that for several years past com- paratively few extensive and powerful revivals of religion have been reported SEC. 227.] MEANS OF PRO^MClTIXG RF.VIVALS. 223 to the Assembly. With gratitude to Grod, we aeknowlcdore that he has not utterly forsaken us, nor left us to an entirely fruitless ministry and barren ordinances ; but still the ways of Zion have mourned, and few have come to her solemn feasts. We are happy to say that for a few months past tokens for good have appeared in various quarters. Some of the Presbyteries re- port that God is with them of a truth. These mercies, so rich and so sea- sonable, have turned our attention with renewed hope to the exceeding great and precious promises of God. They recall to our minds those gra- cious chidings of our Heavenly Father — " 0 thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the Spirit of the Lord straitened ? Are these his doings ? Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? He givcth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." We doubt not that these and similar admonitions of God's word, together with some recent revivals, were designed to rebuke our unbelief, and to encourage in us the hope of more copious blessings. This is the manner of God with his people, as may be seen in many parts of Scripture. Thus he said to the Jewish Church, " I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt ; open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." Thus, too, when by examining the prophecies of Jeremiah, Daniel, then a captive in Babylon, learned that God had purposes of mercy to his people^ and was about to deliver them, he was greatly encouraged, and "set his face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fastings, and sackcloth and ashes." (/)) In like manner, we live in a time when there is much to deplore, and yet much to hope for. The very dispensation under which we live, is by inspired men called " the ministration of the Spirit." Under it the Church may well pray in hope for blessed effusions of the Holy Ghost, who is by Christ himself called '^the promise of the Father." Many large prophecies concerning the latter-day glory are now fulfilling, and others, yet more ample, must soon be fulfilled. After a long period of coldness, a renewed warmth of love, and zeal, and activity, has been granted to some. We hope it will soon be extended to many. For God has said, " I will assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted." It was specially to the gentile Church that God said, ''Thy Maker is thy husband ; the Lord of hosts is his name ; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel. For a small moment have I forsaken thee ; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee." In view of those things we now address you. (e) You will not misunderstand us as exhorting you to do anything by which a spirit of fanaticism should spread among us. Nothing is further from our wishes. A wild enthusiasm, just so far as it prevails, will mar or^ ruin the interests of vital piety. It begets the very worst state of things. It finally induces skepticism, laxity of morals, a forsaking of the house of God, and general irreligion. We therefore hope that you will do and seek nothing inconsistent with the sobriety of the gospel, the decorum of public worship, and the gravity and gentleness which the word of God everywhere enjoins. We seek to promote, not confusion, but order ; not blind and bitter, but wise and benevolent zeal. A pure revival will always be marked by " the wisdom that is from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without par- tiality, and without hypocrisy." '< The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." If the King, most Mighty, shall " ride 224 THE ORDINANCES. [BOOK III. prosperously" in the truth, it will be " because of truth and meekness and righteousness." (istle to the Romans is most precious to the saints, chiefly because it reveals the internal conflicts of that servant of God. Nor should pious conversation be confined to times of prosperity in the Chui'ch. The prophet Malachi lived in times of open wickedness and sad apostas}'. But few remained steadfast. Yet SEC. 228.] MEANS OF PROMOTING REVIVALS. 227 even then "they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a l)ook of remeuibrance was written be- fore him for them that feared the Lord, and that tliought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the ]jord, in that day when 1 make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son, that serveth him." Indeed, he who would condemn a truthful and modest recital of the dealings of God with one's soul, must not only condemn such works as Auiiustine's Confessions, Bunyan's Grace Abounding, Newton's Authentic Narrative, and Scott's Force of Truth, but also the conduct of Paul, who often declared the particulars of his conversion, and the conduct of very njany of the inspired writers also. We do, therefore, commend this matter to your serious attention. ( k ) They, who would enjoy extensive and powerful revivals of religion, must also put a high estimate upon them. The Holy Spirit, no less than the Father, or the Son, says : " Them that honour me, will I honour; and they that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed." The Holy Spirit is the sole author of genuine revivals. Would we secure his gracious presence ? Let us prize it above all earthly good. His love is better than wine. He is the true oil of gladness. Only when he, like the wind, blows on his garden, do the spices thereof flow out. Nothing that man can do, is any substitute for liis gracious presence. And no labours that man can perform, are a substi- tute for a high estimate of the value and glory of the Spirit's presence. ( /) If our estimate of such blessings be really high, it will lead to a for- saking of all that might in our judgment displease God. It will produce great heart-searchings ; it will lead us to remove every stumbling-ljlock out of the way, and to prepare the way of the Lord. Dear brethren, let us lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. Let us heal every breach of charity. The visible form in which the Holy Spirit descended on our Saviour, was that of a dove, the very em- blem of gentleness, a bird that never dwells with birds of prey, nor amidst noise and strife. Paul says, " Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption ;" and immediately adds, " Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tender- hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you." If our Churches are in a cold state, it is by reason of sin. " Your iniquities have separated between you and your God." How solemn are these words of God to his ancient Church : " I will go and return to my • place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face; in their afilic- tion they will seek me early !" Let us prove that we are his people by con- fessing and forsaking all our offences. ( m ) We suggest whether the practice of assembling the people for seve- ral consecutive days for pi-ayer, and praise, and preaching, miglit not be hap- pily revived. In some places it has been continued, and with good effect; but in others, we fear, it has fallen into general disuse. Prudence should be exercised as to the time when, and how long such meetings should be beld. That they are not novelties, is plain from the Directory for Worship, Chapter viii. § 6 A favourite method of noticing the preaching of the gos- •jud in the New Testament is that of bearing testimony. And we all know Imw mightily the power of testimony over the Innnan mind is increased by two or more agreeing witnesses; so that by the mouth of two or three wit- nesses every word is established. I'his principle of our nature was con- sulted by our Lord in sending out his apostles, and by the apostles them- seives. Under the divine blessing, on their united testimony borne to the 228 THE ORDINANCES. [bOOK III. same people, the great work of crace on and after the day of Pentecost was accomplished. (?0 We have no new expedients to commend to you. We fear all such. The Bible indicates all the means to be used. We have noticed the chief of them. We beseech you to use, with zeal and perseverance, all such means as God has appointed for reviving his work. Brethren, be not sloth- ful, but be ye filled with the Spirit. " Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." ( 0 ) The necessity of copious eflFusions of the Holy Spirit will not be questioned. In vain are all our efforts until the Spirit be poured from on high. No improvements in agriculture can render the dew and the rain unnecessary to the growth of grain. No amount of canvass will give speed to a vessel unless the wind blows. So no endeavours of man, unaided by divine influence, can save a Church from spiritual death. If we are not mis- taken, there is a loud call at this time on all of us to look away from instru- ments and means to God alone. The number of candidates for the Minis- try, though really considerable, is very small compared with the present and prospective wants of even our own country. Our country is growing at a rate that almost staggers belief. More than a million of souls were added to her population the last year ; a still larger number will probably be added this year. Many foreigners, both ignorant and superstitious, come amongst us. But many are also the excellent of the earth. Let us receive all with kindness, and seek to do them good. If God will but pour out his Spirit on the least instructed among them, they will be incalculable blessings to us. In some places, where once existed Churches famous for their piety, the things that remain are ready to die. What shall we do but go to God, with whom is the residue of the Spirit ? He has said : '^ Fear not, 0 Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground ; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring : and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. One shall say, I am the Lord's ; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob ; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname him- self by the name of Israel." '' Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing ; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an high- way shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness." The erection of Churches, the establishment of schools, the distribution of the word of God, the instruction of children, the settlement of Ministers, and even the preaching of the gospel are not ends. They are only means to an end. That end is the glory of God in the salvation of souls. This salvation will never be efi'ected without the pouring out of God's Spirit on the hearts of the people. And as in our country there are many people, and the number rapidly increasing, notwithstanding the ravages of death, it is plain that myriads must die in their sins and for ever perish, unless God's Spirit be poured out in very large measure on Ministers and people, and that speedily. (p) What a blessing such a season would be! What blessings it would bring with it ! Such times are in Scripture well called " times of refreshing." They refresh Ministers. Thoy refresh older Christians. To the young con- verts they are life from the dead. When under Philip's preaching in Sama- SEC. 228. J MEANS OF PROMOTING REVIVALS. 229 ria, many wore converted to God, '"'there was great joy in that city." It was so ill Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, and for some time after. It always has been so. It always must be so. If joy in the Holy Ghost, and a good hope throiigh grace, and seeing sinners flying as a cloud to Christ, will not make a ministry and a people truly blessed, nothing can. " 0 God of our salvation, wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee ?" " lleturn, return, 0 Shulamite ; return, return, that we may look upon thee." We beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your rea- sonable service ; and that you call upon your souls and all that is within you to awake to righteousness, and so much the more as ye see the day of delive- rance and triumph approaching. By the love ye bear to the great Redeemer and the souls of men, we pray you to shake off the spirit of slumber, wher- ever it rests. One of the burning and shining lights of the Church said in his day, " Little do we know what many a soul may now be suffering in hell through our neglect or coldness." Our opportunities to serve God in the Church below will soon be passed for ever. Soon we can pray no more, preach no more, and no more beseech sinners to be reconciled to God The time is short. The Judge standeth before the door. The night cometh when no man can work. Brethren, put on the bowels of mercy and compassion, and devote your remaining days to proper efforts to save men from the coming wrath, and thus bring glory to your Divine Redeemer, who is over all Grod blessed for ever. Nicholas Murkay, Moderator. Pittsburgh, May, 1849. 230 THE CHURCH COURTS. BOOK IV. BOOK IV. THE CHUECH COURTS CHAPTER I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES § 1. Tlie radical princ-q)les of Presbytery. "The radical principles of Presbyterian Church government and discipline, are : That (he several different Congng-ations of believers, taken collectively, constitute one Church of Christ, called emphatically the Church; that a larger part of the Church, or a repre- sentation of it, should govern a smaller, or determine matters of controversj' Yi^hich arise therein; — that in like manner a representation of the whole should govern and determine in regard to every p:irt, and to all tlie parts united ; that is, that a majority shall govtrn ; and consequently, that appeals may be carried from lower to higher judicatories, till tliey be finall}' decided by the collected wisdom and united voice of the whole Church. For these principles and this procedure, the example of the apostles, and the practice of tlie primitive Church, are considered as authority. See Acts xv. to the 29th verse ; and the proofs adduced under the three last chapters." — Form of Gov,, Chap. xii.,note. [Fortne authority of this note, see above, Book I. § 21.] § 2. Tlie moderator may not j^rorogue a stated meeting. 1708, p. 12. Ordered, by the Presbytery, that the time appointed for their meeting be in nowise prorogued for the future. 1776, p 471. The Continental Congress havinp; appointed ageneral fast to be kept on the 17th of this instant, several members from different Presbyteries applied to the Moderator, requesting hiin to give public notice for the post- poning the meeting of Synod until the fourth Wednesday of this month, in order that the Ministers might attend with their Congregations on said fast day, with which the Moderator complied; and accordingly, the Synod have now convened, and however the Synod judge and hereby declare, that the synodical Moderator has not authority, either with or without the concurrence of particular members, to alter the time of meeting to which the Synod stands adjourned, yet in the present extraordinary case they approve of what the Moderator has done. 1848, p. 36, Ersohxd, That the records of the Synod of North Carolina be approved, with the exception of the postponement of the regular meet- ing of Synod by the Moderator ; which this Assembly consider irregular. StC. 1.] GENERAL I'RI.NCIPLES. 231 § 3. ILno the change may he made. 1842, p. 16. A request from the Presbytery of Missouri, that the As- sembly will change the place of the next stated meeting of the Synod of Missouri. The committee recommend that the request be granted, and that the next stated meeting of the Synod of Missouri be held at Boonville instead of Jeft'erson City, to which place it now stands adjourned, which was adopted. [On tlie same p;ige is a similar act, changing- the stated meeting of the Synod of North CaroHna. The time or place may also be changed, by calling a pro re nata meeting for the purpose. See below, § 8. 6.] § 4. Pro re nata 7neetinr/s, tohen proper ; — hoio called. 1760, p. 305. The Synod judge, that meetings of judicatures, pro re nata., can only be necessary on account of important occurrences unknown at their last meeting, and which cannot be safely deferred till their stated meeting, such as scandal raised on a Minister's character, tending to destroy his use- fulness, and bring reproach on religion ; or feuds in a Congregation threat- ening its dissolution ; or some dangerous error, or heresy broached ; but not for matters judicially deferred by tlie judicature, except some unforeseen circumstance occurs, which makes it appear that some principal things on which the judgment depends may then be had, and cannot be obtained if it is deferred till their stated meeting; nor, for any matters that ordinarily come in at tlieir stated meetings. 1842, p. 28. [The records of the Synod of Mississippi approved,] with the exception that the Synod acknowledges the constitutionality of a meeting of the Presbytery of Clinton, that had been called by a Moderator chosen jvo tempore at a previous ^iro re nata meeting, instead of being called by the Moderator appointed at the last stated meeting of the Presbytery. 1856, p. 522. " 1. In an application to the Moderator of a Presbytery to call a pro re nata meeting of that body, is it competent for the applicants to specify a particular time and place for such meeting V " 2. If a particular time or place, or both, be specified in the application for a,. pro re nata meeting of Presbytery, has the Moderator a right, on such application, to call a meeting at a ditFerent time and place ?" The first question was answered affirmatively, the second negatively. § 5. The Churches to meet the cost of attendance on Church courts. 1781, p. 491. Whereas, the Synod is deeply afiected that the judicatures of the Church are so exceedingly neglected, both by Ministers and Elders, especially the latter, and taking this matter into serious consideration, and ai>i)rehending that one reason of this non-attendance, particularly on the sessions of Synod, arises from the Congregations making no provision for defraying the expenses of Ministers and Elders, do therefore request the Presbyteries to direct their members to recommend it to their respective Congregations to make contributions for this purpose ; and the Synod do further request, that the Presbyteries take every proper measure to excite their members to attend upon this judicature. § 6. Proceedings when there is not a Quorum. 1849, p. 248. It appears from the record, that certain members of the Synod of West Tennessee, met at Knoxville, Tennessee, Oct. 12, 1848, and constituted themselves the Synod of West Tennessee, contrary to the Form of Government, Chap. xi. Sec. 2, there being seven Ministers present, but four of them were from one Presbytery. 1st. The Assembly declare all proceedings and acts of those members of 232 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. the Synod of West Tennesse, found recorded on pp. 214—230, unconstitu- tional and invalid, except so far as relates to tlie appointment of the time and place for the* next meeting of Synod. 2d. That the Synod be directed to review, at its first regular meeting hereafter, the pi'oceedings and acts of said members of the Synod, and that they adopt or reject the same in whole, or in part, as they may see fit. od. The records not having had the sanction of the Synod of West Tennessee, this Assembly does not pronounce any further opinion upon them. [Reasserted, in the case of the Synod of Arkansas, 1856, p. 539.] 1856, p. 520. [The records of the Synod of Wisconsin approved, except that] 3. On page 23, it appears that the Synod, Oct. 13th, 1853, adjourned to meet at Neenah, the second Thursday of October, 1854. A quorum having failed to meet at that time, the members present adjourned to a diftcrent time and place ; (Madison, October 26th ;) and there is no evidence that any steps were taken to cause their Moderator to notify all the minis- ters and church Sessions of the new meeting. This is contrary to the spirit of the precedents approved by the Assembly ; (see Minutes 1796, p. 113 ;) and transcends the liberty allowed for such cases by the third general rule for Judicatories. § 7. Quorum obtained on adjournment from a pro re nata. 1849, p. 246. An overture from Lake Presbytery, inquiring whether a pro re nata meeting for an ordination, adjourned for six weeks, by two members, for want of a quorum, was unconstitutional and the ordination void. [Answered in the negative.] § 8. The stated meeting failing, the court how reassembled. (a) By the Moderator. [It being represented to the Assembly that the stated meeting- of the Synod of Phila- delphia had failed of a quorum.] 1796, p. 113. Resolved, That the Moderator of the Synod of Philadel- phia, the Rev. Dr. Robert Davidson, ought to be considered as competent to call a meeting of the same ; and that he accordingly call a meeting, to be held in the Third Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, on the fourth Wed- nesday of October next ; and that he give due notice thei*eof by a circular letter to the Moderators of the several Presbyteries composing the said Synod, whose duty it shall be to acquaint the other members. Resolved, As the opinion of the Assembly, that from the nature of the thing, two or more members of any judicatory, meeting according to ad- journment, may adjourn from day to day until a suSicient number attend for the transacting of business ; and in case a quorum should not attend within a reasonable time, that the Moderator shall be considered as compe- tent to fix any time and place he may judge proper for convening the body ; and if he be absent, that the members assembled shall represent the matter speedily to him, that he may act accordingly. ( 6 ) By a pro re nata meeting. 1849, p. 247. They are competent themselves to secure this object, by calling ajjro re nata, in order to fix the time for a regular meeting, as well as for any other specified business. ( c ) By the superior court. 1850, p. 466. Resolved, That whilst it is competent for the Moderator of the Synod, under the above circumstances, to appoint a meeting of Synod, yet that the request of the Synod be granted, and that the Synod of Mem- SEC. 6.] ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONS. 233 phis be directed to meet at the time and place stated in the overture. [See also 1840, p. 294.] (c?) [See above, §§ 6, 7.] § 9. Absentees to be called to account. 1825, p. 257. [The records of the Synod of Virginia approved, except a resolution] in which the Synod determined to discontinue the practice of calling upon their members for the reasons of their absence from its meet- ings. § 10. Members returning home without leave. 1764, p 335. Whereas, Messrs. Read, Carmichael, and Enoch Green, left the Synod last year without asking leave, the Synod cannot but disapprove of the same, and do judge that such a conduct in their members is con- trary to the design, and destructive to the very nature of such judicatures, who are always to be supposed to give leave when sufficient reasons are oft'ered. § 11. The denomination of correspondents, shoidd be recorded. 1815, p. 578. The proceedings of the Synod [of Albany] approved, with the exception of having invited several Ministers to take their seats, as cor- responding members, without describing the ecclesiastical body to which such Ministers belong. 1840, p. 296. [The records of the Synod of Illinois approved, except] — " The Rev. Messrs. James H. Dickey, Dewey, Whitney, and W. Comstock, Ministers of the Church of Jesus Christ, being present, were invited to sit as corresponding members" — the bodies to which these Ministers respect ively belong not being mentioned. CHAPTER II. OF ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONS Title 1. — the nature of commissions, § 12. What is a Commission? [A Commission is an extraordinary committee of a church court; appointed, either for some special business, or to take cojSfiiizance of sucli as may arise, during the vacations of tlic court. It differs from an ordinary committee, in that it is empowered, not only to in- nuirc and prepare business, for the action of the court; but also provisionally to come to any sucli dcterniinatrons, and enforce any such decisions, as would be within the compe- tence of tlic court itself. It differs from a court, as its decisions and determinations are merely provisional, and of force ad interim ; and must be subjected to the revision and ultimate determination of the court, by which they may be set aside and annulled ; and which alone can, by its sanction, either tacit or express, give them permanent authority. It differs from a court, further, in the fiict that from its decisions there can be no ;ipi)eal, m the technical sense of tliat word ; since an appeal supposes an inferior court, and a de- finitive sentence, neither of which licre exists. An aggrieved party may petition against the acts of the Commission ; and tin y will of necessity b-i brought up, for revision by the 30 234 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. court. But upon neither process, do the questions arise, which occur iu reviewing- the re- cords of an interior court, or licaring an appeal from its sentence, — Whetlicr the court has kept within the limits of its competence under the Constitution? Whether its acts have been wise and to edification? and Whether its sentence sliall be reversed? On the con- trary, the question upon review of the acts of a Commission, is, Whctlier tlie court will recognize as its own, the decrees provisionally passed in its name? Should this question be answered in the affirmative, tiie decisions in question arc at once vested with all the autliority of the court; if in the negative, they arc rendered null and void. A further difFerenec between a Commission and a court, appears in the fact that whatever issues may arise, or questions be decided, upon the acts of a Commission, its members sit, de- liberate, and vote, on perfect equality of right with other members of the court. When Commissions are invested with executive powers, for the purpose of carrying into effect decisions already made, or plans already devised, no revision of their acts is necessary, except to ascertain that the purpose of the appointment has been accomplished. Their acts are of force, by virtue of the prior resolution on which the creation of the Com- mission was based ; and hence they are not provisional, but finaL A Commission is sometimes described as being the court itself, acting in the person of a part of its members. This is not only contrary to the facts above stated, but is at variance with correct principles, as to the limitations of delegated powers. Wiiether we view the authority of the several church courts, as derived from the Constitution, or, more properly, as received from the Head of the Churcli, and defined in her standards, in either case the powers appropriated, are vested in specific bodies ; and neither in the Constitu- tion nor tlic word of God, is tlicre the trace of a provision, to authorize their alienation by their defined subjects to any other; much less to a body smaller, and hence presumably less capable to exercise them wisely and well. So long as Commissions are used as merely committees, vested with special powers demanded by the exigencies of the Church, and subordinate to the ultimate action of the appropriate courts, the due responsibility rests upon, and is sustained by the latter; but the attempt to endow a part of the mem- bers with the authority and prerogatives of the whole body, involves a predeterminate sanction of whatever the former may do; and justly subjerts the court to the charge of an improvident and unfaithful surrender of rights, and responsibilities, for the exercise of which an account will not be accepted at second hand, — of usurpation, in attempting to exercise one of the peculiar prerogatives of the Son of God, that of defining and erect, iug the courts by which tlie Church shall be governed ; and of oppression, in attempting to subject the consciences of God's people to decisions and a tribunal not appointed by her Head. From the mistaken idea that a Commission is in fact the court itself, an equally errone- ous inference has been drawn, — that its members must be equal to a quorum of the court. The principles already stated will make it apparent, that no such condition is theoretically essential ; and the whole history of such appointments in our Church, shows that practi- cally no regard has been paid to it. The number composing Commissions, has been de- termined by the convenience of the members, and the importance of the business. For a number of years, the quorum of the General Synod's Commission was three Ministers ; and the presence of Elders was never necessary. Members of tlie court who arc not nominated on the Commission, though present, may not sit as members of the Commis- sion, but only as correspondents, (e. g. Book V, § 126.)] ( 6 ) Scotch definitions and illustrations, " From the first introduction of the Protestant Church in 1560, both before it was es- tablished in 1567, and the Presbyterian platform was ratified in 1592, the General Assem- blies were in the constant practice of appointing Commissions or Committees, (these being convertible terms, and frequently employed as synonymous;) for a great variety of pur- poses,— to prepare business for the Assembly, — to carry on negotiations with the State, and to judge in matters remitted to them; tlieir powers being regulated by the terms of their appointment, and their proceedings being invariably subject to the review of the subsequent Assembly, unless they were empowered to decide any matter ' finally.' ****** " After the re-establishment of Presbytery in 1 690, and ftom. that period till the preserat day, the General Assemblies have almost always, before they dissolved, named Commis- sions to net in particular matters remitted to them, and to attend to the general interests of the Kirk during the interval betwixt successive Assemblies. Until a comparatively recent period, these Commissions consisted sometimes of a limited number of members selected from the roll of the Assembly which appointed it; and for a long while since the Revolution, each Synod chose a portion of their respective members, who were strictly reipiired to give attendance as members of the Commission at its four stated meetings.* * " For a considerable period, however, all the members of Assembly, witli the addition of one clergyman not a member of it, have been named in what may be called tiic general SEC. 12.] ECCLESIASTICAL CUM JJ ISSKfNS. 235 Goinmissioii, in contradistinction to special committees on the royal bounty, »tc. * * » * Perhaps a recurrence to the ibriner practice of subdividiiijj this Coiaiiiittee into several Coniniissious, sucli as a coiniiiittee for the northern and .southern, as well as tlie central districts, mifrht be expedient, as it would be more constitutional; and thus a prevalent mistake would be practically corrected, viz: that f he Commission of Assembly is of coequal authority with the Assembly itself. " There arc two prominent characteristics which discriminate the Assembly from its connnission. 1st. That tiie Commission is not one of the judicatories of th(; Cliurch es- tablished by the act of Parliament 1592, or any other statutes ; and it possesses, therefore, no original authorif}', sanctioned by the law of the land. 2dly. Every Cominission from the earliest times ol the Church, has derived its entire powers by delegation from the As- sembly; and was declared to be accountable for its actings to the subsequent Assembly. And accordingly, its register is ammully brought up to that Assembly, remitted to a com- mittee for examination; and on the report of that committee, or on the complaint of any parties aggrieved by its proceedings, these are reviewed, and approved or reversed, accord- ing to the judgment of the next Assembly." — Compendiuvi of the Laws of the Kirk of Scotland. Part 11., pp. 4.3.5, 436, 437. [We miglit here cite Scotch precedents, parallel to nearly every example which we give below, of our own Cimrch. The following case shows one point of deviation, the mem- bers of the Commission being precluded from a vote, upon the revision of its acts :] "1726, May 11. Petitions by some people of Aberdeen, by the Synod of Murray, by the Presbytery of Torres, and by the Kirk Session and heritors of Dyke, comi)l;iining of the late Commission for their transferring Mr. Ja. Chalmers from D3'ke to Aberdeen, and craving the settlement to be reversed." " Maij 12. The Commission's book approved — reserving what relates to ]\Ir. Chalmers's settlement." " May 14. The question about the late Commission's proceedings in planting of Aber- deen, being again moved in order to a determination ; a brother who was not only a member of the Commission, but by the Commission's appointnnint, executed their sen- tence in this cause, was removed with the other parties, though he was not present in the ('onimis.^^ion at any diet whenever this matter was transacted ; and then the Assembly did by a vote disapprove of the Commission's proceedings in the settlement of Mr. Chalmers at Aberdeen, upon these grounds — that they acted disagreeably to the injunctions of the last Assembly, particularly in not having due regard unto the inclinations of the neople, and because of their too great ])recipitancy in proceeding to a sentence, when the time fixed for the meeting of this Assembly was so near ; but by another vote they refused to rescind the Commission's sentence, settling Mr. Chalmers at Aberdeen, or to loose his relation to his charge in that town." — Ibid. p. 446. [The following more recent decision corresponds with our own practice.] "1813, May 28. Upon a complaint by Mr. Alexander Davie, against a judgment of the Commission of the General Assembly, in connection with a variety of complicated proceedijjgs, the vote being called for, an objection was made to those members of the Assembly voting upon this point, who had been numibers of last General Assembly, and consequently were members of the Commission, and were present when the Commission gave judgment in the appeal of Mr. Davie. The Assembly unanimously agreed to over- rule the objection, and to call for the votes of all who are members of the present Assem- bly, whether they were members of the Connnission or not. The Assembly then agreed that the state of the vote shall be, Dismiss? or Sustain? and the roll being called, and votes marked, it carried by a great majority. Dismiss; and therefore tiie Assembly dis- missed the said complaint; inasmuch as the Assembly judge the Commission have not exceeded their powers." — Ibid. p. 611. [An illustration of the power of the Assembly to annul action of the Commission oc- curs in the following act.] " 1734, May 10. Resumed consideration of the complaint of the parishioners of Auch- tcrmuchty and Presbytery of Coupar against the Commission, concerning the settlement of Mr. Matthew Moncrief, probationer, as Minister of Aueiitermuchty ; and found that the Commission had exceeded their powers, and therefore reversed the said settlement." — Ibid, p. 452. ( c ) Practice of the Waldenscs. " As there is considerable expense in getting from the government the necessary permit to hold a Synod, and sometimes this permit is withheld entirely for a time ; the Walden- scs have delegated the executive powers of the Synod to a sort of conunittee ud interim, called the Board or Table. This conunittee consists of the INIoderator, the assistant Mod- erator, the Secretiry, and two Elders elected by the Synod. They carry into effect the decisions of the Synod in the intervals of its meetings; superintend the Churches and Schools, including the conduct of both Pastors and teachers ; carry on tlie foreign and 236 THE cnuRCFi COURTS. [book IV domestic correspondence ; cioosc the deputations to foreign countries ; suspend unworthy Pastors and Sclioolniastcrs ; examine and ord;iin candidates for the ministry ; superintend the young men who arc studying for tlic ministry ; settle diificulties between Ministers and their Congregations, &,c." — " The Wnldcnses," by the Board of Publication, p. 374. [When the Synod meets, tlie first business is to hear and decide upon the report of this Commission.] Title 2. — commissions of the general synod. S 13. Commissions to license, ordain, &c. {a) Commissions to ordain, 1708, p. 11. Ordered hy (lie Presbytery, That upon the desire of Mr. Smith and the people of Cohanzy, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Andrews, and Mr. Boyd, shall wait upon them at Cohanzy, in order to his ordination, and the people are to present them a call to the said Mr. Smith. The trials appointed by the Presbytery to Mr. Smith, — An fides solum justificet, for sermon, John vi. 37, last part of the verse. Mr. Andrews to be Moderator, and the people are to give three weeks' advertisement. [Other instances occur, in the Minutes, 171.3, p. 34; 1714, p. 36; 1715, p. 39 ; 1716, pp. 44, 45 ; 1718, p. 52 ; and above. Book II. § 55.] {b) A Commission to license a Candidate. 1710, p. 18. Agreed, That the most proper method for advancing David Evan in necessary literature to prepare him for the work of the ministry is, that he lay aside all other business for a twelve month, and apply himself closely to learning and study, under the direction of Mr. Andrews, and with the assistance of Mr. Wilson and Anderson, and that it be left to the dis- cretion of the said Ministers when to put said Evan on trials, and license him publicly to teach or preach. [c) A Commission to translate a Pastor. 1717, p. 49. This day, a call from the Prer^ yterian Congregation of New York, being given in to the members of the Presbytery of New Castle, in order to be presented to Mr. James Anderson ; after they had considered of the same, together with Mr. Anderson's reasons for refusal, did refer the whole affair to the Synod. The Synod, taking into consideration the above said business. Ordered, that a Committee of their number be appointed to receive and audit the reasons of the people of New Castle, if they have any to offer, against the removal of Mr. Anderson to New York, or any other place ; and that the said Committee do fully determine in that affair. Which Committee is to consist of Messrs. McNish, Gillespie, Wotherspoon, Evans, Pumry, and Thomson, and to meet on Tuesday next, at 10 o'clock in the morning at New Castle, and that there be a letter writ to the people of New Castle by Masters Jones, Pumry, and Bradner, and to bring it against the next se- derunt. 1718, p. 51. The Committee reported the case concerning Mr. Anderson, viz : that they transported him from New Castle to New York, having had power lodged in them by the Synod to determine that affair. [See the similar case of Mr. Bostwick, in the Minutes, (N. Y.,) 1755, p. 267.] (^d) A Commission to continue or remove a suspension. V12,2, p. 73. The above-mentioned question relating to the suspension or non-suspension of Mr. Hook, being proposed, it was, by a great majority of votes, carried in the affirmative. It being again questioned, whether his sus- feKC. 12.] ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONS. 237 ptiisiou should be limited or indefinite, it was by a majority of votes car- ried indefinite. Upon the whole, the Synod have appointed, that Mr. Daniel McGill, Mr. Jedcdiah Andrews, Mr. James Morgan, and Mr. Kobert Cross, do meet at Fairfield meeting-house upon the third Thursday of October next ensu- ing, and then and there they or any one of them, have power to take oif the suspension, if no sufficient reason to the contrary appears. And further; it is ordered, that one of the said Ministei's do preach at the said meeting- house, and also, that the said Ministers do publicly read a full extract of the Synod's minutes relating to Mr. Hook, and that Mr. Hook make his public acknowledgment viva voce or in writing, as he thinks fit, in order to his being absolved as aforesaid. [See similar cases in the Minutes, 1723, p. 76 : 1738, p. 137.] {e) A Commission to release a Pastor. 1753, p. 210. The Presbytery of New Castle applied to the Synod, that whereas Mr. Hector Alison had laid certain grievances before them, and sued for a dismission from his pastoral charge, and as the affair appeared to be of great importance, and required a final decision at their next meeting, humbly requests that the Synod would join some members out of the other Presbyteries with them, to judge of that affiiir; and that said Presbytery, with such members, be appointed to act as a Commission of the Synod, and in that capacity judge that affiiir. The Synod granted said request. § 14. An extraordinary/ Commission. 1718, p. 55. The Synod being informed that there is a probability of Mr. McNish, his going to Britain upon some important business, and con- sidering that he may do some service to the common interests of religion in these parts of the world; that he may the better succeed in his endeavours to serve that design, the Synod thinks fit that he be enabled by the Synod, with proper recommendations from them. The Synod, therefore, for his encouraging in so good a design and undertaking, do appoint for a Commit- tee of the Synod, Masters Jones, Andrews, Anderson, Dickinson, and Pier- son, with as many others as can attend, to meet at Woodbridge, at such a time as the above said Mr. McNish shall appoint, he giving the said mem- bers a month's notice; giving them full power to concert all such proper methods and ways, to enable Mr. IMcNish to undertake and act for us and in our name, and to the general good of religion as they shall judge fitting. It is also appointed that the said Committee do furnish the said jMr. McNish with proper credentials, and all such instructions as they shall think fit for answering the end aforesaid. 1719, p. 55. The business with respect to Mr. McNish his goino- to Britain, mentioned in the last year's minutes, was dropped. § 15. Committees of Pacification. (a) A Commission to settle difficulties in Newark. 1726, p. 85. Mr. Webb giving account of some difficulties in his Congre- gation, which he hoped might be healed by a Committee appointed by the Synod, it was (in compliance with his desire) ordered, that Messrs. Morcan, Anderson, Cross, I'ierson, Gelstoii, Jonathan Dickinson, and Andrews, should be the said Committee, and meet at Newark on tlie fourth Wednesday of Octo- ber next, to act with the full power of the Synod in all matters that may be laid before them, with respect to that Congregation, and bring an account of what they do to the next Synod. 238 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. 1727, p. 8G. The transactions of the Committee last year appointed to meet at Newark were brought in and approved. [See similar case, Minutes, 1739, p. 145.] {h) A Commission to settle difficulties in Neiv York. [See Book VI. § 7.] "A^w ForA:, November 1.5, 1727. "According to the appointment of the Synod of Philadelphia, the Committee for the affair of the Presbyterian CongrP;ration at New York, convened at New York the time above mentioned, uhi jwst j^reces sederunt Messrs. Morg-an, Pierson, Webb, and Jojiathan Dickinson. Mr. Pierson chosen Moderator, and Mr. Dickinson clerk. " Mr. Webb having-, at the Synod last sitting at Philadelpliia, signed a protestation, and withal declared his purpose to join no more with the Synod ; he does now, before this Committee, retract that his declaration of withdrawal from the Synod, and declare his future pur|)ose of continuing a member of, and joining with the Synod. Adjourned till five o'clock, pnat merid. . . . • . "The Committee having used their endeavours to procure a reconciliation between Dr. Nicoll and blasters liiddlc, Blake, and Ingliss, and to have the differences between them relating to the Presbyterian Church at New York amicably healed, have the satisfaction and comfort of their coming now into an happy agreement on these following terms. . " Mr. Pemberton appearing before this Conmiittee and desiring admission, as a member of the Synod of Philadelphia, promised, upon such admission, all subjection to the said Synod in the Lord ; the Committee can see no reason why such admission should be re- fused or delayed, and do therefore admit him as a member of the said Synod. " The Committee having received a letter from the Commission of the General Asscm- bly of the Church of Scotland, wrote an answer thereunto, representing thereby the present state of the Congregation of New York, and then concluded." — Blinutes, 1728, p. 89. ( c ) Some of these proceedings disalloived by the Synod. 1728, p. 90. The Committee appointed last Synod to meet at New York, in order to inspect into the affairs of that Congregation, as also to consult about Mr. Peuiberton's admission as a member of the Synod ; having pro- duced their minutes, and the said minutes being read and considered, the fol- lowing questions were proposed to the vote of the Synod : 1. Whether the Committee had authority from the Synod, to consider the admission of Mr. Pemberton as a member of the Synod, without previously considering what the Presbytery of Long Island had to offer, in that affair? Carried in the negative by a great majority. 2. Whether the Synod approve of the conduct of the Committee, with rela- tion to the divisions'of the said Congregation ? Carried in the affirmative, ti nn ine covtradicente. 3. Whether Mr. Pemberton be allowed as a member of this Synod, by vir- tue of what the Committee has done? Carried in the negative. 4. Whether, notwithstanding of all the irregularity that was in the acces- sion of Mr. Pemberton to New York, the Synod do now accept him as a mem- ber? Carried in the affirmative, ?(em('He contradicentc. And it is left to Mr. Pemberton and the Congregation, to join what Presbytery they shall see fit. {d) A Commission on difficulties at Bedford. 1768, p. 338. A supplication was also brought in and read, from Bedford, in West Chester county, praying that a Committee of this Synod may be appointed to meet at said place, to settle all differences in the Congrega- tion; and after due deliberation, the Synod do appoint the following gentle- men to be a Committee of this Synod to meet at Bedford the last Wed- nesday of August, to hear all affairs relative to both the above petitions, and finally settle all differences, viz : Messrs. John Ptodgers, Caldwell, Mc^Vhor- ter, Willliara Tennent, Lewis, Mills, Close, Kerr, Reeve, Jones, Hait, and Joseph Treat. SEC. 15.] ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONS. 239 (e) Some of its acts reversed. 17G9, p. 392. The Committee appointed to meet at Bedford, report, they accordingly met; and theinninutes beinp;. produced were read, and the Synod approve of what they did, except that part of their judgment which disunited .^Ir. Sacket from the Presbytery of Dutchess, and annexed him to the Presby- tery of New York ; the propriety of which being debated, the question was put, Approve, or not ? Which was carried in the negative, by a great majority • and jVIr. Sacket is therefore returned to the Pre&bytery of Dutchess county. [See simihir Commissions appointed by the Synod of New York, to settle diffi culties in Churches. — Minutes, 1752, p. 250, and 1753, p. 255.] § 16. A Commission of the General Si/nod of JVeiv York. 1752, p. 248 A reference from the Presbytery of New York concerning some matters of difierence among the members of the Presbyterian Congre- gation of New I'ork, which were laid before said Presbytery, was brought into the Synod ; and after hearing many things in relation thereto, the Synod deferred the further examination thereof till the next sederunt. p. 249. The aflfair of New Y^ork, referred to the Synod as before mentioned, and heard at length, re-assumed in order to a judgment, and the Synod having ' seriously and deliberately considered the sundry articles of debate and com- plaint laid before them, came to the following conclusions : 1. That the building, ground, &c., conveyed by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to the Presbyterian society in New York, belong to the Presbyterians without distinction of name or nation, who conform to the general plan of the Church of Scotland, as practised by the Synod of New York. 2 That it is not inconsistent with the Presbyterian plan of government, nor the institution of our Lord Jesus Christ, that trustees, or a committee chosen by the Congregation, should have the disposal and application of the public money raised by said Congregation, to the uses for which it is design- ed ; provided that they leave in the hands and to the management of the Deacons, what is collected for the Lord's table and the poor ; and that Min- isters of the gospel, by virtue of their office, have no right to sit with, or pre- side over such trustees or committees. 3. That it appears to the Synod that the trustees of said Church have faith- fully discharged the trust reposed in them with respect to its temporalities, much to its advantage. 4. That as to the articles of complaint brought against Mr. Cumming, it appears to the Synod, that he has been necessarily hindered from performing his part in public service, by his low state of health ; but they judge it his duty to discharge it according to his call, when his health will admit; and when he is disabled, he should desire 3Ir. Peinberton to officiate in his room. That his insisting on a right to sit with the Trustees in their conventions about the temporal affairs of the Congregation, was not a violation of his ordi- nation vows, which respect only the work of the ministry; although they judge he acted imprudently in so doing. That he is to be commended for insisting on persons praying in their families, who present their children to baptism ; but inasmuch as it appears expedient, that the same form of covenanting should be used in the same Church, the Synod do, therefore, recommend it to Mr. Pemberton and Mr. Cumming, to consult with the Committee here- after to be mentioned about a form that they can both agree in. 5. That the said Church proceed, as soon as may be, to the choice of Elders, to join with their Ministers in the government and discipline of the Church; and that the Committee hereafter to be appointed do nominate the persons to be chosen, and determine the number. 240 THE CHURCH COURTS. [bOOK IV. 6. That as to the methods taken to introduce a new version of the Psalms in the public worship, the Synod judge it to be disorderly, and always to be discountenanced, when the parties in matters of debate in a Church do carry about private subscriptions. 7. That as to the introduction of a new version of Psalms, the Synod hath not light at present to determine ; but do empower the Committee to recom- mend Dr. Watts's version, if upon observation of circumstances they think it proper. And the Synod do appoint the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Davis, Samuel Finly, and Charles Beatty, to be a Committee to go immediately to New York, and direct and assist the Presbyterian Congregation of New York in such affairs as may contribute to their peace and edification. Report of this Commission. 1753, p. 252. The Committee appointed by the last Synod to go to New York, to direct and assist the Presbyterian Congregation in affairs relating to their peace and edification, make report of their compliance with said appoint- ment. The minutes of their proceedings being laid before the Synod, are approved, and are as follows, viz : Nero York, October 2d, 1752. " The Committee appointed by the Synod to direct and assist the Presby- terian Congregation of New York in such affairs as contribute to their peace and satisfaction, met, uM post preces sederunt, Me.s.srs. Samuel Finly, Charles Beatty, and Samuel Davis. Mr. Finly was chosen Moderator, and Mr. Davis clerk. " Ordered, That the minutes of the Synod, containing their conclusions concerning the affair referred unto them by the Presbytery, be read. " The (!omnnttee, after the best inquiry they could make into the circum- stances of the Congregation, do conclude that but two persons should at pre- sent be chosen to sustain the ofiice of Elders, and that Messrs. David Van- horn, and Israel Horsfield, are proper persons for that purpose, and they do accordingly nominate the said persons to that office ; and give public notice, that if any of the members of said Congregation have any sufficient objections against either of them, they would bring them into the Committee in the afternoon. '' Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer " Tliree of the cloch, P. M. Post jjreces sederunt qui sujyra. " Ordered, The minutes of the last sederunt be read. " Messrs. Vanhorn and Horsfield being spoken unto by the Committee, and the peculiar exigency of the case being represented unto them, they consented to accept of the office for which they are nominated ; and the Congregation brought in no objections against them, but signified their consent by holding up their hands. " The Committee, after careful inquiry and deliberation, do conclude, from the best views of the present disposition of affairs they can attain, that it is not expedient at present, judicially to recommend a change of the version of Psalms, lest the animosities in the Congregation should be more inflamed ; but they most earnestly recommend moderation, forbearance, and condescension, to both parties; till such times as by the use of proper measures, they shall come to an agreement among themselves. Concluded with prayer." § 17. Judicial Commissions. 1731, p. 101. The affair between Mr. Bradner and Samuel Neal was re- sumed, and after long reasoning upon it, the Synod came to this conclusion : SEC IG.] ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONS. 241 That notwithstiinditif!:; a former minute of tlie Synod, whereby that affair was determined as thiiiiis then appeared, yet they have, for sundry good reasons, judged it expedient, that there be a hearing of that matter again upon the spot; and therefore appointed a Committee of the Synod to go to Goshen with tlie full power of tlie Synod to hear and determine that business. The persons appointed for said Committee are Mr. Andrews, Mr. Cross, Mr. Dick- inson, Mr. Pierson, Mr. Webb, Mr. Pumry, and Mr. Pemberton, or any three of them, though it is expected they will all use their diligence to go. The time of meeting to be the third Wednesday of May next. 1735, p. 121. A supplication being brought into the Synod by John Boy(J, by way of an appeal from the Presbytery of Donegal, in a complaint against Samuel Jack ; the Synod do commit it to Messrs. Andrews, Treat, David Evans, Gillespie, Houston, and Thomas Evans to go to the Upper Octarara the last Tuesday of October, and consider and determine of the business, and that any three of these be a quorum; and it is recommended to the Ministers to take Elders with them if they can. [See like appointments, 1761, p. 312; 1764, p. 340; 1765, p. 348; 1766, p. 360.] § 18. The Judicial proceedings reviewed in Synod. 1762, p. 320. An appeal from a judgment of the Presbytery of Donegal by a certain Elizabeth McClelland, was laid before the Synod. An appeal from the judgment of the Presbytery of Donegal, respecting a certain per- son offered as an evidence, was brought in by a member of that Presbytery. [Upon these appeals a Committee was appointed] to meet at Chestnut Level, the first Wednesday of September, at ten o'clock, A. M., and that they shall have full liberty to consider the case fully, and determine as they shall obtain light; and that seven be a quorum. 1763, p. 325. The Committee met at Chestnut Level, according to ap- pointment, and their minutes were read, as also the minutes of Donegal Pres- bytery respecting the affair which the Committee were to consider. p. 326. The affiiir depending between some of the Presbytery of Donegal, and the Committee of the Synod that met at Chestnut Level, came under consideration; and after much time spent in debating the first report of the Committee respecting the evidence given by Margaret McClelland, it was put to the vote, Whether the Synod do approve of the judgment of the Committee, or not? And it was carried. Approved, by a great majority. The article relating to Agnes McKnight, who was not allowed by the Com- mittee to give her evidence, was considered, and voted. Approve the conduct of the Committee, or not? And there were ten nonliquets; but the Commit- tee's judgment was disapproved, by a great majority. p. 328. The Synod proceeded to consider the affair of the Committee, and the appeal of some members of the Presbytery of Donegal from their judg- ment; and after mature consideration thereof, they agreed, ?? em wie contmdi- cente, in the following judgment: 1. That the Committee had a proper right and authority, to hear and try the case between Elizabeth McClelland and Mr. Sampson Smith, so far as the Presbytery had closed their judgment thereupon. . 2. The Synod judge that the Committee justly disapproved the conduct of the Presbytery in the manner of taking evidences by question and answer, respecting the affair of Tuesday night; judging that every proper method should be taken to bring out the whole truth in the matter depending; which sometimes can best be done by way of narrative, and by requiring tlie witnesses to tell the whole truth in relation thereto, as well as nothing but the truth. 31 L'42 THE CHURCH COURTS. [bOOK IV. • 3. That the Synod do approve the judgment of the Committee with respect to Jean Kichey's being admitted as an evidence. ^ 4. That as to the judgment of the Committee with respect to William Richey and Mrs. Thoms, the Synod do not determine anything positively concerning them ; but refer the decision thereof to the Committee to be ap- pointed to sit on the whole afiair. 5. Therefoi"e the Synod do re-appoint the same members to be a Commit- tee, who met last year in Chestnut Level, with full power and authority to begin and examine the whole affair between Mr. Smith and Elizabeth Mc- Clelland, de notx), and issue and determine the same as they think proper; provided, always, that they reject not such evidences upon such grounds as the Synod have judged insufficient, and provided also they do not enter on the consideration of any particular instances of charge not yet specified. But this proviso is by no means to restrict the Committee from receiving and admitting any new evidence offered for the support of the particular instances of the charge already brought, or in point of defence. And the Synod do appoint said Committee to meet at Little Britain meeting-house, at ten o'clock, A. M., the last Wednesday of July next, for this purpose; that six be a quorum j and that the clerk give the parties notice of the matter to be issued, with the time and place of meeting, and summonses for the evidences. 1764, p. 338. The Committee appointed to meet at Little Britain to try the appeals from the judgment of Donegal Presbytery, with respect to Messrs. Sampson Smith and William Edmiston, report that they met and formed the following judgment. The further consideration of it deferred till next sederunt. p. 339. After mature deliberation, though we do not doubt the Committee acted with the utmost integrity, nevertheless, we judge the censure they in- flicted on Mr. Sampson Smith was not adequate to the crimes stated in their judgment. [The judgment is not recorded.] § 19. Standing Commissions of tJie General Synods. 1720, p. 64. Overtured, That a Commission of the Synod be appointed to act in the name, and with the whole authority of the Synod, in all affairs that shall come before them; and particularly that the whole affair of the fund be left to their conduct; and that they be accountable to the Synod. Which overture was approved by the Synod. Masters Jones, Andrews, McNi.sh, Anderson, Dickinson, and Evans, appointed for said Commission; any three whereof to be a quorum. 1721, p. 65. Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Synod do bring in an account to-morrow morning of what they have done in the Synod's name, since last meeting. 1722, p. 74. The Commission of the Synod appointed last year, continued with the same powers until the next Synod. The review of the minutes of this present Synod, and all the affairs of the fund, with whatever emergen- cies may occur, referred to the said Commission. 1739, p. 144. Messrs. Andrews, Thomson, Gillespie, Dickinson, Pember- ton, Pierson, Robert Cross, Thomas Evans, Boyd, Treat, Gilbert Tennent, Martin, and the Moderator, appointed to be the Commission of the Synod for the year ensuing; and that they endeavour to have Elders with them if they have occasion to meet; and that any five of the Ministers above men- tioned be a quorum. [From 1720, a Commission was, with few exceptions, annually appointed, and its pro- ceeding-K tlic next year revised. The quorum was three, for fitleen years; it then rose to five or six; and after 17.59, fluetuated between that number and twenty-two. At the first meeting- of the Synod of New York, " Messrs. Pierson, Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Burr, Samuel Blair, Finley, Pemberton, and the Moderator, are ap- SEC. 18.] ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONS. 243 pointed to be a Commission of tlie S3'nod fljr the ensuing year." — Minutes, 174.'), p. 234. A Commission was annually iippoiutetl, until tlie re-union with the Synod of Philadel- phia. The quorum is never stated.] § 20. Revision of the. jj^'occedings of the Commission. 1770, p. 401. The Commission of the Synod for the last year reported tliat they had met, and they laid before the Synod the minutes of their pro- ceedings. After the reading of said minutes, Mr. Montgomery, one of the members of the Commission who dissented from their first judgment, prayed leave to bring in his complaint against said judgment; which, after mature consideration, was carried in the negative. p. 40G. The Synod proceeded to consider the report of the Commission of the Synod. Mr. Ewing brought in a complaint against the judgment of the said Commission which was in part debated, and the further consideration of it was defeiTcd until to-morrow morning. Mr. Ewing complains against the Commission, that they received charges against him, which were vague and indeterminate. The Synod agrees that these charges are rather deficient in point of specialty; but are of opinion that the Commission acted with prudence and integrity in receiving said charges, inasmuch as they endeavoured to reduce them to a spe- cialty, and as Mr. Ewing submitted so far as to plead to them, and as the particular circumstances of the First and Third l^resbyterian Congregations in Philadelphia were viewed by them as so critical as in their judgment required an immediate discussion of the affair. Yet the Synod orders, that all their judicatures shall, for the future, be particularly careful not to re- ceive or judge of any charges, but such as shall be seasonably reduced to a specialty in the complaint laid before them. p. 407. The first clause of the judgment of the Commission, which is in the following words : — " That Mr. Ewing has, to several persons, called Mr. Eakin a liar, a dirty liar, or some such opprobrious terms ; that he did this without being able to assign a sufficient reason for the same," — was ma- turely considered, and after a careful examination of all the eviflence laid before us, the Synod concludes that there was sufficient foundation for this first clause in the Commission's judgment; and therefore they approve the same. The second clause in the aforesaid judgment, which is as follows : — "That he has shown in this matter so much untenderness towards the truth, as to give too much ground to impeach his veracity ;" — was also maturely con- sidered, and all the evidence laid before us duly weighed ; and upon the whole it does not appear to the Synod, that there is sufficient reason to im- peach Mr. Ewing's veracity. Therefore this clause of the judgment is not approved. The third clause in the aforesaid judgment, which is in the following words : — " That he has shown a degree of resentment, which the Commis- sion highly disapprove ;"^-was also duly considered, and approved. And therefore. alth(jugh there does not appear sufficient reason to impeach Mr. Kwing's veracity, yet it is the unanimous judgment of this Synod, that Mr. Ewing has, by his unchristian treatment of Mr. Eakin, and the resentment he has shown in this affair, merited the censure of this body, and they ap- point the Moderator to admonish him iVum the chair. p. 408. I'he gentlemen of the Commission and Mr. Ewing were called in, and the judgment of the Synod respecting Mr. Ewing's complaint was read to them. All concerned ac(|uiesced in the judgment, except I\Ir. Ewing; and he is allowed time, till the beginning of next Hcderunf, to deliberate on this affair. [Mr. Ewing submitted, and was admonished accordingly. For similar revisions, see Minutes, 17o5, p. 113; 1730, p. 124.] 244 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. § 21. Nature of tliis Commission defined. 1774, p. 452. It was moved and seconded, and came to be considered, Whether a Commission of Synod should be appointed, and their powers de- fined; or the practice of appointing a Commission discontinued? And after reasoning thereon, the Ilev. Messrs. Treat, Pr. Rodgers, McWhorter, Hunter, and John^ Miller, were appointed a committee to prepare an overture to be hiid before the Synod next Monday morning, ascertaining the powers of the Commission in case it should be continued. p. 459. A member of the committee appointed to prepare an overture respecting a Commission of Synod, brought in a draught, which being read- and amended, was put to vote and carried by a large majority; and is as follows : Whereas^ there have arisen doubts in the minds of some members re- specting the utility and powers of what is called by us The Commission, the Synod proceeded to take this matter into consideration ; and after due deliberation, in order to remove any scruples upon this head, and prevent all future difficulties in this matter, do determine, that the Commission shall continue and meet, whensoever called by the Moderator, at the request of the first nine on the roll of the Commission, or a major part of the first nine Ministers ; and when met, that it shall be invested with all the powers of the Synod, to sit by their own adjournments from time to time ; and let it also be duly attended to, that there can lie no appeal from the judgment of the Commission, as there can be none from the judgment of the Synod ; but there may be a review of their proceedings and judgments by the Synod ; and whensoever this is done, those who were members of the Commission shall be present, and assist in forming all such judgments as the Synod may think proper to make, upon any such review. Title 3. — commissions under the present constitution. § 22. Commissions of Presbytery. [On the 10th of November, 1785, the Rev. Messrs. David Rice, Edward Crawford, and Charles Cumming-, met in Danville, Kentucky, as a Commission sent by the Presby- tery of Hanover, in Virginia, and ordained to the work of the ministry Messrs. James Crawford and Terah Templin.] — Bishop's Memoir of the Rev. David Rice, p. 159. [Some gross disorders and fanatical extravagancies having broke out in the Churches of Knob Creek and Long Creek, North Carolina, in connection with the great revival in 1804, the Presbytery of Orange sent the Rev. Messrs. S. C. Caldwell, John M. Wilson, and Humphrey Hunter, with Elders, John McNitt Alexander, Thomas Harris, Jacob Alex- ander, Isaac Alexander, Hugh Parks, and Robert Stephenson, as a Commission to visit the Churches, and correct their disorders. They Ibund laymen, under pretence of inspira- tion, claiming to administer the sacraments, and perform the other functions of the minis- try, justified in the disorder by a divine impulse. Numbers were suspended by the Com- mission, and the Churches were ultimately reclaimed.] — See Foote's iV. C, p. 465. Refusal to condemji Preshijterial Commissions. [The Presbyteries of "Winchester and Lexington having been censured by the Synod of Virginia, for appointing Commissions in certain cases, the Assembly in reviewing the records of the Synod adopted the following resolution :] 1846, p. 210. Resolved, That the records of the Synod of Virginia be approved ; while in so doing the Assembly would be understood, as expres- sing no opinion, on the question, decided by the Synod, in reference to the authority of the Presbyteries of Winchester and Lexington, to appoint Com- missions, in the cases alluded to in the records of the Synod. p. 216. The following resolution was ofi"ered, and referred to a committee, consisting of Drs. Hodge, Lindsley, Musgrave, McFarland, and McDowell, to report to the next Assembly : SEC 21.] ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSIONS. 245 '^Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, it is contrary to the Constitution, and uniform ]inictice of the Pre.-^b) terian Church in the United States, for any ecclesiastical judicatory to appoint a Commission, to determine judicially any case whatever." [Tlie report of tins committee, presented next year, concluded as follows :] " In view therefore, of the original rights of our judicatories, of the long-continued practice of the Church, and of the great value of the right, on due occasions, of acting by Commissions, the hope is respectfully expressed, that the Assembly may do nothing, which may have the effect of calling that right in question." — Princeton Review, 1847, p. 407. 1847, p. 384. The original resolution recommended by the committee on the subject of the power of ecclesiastical bodies to appoint judicial Commis- sions, was laid on the table to take up the following, viz : " Jiesolved, That the resolution declaring it to be ' contrary to the Consti- tution, and uniform practice of the I'resbyteriau Church in the United States, for any ecclesiastical judicatory to appoint a Commission, to determine judi- cially any case whatever,' referred by the last Assembly to this Assembly, be indefinitely postponed." After some discussion, the whole subject was indefinitely postponed. § 23. Standing Commissions of the Synods of Virginia and Fittshnryli. [At the second meeting of the Synod of Virginia, a Standing Commission of Synod was appointed, for the management of the whole business of missions. As the Synod grew larger, a second Commission was erected, west of the mountains, and within the region which, upon a division of the Synod, was assigned to the Synod of Pittsburgh, By the Synod of Pittsburgh this Commission was continued ; and under the style of The Board of Trust for Missions, became its agency of operation, in conducting its home and Indian missions. These Commissions were recognized by the Assembly ; and rei)orts of their operations annually required. — Foote's Virginia, p. 525 ; 3Iinutes of the Synod of Pittsburgh, p. 11. See below, Book V, §§ 46-51, 65.] § 24. A judicial Commission of the Synod of Virginia. 1789. [The Presbytery of Redstone, in the process of investigating some difficulties in the church in Pittsburgh, determined, as to the pastor, the Rev. Sanmel Barr,] " that he ought not to exercise any part of the ministerial office, until the mind of our Synod is known in the case ; to whom we do defer the ultimate determination of the matter." [In the Synod of Virginia, met at Lexington, Va., Oct. 22, 17.98, the case coming under consideration, it was resolved] "To refer the consideration of the whole affair, de novo, to the Rev. Messrs. James Power, Thaddeus Dod, James Dunlap, Edward Crawford, John Montgomery, and Moses Hoge; and Col. Robert White, Elder, or any three of the whole number, as a Committee of Synod ; and the Synod recommend it to said Committee to be as careful as possible, with regard to the nature of the evidence which they admit upon that occasion — that no appearance of prejudice or party spirit may exist in the decision. The Committee is appointed to meet at Pittsburgh, on the fourth Tuesday of November next. Mr. Birr is directed to give notice," &,c. [In the Synod, met at Winchester, Sept. 30, 1790,] " Ordered, That the Committee of Synod, appointed to meet at Pittsburgh, the 25th of November last, now make their re- port. Upon which the minutes of tiie Connnittee were read, which are as follows: " Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1789. The Committee of the Synod of Virginia, having been prevented from meeting yesterday, agreeably to the appointnient of Synod, because of the badness of tiie roads, and the inclemency of the weather, met this morning at the house of Mr. David Waters, at 10 o'clock. Present — the Rev. Messrs. Thaddeus Dod, Edward Crawford, John Montgomery. Absent — the Rev. Messrs. James Powers, James Duiilap, and Moses Iloge ; and Robert White, Elder. The Committee was consti- tuted with prayer. The Rev. Mr. Dod was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Montgomery, Clerk." [After hearing the evidence] " The Committee finding that the members who composed t!ie Presbytery, which formerly sat on Mr. Barr's trial, did not attend, and it not appear- ing to the snid Committee whether or not tliey consider themselves ns having legal notice; and fmding that Mr. B:irr's former prosecutors did not wish to appear in any form against liim in the trial, the Committee then proceedt-d to attend to the paj)ers produced by Mr Barr, duly attested, and a number of personal evidences, .w^hicli tended to give light on the subject; and having compared these with the minutes of the Presbytery which sat :^46 THE CHURCH courts. [book IV. upon his former trial, and finding" matters to stand in a different view; therefore the Com- iiiittfie determined that tiie cliurfres exiiibited by the Session and Trustees of tlie Pitts- hur|rh Congrcijation, against Mr. Barr, are ichoUij unsupported ; and that he be consid- ered in full and regular standing in tlie Chureh." "The Synod accepted the report of tlie Committee, as now amended, and consider Mr. Barr in regular standing in the Churcli." — Minutes of Synod, in Smith's Old Redstone, p. 381. § 25. Standing Commission of the Sijnod of the Carolinas. 1711. " L'csoh'ed, That the following Ministers and Elders be a Standing Commission of Synod [of the Carolinas ;] and particularly to take up and issue the affair of Mr. Cossan, if not issued by the Presbytery of Abingdon, viz : the Rev. Samuel E. McCorkle, Moderator, James Hall, James Teinpleton, James McRee, Robert Hall, W. C. Davies, and Charles Cummins ; with Elders, John Dickey, John McKnitt Alexander, Adam Beard, William Cathey, William Anderson, Joseph Feenister, and John Nelson. Tlie Moderator's couu- cil to consist of one Pdinistcr besides himself, and one Elder. Two Ministers besides tjie Moderator, and as many Elders as may be present, to constitute a quorum." [From the date of this appointment (1791,) the Synod of the Carolinas, with occasional exceptions, for many years, annually appointed a Commission. By it some of the most important judicial business was transacted. — Footers North Carolina, p. 285. Its judi- cial authority was distinctly recognized by the Assembly. See Book VII. §§ 48, 51.] § 26. Commissions of the Synods of Kentucki/ and Illinois. [In the Book VII. §§ 58, 5f), will be found the appointment and proceedings of the Connnission of the Synod of Kentucky, in the case of the Cumberland Presbytery. The Synod was, after mature and full investigation, fully sustained by the General Assernl)ly. Atid in particular, on no hand was the competence of the Commission questioned- Book VII. § 64.] [The Assembly having directed the Synod of Illinois to send a committee to Peoria ibr the purpose of endeavouring to heal certain divisions in the Chureh there, the Synod appointed a Commission ; which met at Peoria, and dissolved both the First and Second Churches, and erected a new one. See Book III. §§ 15;), 160. The position of the First Chureh had been approved by the General Assembly, in tlie judicial decision, under whicli the Commission was appointed. The action of the Commission was approved by the Synod, and came up by appeal to the General Assembl}^, which decided " that the Synod of Illinois and its Commission erred, by transcending their powers, and the directions of the General Assembly of 1840, when they dissolved the First Church of Peoria;" and tlie Presbytery was ordered to restore its name to her roll. The Assembly, however, further] Resolved, That to prevent all future misconstruction, the Church of Peo- ria, created by the Commission, as approved by the Synod of Illinois, be and it is hereby recognized and declared to be the Second Church at Peoria. — Minutes, 1842, p. 33. § 27. Commissions of the General Assembly. Proposals to create a Judicial Commission. 1849, p. 237. A memorial from East Hanover Presbytery, requesting the General Assembly to overture the Presbyteries on the subject of a Commis- sion, consisting of one Minister and one Elder from each Synod, to try all judicial cases. Eesoh^cd, That this Assembly deem it inexpedient to comply with the recommendation at pfesent. [In the Assembly of 1854, upon an overture from the Synod of Kentucky, and again in 1855, the wlwle subject was discussed at great length ; propositions, on the one hand, being m;i(ie to appoint such a Commission, and on the other to send down an overture to the Presbyteries. The subject was at Icngtli laid on thb table.] — Minutes, 1854, p. 45; 1855, p. 281. The Boards are Commissions. [The benevolent Boards of the General Assembly are properly Commissions, with pow- ers limited severally to n specific subject; but in the whole comprehending the very busi- ness, for which especially, the Standing Commission of the General Synod was originally created, — the management and disposal of the tund for pious uses. See above, § 19, and Book V. § 7b.] SEC. 24.] THE CHURCH SESSION. 247 CHAPTEll III. THE CHURCH SESSION. [Tha* a special Session appointed by a superior court is not constitutional, see Book III. 4 158] § 28. Quorum of Session. 1S8C, p. 26.3. The inquiry which is in these words : Can a Minister with one Elder form a Session capable of transacting judicial business ? — is suffi- ciently answered in the Constitution, (Form of Government, Ch. ix., Sec. 2,) where it seems to be implied that cases may occur with infant or feeble Churches, in which it would be impracticable for a time to have more than one Elder, and yet be necessary to perform acts of a judicial character. For such, the Constitution provides ; but if there be more than one Elder, then two at least, with a Minister, are necessary to form a Session. 1852, p. 210. A request from the Presbytery of Muncie, that the Assem- bly take the necessary steps, for procuring such an alteration in the Form of Government, as will enable a Minister and one Elder to perform Sessional acts, when the other Elder shall, in the judgment of the Presbytery, be from any cause incompetent to act in the case. Resolved, That no alteration of our constitutional rules is needful to se- cure the ends of discipline, in the premises. § 29. The Moderator of Session. 1843, p. 198. From the Presbytery of Tombeckbee, the question : Is it orderly that a member of one Presbytery moderate a Church Session of another Presbytery ? — which question the Assembly answered in the affir- mative. 1844, p. 359. " 1st. Is it orderly for a Session under the care of one Presbytery, to request a Minister of another Presbytery to moderate them, without first obtaining leave from their Presbytery ?" " 2d. Is it constitutional for a Minister to moderate a Session, under the care of a different Presbytery from his own; without first asking and obtain- ing leave of the Presbytery having jurisdiction over said Session?" Resolved, That the last Assembly in deciding that a Session may invite a Minister of another Presbytery to sit as their Moderator, did not include any of those cases in which it is required either in express terms, or by plain implication, (Form of Gov., Chap, ix.. Sees. 3 and 4,) that the Mode- rator shall be of the same Presbytery as the Congregation ; but are of opin- ion that in cases of a different kind, for which no provision is made, a mem- ber of another Presbytery may be invited to act as Moderator, if it be found to be expedient. § 30. The Sessional "Registers." • TAt first, Chapter IX, § 9, of the Form of Government, contained the only rule in the book, on the subject of sessional records. Section 8, was inserted in the course of the revision of 1820; (Book I, § 20.) The original form of § 9, was in these words: "We 248 THE CHURCH C URTS. [BOOK IV. think it proper that every Clmrcli Session keep a fair register of births, of baptisms, of marriages, of persons admitted to tlie Lord's table, of deaths in tlie Society, and of otlier removals." There is a prevalent misunderstanding as to the meaning of the word " register," here used, and still retained in our book. It seems to be commonly regarded as equivalent to a roll or list ; and hence objection is frequently made in Presbyteries to the insertion of the matters here enumerated, in tlie records of Session. Tiie w^ord is however the Scotch designation of an official and authenticated record; and is applied to the minutes of the courts of every grade. Such is its familiar use in Pardovan, which was the earliest standard of government of the General Synod ; and the model on which our Book was formed ; (see Book VI. § .38 /., and Book I. § 13.) Of the use of the word, by the very Synod of 1788, which framed the article in question, see Book III; § 97. The following citations illustrate the Scotch use of the word : "The first thing to be done at every diet [of the General Assembly,] after calling the rolls, is the hearing the minutes of tlie last sederunt or session read ; and till they be passed and allowed by the judicature, and also subscribed by the Moderator, there ought not to be extracts thereof given, nor till then should it be warrantable for the Clerk to enter them into the register." " At the close of the register of every General Assembly, and of each inferior judica- ture. . . . they bear, ' Here ends the register of the acts and proceedings of from to consisting of pages,' and this attestation is to be subscribed by the Moderator and Clerk; and every record at the beginning is to bear it3 own proper title, viz : ' The register of the acts of such a judicature, begun at ,' " &c. — Pardovan, Book I, Title 16, §§ 6, 7. § 31. Sessional Representation in the sujyerior courts. 1716, p. 43. Mr. McNisli's reasons for not bringing an Elder or repre- sentative with him, were heard and sustained. Mr. Henry's representative of the Congregation being absent, and his reasons for not coming being in- quired into, he said the present condition of his people made it necessary, that there should be a particular collection made, by the Congregation, for defraying the charges of the representative to the Presbytery; and it was allowed that there should. The reasons of Mr. Pumry's Elder's absence, "were inquired into and sustained. 1753, p. 1^.56. The Synod do recommend it to the several Presbyteries be- longing to their body, to call those Sessions to account, that do not send Elders to attend upon the Synod and Presbyteries; and to enjoin these Ses- sions to call those Elders to account, that do not attend upon judicatories, when sent by them. (b) The Session represented in the absence of the Pastor. [At first the balance was carefully maintained, by holding the seats of Elders depend- ent upon the presence of their Ministers, e. g.] 1710, p. 17. Mem.ora.ndmn — Upon the admission of these Ministers above-mentioned, [Messrs. Henry, Anderson, and Morgan,] three Elders more sat in the Presbytery, namely, Mr. Pierce Bray, Mr. John Foord, and Mr. Leonard Van Degrift. [This plan was, however, soon set aside. Thus,] 1716, p. 42. Mr. Edmundson being present as a representative of the Congregation of Patuxent, and their Minister absent, it was put to the vote whether the said Mr. Edmundson should act here as a representative, not- withstanding the Minister's absence ; and carried in the affirmative, nemine contradicente. ( c ) Representation of vacant Congregations. 1843, p. 190. Should every Congregation be considered as vacant, which is not united to any Minister in the pastoral relation? and if it should, is not every such Congregation entitled to be represented by a Ruling Elder in Presbytery ? p. 196, Resolved, That from a comparison of Sections 3 and 5 of Chap.X., Form of Government, it is evident that every Congregation without a Pastor SEC. 30.] THE CHURCH SESSION. 249 is to be regarded as a vacant Congregation ; and consequently, if regularly organized, is entitled to be represented by a Ruling Elder in a Presbytery. 1847, p. 377. Where one Minister is supplying two Congregations, in one of which he labours as installed Pastor, and in the other as stated supply, has each of these Congregations a right to be represented by a lluling Elder, at the same meeting of Presbytery? Resolved, That the question be answered in the affirmative. {d) Elders from united Congregations. 1847, p. 377. An overture from the Synod of Mississippi, asking, ''When two or more Congregations have separately called one and the same Minister to become the Pastor of each Church, and he accepts these calls, and is in stalled over these Congregations as Pastor, are these Churches entitled to one or more Elders to represent them in Presbytery ? The committee recom- mended the following resolution, which was adopted, viz: Resolved, That the question be answered in the negative. (e) Elders of vacant Congregations in Synod. 1808, p. 403. " Has an Elder whom the discipline of our Church author- izes to sit as a member in Presbytery, from a vacant Congregation, or united Congregations, a right by that discipline to sit in Synod, as a representative of such Congregation or Congregations?'^ The vote being taken, it was decided in the affirmative. (/) Attendance of Elders on the superior courts enforced. 1735, p. 117. Upon calling over the roll, it being found that many of the Elders have gone home, without leaving any reasons for their so doing, the Synod do order, that such Elders as do withdraw from the Synod without leave, shall be left to the censure of their Sessions, and report made thereof to the next Synod. And the Synod do recommend it to the several Congre- gations, to defray the necessary charges that their Elders be at, during their attendance upon the Synod. 1838, p. 27. [The records of the Synod of West Tennesse approved, ex- cept,] 1st. That at page 131, the Synod did not call an Elder to assign rea- sons for tardiness. CHAPTER lY. THE PRESBYTERY. Title 1. — its constitution. § 32. Order of .proceedings. 184.5, p. 540. The committee appointed to examine the records of the Synod of Albany, reported, and moved that the book be apjiroved to page 885 except that part of the ])rooeedings which admitted the Rev. William R. Weeks as a member of the Presbytery of Champlain, before said Pres- 32 250 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. bytery was regularly formed, by meeting, and constituted by prayer, and choosing officers. After considerable discussion, the motion was carried. § 33. The openmg Sermon preached hy one not a memher. 1849, p. 250. The committee on the records of the Synod of Indiana, re- ported, recommending approval, with the following exception, viz : — Oa page 253, it appears that the Presbytery of Madison, at a certain meeting, in "the absence of the Moderator, invited a Minister from another Presbytery to preach the opening sermon. This act of Presbytery the Synod condemns as unconstitutional. The committee are of opinion that the Presbytery, by so doing, violated no principle of the constitution. The recommendation was adopted. § 34. Ministers loithout cliarge entitled to seats. 1816, p. G15. Are Ministers without charges constituent members of our Church judicatures, and have they an equal voice with settled Pastors and Ruling Elders of Congregations, in ecclesiastical governments ? In the judgment of this Assembly, this question is answered affirmative- ly, Chap. ix. Sec. 2, of the Form of G-overnment of the Presbyterian Church, in these words : '' A Presbytery consists of all the Ministers, and one Ruling Elder from each Congregation within a certain district." [Re-affirmed 1833, p. 497.] § 35. One Presbytery may not transfer a Church to another. 1823, p. 149. Resolved, That it is unconstitutional for a Presbytery to dismiss a Congregation under their care ; and for any other Presbytery to receive the Congregation so dismissed, without the approbation of the Synod to which such Presbyteries respectively belong. § 36. Excessive subdivision of Presbyteries. 1750, p. 292. A motion was made by Messrs. Black, Craig, and Alexan- der IMiller, that they and Messrs. Brown and Hoge be erected into a dis- tinct Presbytery ; their reasons for it, and the objections of the other mem- bers of Hanover Presbytery against it, were fully heard. The Synod judge that the number of IMinisters belonging to the Presby- tery of Hanover is too small to be divided into two Presbyteries ; and that their continuing in one, will, at present, be more for edification ; and for the greater ease of the whole, the Synod order that the Presbytery have two stated meetings in the year, at soilie nearly central places, alternately above and below the mountains. But the Synod, being sensible of the difficulties they will in the meanwhile labour under, assure them that as soon as their number shall be so increased as six or seven can conveniently belong to each Presbytery, that then, upon regular application, they shall be erected into two Presbyteries, provided no sufficiently weighty objection lie against it. § 37. Geographiccd bounds usually required. 1834, p. 27. Resolved, That, except in very extraordinary cases, this As- sembly are of opinion that Presbyteries ought to be formed with geographi- cal limits. [For the discussion on " elective affinity" in the organization of church courts, see that title in the Index.] § 38. Geographical bounds disregarded. [See Book VI. 91 : 1.] 1826, p. 27. The missionaries of the American Board of Commissioners for foreign Missions, labouring among the Cherokee Indians, have organized SEC. 32.] PRESBYTERY 251 a number of Churches according to the order of the Piesbyterian Church in the United States, tliat tliese Churches have been for the most part taken under the care of the Union Presbytery, although some of the Churches are within the territorial limits of other Presbyteries; that this measure was adopted on the presumption that no other judicatory of the Church would object to it; especially as the missionaries and their Churches united with the Presbyterian body, on condition that they should be permitted to connect themselves with the Presbyteries that might be most agreeable to the natives, and most con- venient to the missionaries. On this statement the Union Presbytery founds a petition that the General Assembly " would give liberty to the missionaries and Churches in the Clierokee nation to unite to such adjacent Presbyteries as may be most agreeable to themselves ;" whereupon, \Remlvcd, That the request herein made, be granted ; and the several Pres- byteries to which the missionaries and Churches aforesaid may unite them- selves, are directed to report the names of Ministers, and number of commu- nicants thus received, to each future General Assembly; it being understood that in all other respects the said Ministers and Churches shall submit to the government and order of the Presbyterian Church. [The Synod of West Tennessee complaining' against this act, it was repealed. — Minutes, 1826, p. 245. Next year, upon a representation from the Presbytery of Union,] 1829, p. 372. Resolved, That in the opinion of this General Assembly, the peculiar circumstances in which the said missionaries are placed, render the request now under consideration reasonable and proper; and to the end that the object thereof may with all practicable expedition be effectually secured, this General Assembly do hereby ratify and confirm such friendly and amic- able arrangements as may hereafter be made between the Presbyteries of Hope- well and Union, for this purpose. § .39. Preshf/tcrt/ called togetlier hj Synod— Meeting outside its hounds. 1848, p. 60. 1. Resolved, That Synod has power to order a Presbytery to meet and to transact such business, as in the judgment of Synod is intimately counected with the good order and well being of the Church. 2. Resolved, That as such meetings are of the nature of pro re nafei meet- ings, the rules that are laid down in our book for the regulation of such called meetings ought to regulate and govern in all cases these meetings ordered by Synod, except when ordered to meet during the sessions of Synod, on busi- ness immediately connected with the proceedings of that body. In such cases, the Presbytery may be required to meet at once by order of the Synod. 3. Resolved, That whilst it would be inexpedient and wrong fur the Synod to order a Presbytery to meet beyond its own bounds, without the express consent of its members, we see no constitutional or valid objection against a Presbytery agreeing to meet without its own geographical limits. Title 2. — reception op ministers. § 40. Receptions hy Preshytery set aside, under the Westminster Directory. 1773, p. 437. The Second Philadelphia Presbytery report they have re- ceived the Rev. Mr. Hugh McGill from Ireland. Eut it being objected that he was suspended from his ministry in Ireland by the Associate Presbytery, of which he had been a 3Iinister, which was confessed by himself; and the Second Philadelphia Presbytery not appearing to us to have had sufficient evidence of the grounds of that suspension, thus virtually to reverse it, nor otherwise to have received satisfactory testimonials in his favour, the Synod 252 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. therefore reverse that part of the judguieut of the Presbytery by which he was received. 1773, p. 437. Donegal Presbytery report, they have received the Rev. Mr. Robert Huey from the Presbytery of Derry in Ireland, and the Rev. Messrs. David Macluer and Levi Frisby from New England. But it appearing to the Synod that these last two mentioned were under the direction of the Board of Correspondents from the Society of Scotland, and appointed to an Indian Mission, and are not dismissed from the ecclesiastical council by which they were ordained in New England; the Synod reverse the judgment of the Presbytery receiving them into full membership, but approve of their taking them under their care while they are labouring occasionally in the bounds of the Presbytery. § 41. Ohsohte decmons of the Assembly on this subject. [The following decisions were had, before the present Book of Discipline was framed ; and are superseded by its provisions, which indicate two ways, in wliicli any error or maladministration of an inferior court may be corrected. Fir at : Upon Review, the supe- rior court may point out and require the correction of any disorderly proceedings. (Book of Discipline, Chap. vii. Sec. 1, Art. 3 — (3.) Second: Upon Complaint, the superior court is invested with the power of reversing the judgment, and placing matters in the same situa- tion in whicli they were before the judgment was entered. [Book of Discipline, Chap, vii. Sec. 4. Art. 5.) That it has always been competent to a Synod, to restore a Minister, notwitlistanding the adverse decision of the Presbytery, will not be questioned ; and it does not appear upon what principle of propriety, or rule of the Constitution, whether the former or the present, a corrective jurisdiction should be barred in the opposite case.] 1816, p. 312. The Synod of Geneva were, beyond doubt, competent to cen- sure the Presbytery of Geneva for admitting hastily, or on slight evidence, into their body, an unworthy, or even a suspicious character. But it is equally clear that the right of deciding on the fitness of admitting Mr. Wells, a constituent member of the Presbytery of Geneva, belonged to the Presby- tery itself; and that having admitted him, no matter how improvidently, their decision was valid and final. The individual admitted became a member in full standing; nor could the Presbytery, though it should reconsider, reverse its own decision, or in any way sever the member so admitted from their body, except by a regular process. 1818, p. 687. Resolved, 1. That the decision of the Synod of Geneva relative to the restoration of the Rev. John Shepherd to the oifice of the gospel min- istry, so far as it censures the restoration of said Shepherd, who was deposed by a judicatory of the Church of Christ in fellowship with us, [the Association of Fairfield, Connecticut,] be and hereby is confirmed ; because it did not appear from the records of the Presbytery of Onondaga, that said restoration took place in consequence of any confession of the alleged crime for which the said Shepherd was deposed, or of any profession of penitence for it, or of any conference with the judicatory which deposed him. 2. That the appeal of the Presbytery of Onondaga, so far as it relates to the rescinding of their vote to restore the Rev. John Shepherd, be and here- by is sustained, on the second reason of appeal, and upon that alone; because the Assembly judges, that a Minister of the gospel, when once restored by Presbyterial authority, cannot be deprived of his office, except it be by a new process and conviction. § 42. Presbyteries may reject Ministers with clean papers. 1801, p. 213. A complaint and appeal of the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch, against certain proceedings of the Presbytery of Ohio, in the case of Mr. Birch, particularly for refusing to receive him as a member of their body, on the ground of a supposed want of acquaintance with experimental reli- gion, together with a representation of the Congregation of Washington, in SEC. 40.] PRESBYTERY. 253 the bounds of said Presbytery, on the same subject, was brought in by the Committee on Bills tmd Overtures. p. 218. RcwlvcJ, That no evidence of censurable procedure in the Pres- bytery of Ohio in the case of Mr. Birch, has appeared to this house, inas- much as there is a discretionary power necessarily lodged in every Presby- tery to judge of the qualiiicatiotis of those whom they receive, especially with respect to experimental religion. § 43. Proposed Constitutional rule on this suhject. 1821, p 6. The following overture from the Presbytery of Baltimore was received and read, viz: '• That after the 12th article of the 10th chapter of the revised Form of Government, the following be added : ' XIII. Every Presbytery shall judge of the qualifications of its own members.' " Resolved, That it is inexpedient to grant the request contained in this overture, or to make any new alterations at present in the Book of Disci- pline. § 44. Preshyteries may examine intrant Ministers. [Of the caution requisite in receiving members, see Book VII. § 2: c. d. The risfht of examination was one of the points brouo-lit into issue in the New-school controversy. For tlie entire scries of actions on the subject, see Book VI, § 9 ; Book VII, § 96, ^; 97: 7 ; 98:5; 105 : 1 ; 106 : Res. 1 ; and below, §§ 46-49.] § 45. Abuse of this i-ight corrected iipon complaint or apypeal. [See Book III. § 51 : 2; and Book VII. § 96, g; 106: Res. 1 ; and below § 53.] 1733, p. 446. A complaint was brought in by the Rev. Mr. George Duf- field against the Second Philadelphia Presbytery, that they had, by one of their members, obstructed his entrance into a Church in this city under their care, to which he had accepted a call, and had also refused to receive him as a member, although he was dismissed from, and recommended by, the Pres- bytery of Donegal, which was read. After having maturely considered this matter, the Synod judge that Mr. Dufiield had just cause of complaint against the conduct and judgment of the Second Philadelphia Presbytery, who ought to have admitted him to membership with them and allowed him aftiir trial; wherefore we now declare him to be Minister of the Pine Street or Third Presbyterian Congregation in this city, and order that he be put upon the list of the aforesaid Presbytery. 1822, p. 27. Resolved., That the appeal of the Presbytery of Abingdon, from the decision of the Synod of Virginia, in the case of the Rev. Robert Glenn, be dismissed, on the ground that the substantial cause of appeal has been removed by the act of that Presbytery, in their receiving Mr. Glenn in conformity with the decision of the Synod. § 46. Examination made imp>erative. 1837, p. 429. The constitutional right of every Presbytery to examine all seeking connection with them, was settled by the Assembly of 1835. This Assembly now render it imperative on Presbyteries, to examine all m-Iio make application fur admission into their bodies, at least on experimental religion, didactic and polemic theology, and church government. [Re-nffinned by the Assembly in 1838, p. 29; 1841, p. 447; 1843, p. 194; 1848, p. 18, In 1849, the fallowing minute was adopted :] m 1849, p. 266. An overture from various Ministers and folders objecting to a resolution of the General Assembly in 1837, making it imperative on Presbyteries to examine all 3Iinisters who make application for admission into their bodies, and praying this Assembly to repeal that resolution, or 254 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. change it, from its imperative form to one of recommendation; or send it down to the Presbyteries by overture to have it added, as another section to the tenth Chapter of our Form of Government. The committee recommended that inasmuch as the General Assembly must have power to enjoin upon Presbyteries the performance of any duty which they are confessedly com- petent to do, by the provisions of the Constitution ; and in requiring which no right is violated and nothing constrained, but the discretion they had in ordinary circumstances ; and inasmuch as the general utility of that resolu- tion is not yet called in question, even by the respected memorialists them- selves, therefore the Assembly decline acceding to this request, at present. § 47. New School doctrine 07i this subject. [The secession Assembly of 1838 adopted the following minute:] " Whereas, It is the inlierent right of Presbyteries to expound and apply constitutional rules, toucliing tlie qualification of their own members, therefore, Resolved, Tiiat the action of the last General Assembly making it imjjerati'iic on the Presbyteries to examine all who make application for admission to their bodies, not ex- cepting Ministers coming from other Presbyteries, is null and void." — Minutes N, S. As- sembly, 1838, p. 660. § 48. Reception of Ilinisters from corresponding Chu7-ches. 1830, p. 12. The committee made the following report, which was adopted, viz: That in their judgment every licentiate coming by certificate to any Presbytery in connection with the General Assembly from any portion of a corresponding ecclesiastical body, should be required to answer in the afiirm- ative, the constitutional questions, directed by Chap. xiv. of our Form of Government, to be put to our own candidates, before they are licensed ; and that in like manner every ordained Minister of the gospel coming from any Church in correspondence with the General Assembly, by certificate of dis- mission and recommendation, should be required to answer affirmatively the first seven questions directed by Chap. xv. of our Form of Government, to be put to one of our own licentiates when about to be ordained to the sacred office. The covirse which is thus recommended by the committee, they be- lieve has been generally practised by our Presbyteries; and the impropriety of admitting strangers into our connection on other terms than our own licentiates and Ministers is too obvious to require remark. It is the assent of licentiates and Ministers to these questions which brings them ttnder the watch and care of the Presbyteries which receive them, and without which they ought not to enjoy the privileges of preachers of the gospel in our ec- clesiastical connection. Title 3. — reception of ministers from foreign countries. § 49. Original ride of the General Synod. [The Synod early finding itself in danger of being grossly deceived and the cause of religion endangered, by the unworthiness of Ministers received from Europe, adopted the following overture, viz:] 1735, p. 118. An overture from , humbly offered to the consideration of the reverend Synod. The present state of the Church of Christ, in respect of the great and almost universal deluge of pernicious errors and damnable doctrines that so boldly thrtaten to overthrow the Christian world, doth, we think, afford matter of very deep and serious exercise unto all considering persons, who have the interest of our Lord's kingdom at their heart; and were it not for the sure, firm, and comfortable promises contained in the infallible records of truth, the present appearance of things might be thought to presage a SEC. 46.] PRESPA'Tl-RY. " 255 most fatal subversion of the kingdom of our Lord, by the success of the kingdom of darkness against it, and so discourage and dispirit the hearts of the true friends and loyal subjects of our exalted Lord. But blessed be his name; he is still King in Zion, and to the ends of the earth; and will not sufi'er this so grievous an evil to prevail one handbreadth further, nor one minute longer, than the measure and time appointed for it; for "known unto God are all his works from the creation of the world." However it would seem that the present obvious state of things doth call for something at our hands more than in a time of prevailing truth and parity in the Church. It should seem that when so many wolves in sheep's clothing are invading the flocks of Christ everywhere in the world, we who are Pastors by office and station should exert ourselves in an active and vigilant manner, for the safety and preservation of our flocks committed to our care, from the assaults of these devouring monsters, that are numerous abroad in the world. Surely the late bold assault that hath been made upon us, though, blessed be God, without the desired and expected success, as yet, should put us to our arms, and excite us with care and diligence to put ourselves in a posture of defence against all future attempts. To this pur- pose we would humbly propose the following overture as an expedient to prevent the evil of such attempts, viz : That seeing we are likely to have the most of our supply of Ministers to fill our vacancies from the North of Ireland, and seeing it is too evident to be denied and called in question, that we are in great danger of being im- posed on by Ministers and preachers from thence, though sufficiently fur- nished with all formalities of Presbyterial credentials, as in the case of Mr. Hemphill ; and seeing also what was done last year, may be done this year and the year following, viz : we are still liable to be imposed upon by such credentials ; upon these and the like considerations, we humbly overture to this reverend Synod, to make an order to the following purpose : 1. That no Minister or probationer coming in among us from Europe be allowed to preach in vacant Congregations, until first his credentials and recommendations be seen and approven by the Presbytery to which such Congregation doth most properly belong, and until he preach with approba- tion before said Presbytery, and subscribe or adopt the Westminster Confes- sion of Faith and Catechisms, before said Presbj^tery, in manner and form as they have done ; and that no Minister employ such to preach in his pulpit ; until he see his credentials and be satisfied, as far as may be, of his firm attachment to said Confession, &c., in opposition to the new upstart doctrines and schemes, particularly such as we condemned in Mr. Hemp- hill's sermons. And lest some strangers might suffer by the rigorous ob- servation of this order, let it be thus qualified, viz : that the Moderator and two of the members of each Presbytery be appointed a Standing Committee to act presbyterially in that affair as there may be occasion, and to be ac- countable to their respective Presbyteries. 2. That no Congregation be allowed to present a call to any such Minis- ter or Probationer coming in among us, though never so well certified, until lie have preached at least one full half year within the bounds of this Synod. § 50. Case of Hunter. — Intercourse with the Irish Nbnsubscriber% declined. 1736, p. 128. The Synod having maturely weighed and considered the following particulars, viz : 1. That Mr. Henry Hunter has his credentials from the Presbytery of Antrim, which has separated from the Synod of Ireland, and with whom we have no communion, when he might have easily applied to other Pres byteries. 256 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. 2. That lie brought with him thence a certain instrument in writing, de- claring him capable of administering the sacraments of the New Testament j when he himself acknowledges that he was not set apart to the work of the ministry by the imposition of hands, or any of the rites of ordination. 3. That he acknowledges the design of getting the above document or certificate was that if he should meet with any people of his j^rinciples that would entertain him as their Pastor, he would have accepted the pastoral charge of them under that circumstance. 4.- That when Mr. Hunter was asked before the Synod, whether he had any other papers or certificates besides that of his license, he said he had none ; and yet afterwards owned he had the abovesaid paper or instrument. 5. That it appears probable to the Synod, that he had been forming a design, and that money hath been given for him to go to the Bishop of London for ordination. These things, together with the great prevarication he hath been guilty of, and the disregard he hath shown to our discipline and government, and the ground we have to suspect his principles, have determined the Synod to come to the following conclusion, viz : not to receive or entertain the said Mr. Hunter as a probationer or Minister among us at present. Approved, nemine contradicente. § 51. New overture on the same subject. 1773, p. 442. An overture was brought in by Mr. Roan in the following words : " Whereas, there have been repeated complaints from serious persons of the degeneracy of many of the Presbyterian denominations in Great Bri- tain and Ireland, and their falling off" from the great doctrines of the Refor- mation, so that it is very possible there may be Presbyteries the majority of which would not be unwilling to license, ordain, or recommend Ministers unsound in the faith ; it seems to be of moment to guard against the admis- sion of strangers into this body, before their principles and character are thoroughly ascertained : Therefore it is Overtured, that no Presbytery be permitted to receive any stranger under the character of Minister or candi- date, or to give him appointments in the Congregations under our care, until the Synod that shall meet next after their arrival, that the whole testimo- nials and credentials off"ered by such persons be laid before the Synod, to be by them considered and judged of, in order to their admission or rejection. John Roan." Which after full consideration was voted and admitted by a small major- ity. Several members desired liberty to enter their dissent, with their rea- sons, against the preceding vote, which was granted. p. 445. With respect to the reasons of protest against and dissent from the judgment of Synod about the admission of Ministers and candidates from some of the foreign Churches, offered by a number of the members, the Synod judge it sufficient briefly to observe. That neither in the overture presented to the Synod, nor in our judgment consequent upon it, is there any claim of power inconsistent with those rights of Presbyteries which the dissenting brethren suppose are radically in them, and essential to them. The powers of licensure and ordination are not so much as mentioned in the overture, nor in the least infringed upon in the judgment, and it would be a difficult task for them to undertake the proof, even upon their own prin- ciples, that the right of admitting persons already licensed or ordained be- longs to Presbyteries exclusively. The dissenting brethren seem to have wholly mistaken the main ground of the overture, which does not at all ap- pear to have arisen from a suspicion of unfaithfulness in any of our Pres- byteries, or that the ministry in Britain and Ireland are wholly corrupted ; SEC. 50.] PRESBYTERY. 257 but only that there is so i;reat a degeneracy in those Churches as renders it peculiarly necessary that the greatest care be taken in the admission of Minis- ters and candidates coming from thence; and that the several Presbyteries neither have, nor can have, those means of information respecting the char- acters and orthodoxy of those Ministers and candidates which the Synod has, nor indeed such means as are necessary to enable them to judge with any sufficient degree of certainty respecting them. Nor can the overture by any means be allowed to be inconsistent with the charity due to the Churches of Britain and Ireland, as it is not so severe with respect to foreign- ers, as the Synods of Scotland are with respect to their own candidates, and as the degeneracy of those Churches, which was one of the principal fticts upon which the overture was founded, has not been denied by any of the dissentients. And, finally, wo observe, that as the overture only held up to view the Churches of Britain and Ireland, it is most unfair to infer that the explanatory clause annexed to the judgment "seemed to be a mere sub- terfuge and equivocation, and calculated to relieve only a few members of Synod." At the same time it was agreed that it should be put upon record that the word " strangers" in the preceding overture should not be extended to any persons from any part of the continent of America. p. 4-48. Whereas many brethren are dissatisfied with the act of Synod re- specting the non-admission of Ministers and candidates into our Presbyte- ries from foreign parts, it is proposed, that the Presbytery to which any such gentlemen may ofier themselves, may be allowed, if they see their way clear, to employ them in their vacancies, but that they be not admitted to full membership until the next Synod, when their testimonials and recom- mendations shall be laid before the Synod. [Rescinded 1774, p. 455.] § 52. An act unanimous?^ adopted. 1774, p. 455. Whereas, it is of the highest importance to the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, that the greatest care be observed by church judicatures to maintain orthodoxy in doctrine and purity in practice in all their members ; this Synod, in addition to the agreement upon this head of the year 1764, and further explained in the year 1705, do most earnestly recommend it to all their Presbyteries to be very strict and careful respect- ing these matters, especially in examining the certificates and testimonials of Ministers or probationers who come from foreign Churches ; and that they be very cautious about receiving them, unless the authenticity of these testi- monials and certificates be supported by private letters or other credible and sufficient evidence; and in order more effectually to preserve this Synod, our Presbyteries, and Congregations from imposition and abuse, every year, when any Presbytery may report that they have received any Ministers or probationers from foreign Churches, that Presbytery shall lay before the Synod the testimonials and all other certificates, on which they received 8uch ^linisters or probationers, for the satisfaction of the Synod, before such foreign Ministers or probationers shall be enrolled as members of our body; and if the Synod shall find the testimonials false or insufficient, the whole proceedings had by the Presbytery in the admission, shall be held to be void; and the Presbytery shall not from that time receive or acknowledge him as a member of this body, or in ministerial communion with us. On the other hand, whensoever any gentlemen from abroad shall come duly re- commended as above, we will gladly receive them as brethren, and give them every encouragement in our power. 1784, p. 504. The Synod having reason, by information given since their present meeting, to apprehend the Churches under their care in imminent 33 2o8 THE CHURCH COURTS. [bOO«. IV. danger from Ministers and licensed candidates of unsound principles coming among us, do hereby renew their former injunctions to the respective Pres- byteries within their bounds, relative to this matter, and do also strictly en- join on every n)ember of this body, under pain of censure, to be particu- larly careful in this respect. And the Stated Clerk of the Synod is hereby directed to furnish each of our Presbyteries with an attested copy of the said injunctions, together with a copy of this minute. § 53. The present rule in receiving foreign ministers. 1800, p. 200. When any Minister or licentiate from Europe shall come into this country, and desire to become connected with the Presbyterian Church in the United States, he may apply to any committee appointed to direct the services of travelling Ministers and candidates ; which committee shall inspect his credentials, and by examination or otherwise, endeavour to ascertain his soundness in the faith, and his experimental acquaintance with religion } his attainments in divinity and literature ; his moral and religious character, and approbation of our public standards of doctrine and disci- pline. If the result shall be such as to encourage further trial, said com- mittee may give him appointments to supply, and recommend him to the Churches till the next meeting of the Presbytery to which such committee belongs. It shall then become the duty of such Minister or licentiate to apply to that Presbytery, or to any other in whose bounds he may incline to labour : provided always that he make his application to the Presbytery at their first meeting after his coming within their bounds : and also that im- mediately on coming within the bounds of any Presbytery, he apply to their committee to judge of his certificate of approbation, and if they think it expedient, to make him appointments ; or if it shall be more convenient, the application may be made to the Presbytery in the first instance ; but it shall be deemed irregular for any foreign Minister or licentiate to preach in any vacant church till he have obtained the approbation of some Presbytery, or committee of Presbytery in manner aforesaid. The Presbytery to which such Minister or licentiate may apply, shall carefully examine his credentials, and not sustain a mere certificate of good standing unless corroborated by such private letters, or other collateral tes- timony as shall fully satisfy them as to the authenticity and sufiiciency of his testimonials. After inspecting any evidences of his literary acquire- ments which may be laid before them, the Presbytery shall enter into a free conversation with him, in order to discover his soundness in the faith and experimental acquaintance with religion. If they shall obtain satisfaction on these several articles, they shall proceed to examine him on the learned languages, the arts, sciences, theology, Church history, and government; nor shall they receive him unless he shall appear to have made such attainments in these several branches as are required of those who receive their educa- tion or pass their trials among ourselves. But if, upon the whole, he ap- pears to be a person worthy of encouragement, and who promises usefulness in the Church, they shall receive him as a Minister or a candidate on pro- bation, he first adopting our standards of doctrine and discipline, and pro- mising subjection to the Presbytery in the Lord. Puring this state of probation he may preach the gospel where regularly called, either as a stated or occasional supply; and if an ordained Minister, perform every part of the ministerial functions, except that he may not vote in any judicatory, or ac- cept a call for settlement. If the foreigner who shall apply to any Presbytery or committee as afore- said, be an ordained Minister, such committee and Presbytery may, at their discretion, dispense with the special examination on literature in this Act SEC. 52.] PRKSBTTERT. 259 prescribed, provided he shall exhibit satisfactory evidence that he has re- ceived such education, and made such progress in languages, arts, and sci- ences, as are ro(juired by the Constitution of our Church as qualifications for the Gospel ministry. But in all other respects the examination shall be the same as in the case of a licentiate. If from prospects of settlement, or greater usefulness, a Minister or licentiate under probation in any Presbytery, shall wish to move into the bounds of another, he shall receive a dismission containing a certificate of his standing and character, from the Presbytery under whose care he shall have been ; which certificate shall entitle him to the same standing in the Presbytery into whose bounds he shall come, except that from the time of his coming under the care of this latter Presbytery, a whole year shall elapse before they come to a final judgment respecting his reception. When any foreign jNIinister or licentiate, received on certificate, or pur- suant to trials in any Presbytery, shall have resided generally and preaclied within their bounds and under their direction, for at least one year, they shall cause him to preach before them, (if they judge it expedient,) and taking into consideration, as well the evidence derived from their formor trials, as that which may arise from his acceptance in the Churches, his ])ru- dencc, gravity, and godly conversation, and from the combined evidence of the whole, determine either to receive or reject him, or to hold him under further probation. In case of receiving him at that, or any subsequent period, the Presbytery shall report the same to their Synod at its next meet- ing, together with all the certificates and other testimony on which they re- ceived them ; or if it shall be more convenient, this report may be made to the General Assembly. The said Assembly or Synod, as the case may be, sliall then inquire into the proceedings of the Presbytery in the affair, and if they find them' to have been irregular or deficient, they shall recommit them to the Presbytery, in order to a more regular and perfect process. But if the proceedings had in the Presbytery appear to have been conformable to this regulation, they shall carefully examine all the papers laid before them by the Presbytery, or which shall be exhibited by the party concerned, and considering their credibility and sulficiency, come to a final judgment, either to receive him into the Presbyterian body, agreeably to his standing, or to reject him. In order, however, to facilitate the settlement of foreign Ministers, as soon as may consist with the purity and order of the Church, it is further or- dained that if the proper Synod or the General Assembly are not to meet within three months, after that meeting of a Presbytery at which a foreign Minister on probation is expected to be received, the Presbytery may, if they see cause, lay his testimonials before that meeting of the Assembly or Synod which shall be held next before said meeting of the Presbytery. If this As- sembly or Synod shall approve the testimonials, they shall give the Presbytery such information and direction as the case may re(juire, and remit the same to them for final issue. In all other cases it shall be deemed irregular for any Synod or General Assembly to receive a foreign Minister or licentiate, until he shall have passed his period of probation, and been received and re- "ported by some Presbytery, in manner aforesaid. No Minister or licentiate, after being rejected by one Presbytery, shall be received by another; or if received through mistake or otherwise, he shall be no longer countenanced or employed, after the imposition is discovered. If however, any Minister or licentiate shall tliink himself agirrieved, by the sentence of any Presbytery, he shall have a riulit to carry the matterby com- plaint to the proper Synod, or to the next Geuoral A.ssenibly, giving notice 260 THE CHURCH COURTS. [bOOK IV. thereof to the Presbytery, during the meeting at which the sentence was pro- nounced, or at the next meeting following. These regulations and provisions relative to the reception of foreign Min- isters and licentiates, are to be considered as coming in place of all that have heretofore been established on this subject; and all judicatures and individ- uals under the care of the Assembly, are to regard them accordingly. § 54. Vindication of this j^^an. 1799, p. 179. [In reply to objections urged by the Presbytery of New York, the Assem- bly adopted the following report of a committee. The first objection was on the score of an ambiguous expression in the Constitution. See Book I. § 34.] 2. The Presbytery of New York also imputes to these rules a defect of charity towards foreign Churches. The charity of this Assembly for foreign Churches is undiminished. The rule is established to guard as far as pos- sible against impostors who plead a relation to those Churches which they do not actually hold. The Churches in America have so frequently suffered by impostors of this description, and our relative position to Europe, and the newness of our country, render imposition so easy, and detection so diffi- cult, that rules too scrupulous on this subject can hardly be adopted. The existing rule, although somewhat irksome to good men, will be cheerfully submitted to for the superior interests of religion. Nay, it is believed, that such men, grieved at the dishonour brought upon the Churches of their native country by unworthy emigrants from them into this, will readily co-operate with the Assembly in every measure that will contribute to pre- serve the purity and respect of their name, and by a state of probationary trial will tend to discriminnte between meritorious and unworthy foreign Ministers who shall offer their services to our Churches. 3. An inconsistency is supposed, by the Presbytery of New York, far- ther to exist in one part of the rule to another, because it permits colleges, academies, and individual Churches, to call from Europe to this country, men of known and good character, to preside over them, without subjecting such men to the probation prescribed in other cases.* The Assembly does not perceive the inconsistency that has been attempted to be pointed out ; especially as no individual Church can call a Minister from abroad more than at home, without the permission and advice of the Presbytery to which it is attached, who will in ordinary cases be able to preserve it from imposi- tion. The Assembly, however, does not object to a modification of the rule as far as it relates to academies unconnected with pastoral charges. 4. The Presbytery of New York likewise deems this rule unnecessary. The greater part of the Presbyteries composing this Assembly, as far as their opinions can now be collected, esteem it useful. Time will either confirm its utility, or point out the amendments of which it is susceptible. Title 4. — illustrations of the preceding rule. § 55. It aj^j^lies to Canada. 1849, p. 256. An overture from the members of the Presbytery of Miehi- tran, asking if the rule of the General Assembly in relation to foreign Minis- ters coming from Europe, should apply to Ministers coming from Canada. The committee recommended that the Assembly answer in the affirmative; ■xcepting only when such Ministers have been ordained in the United States, ind by any Presbytery of our communion. The recommendation was adopted. * [The provision here alluded to, was omitted in 1840, and is not now in force.] SEC. 53.] PRESBYTERY. 2G1 § 56. The credentials apjoroved hy the members, a quorum of Synod not present. 1796, p. 110. It was determined not to receive Mr. Elliot on the recom- mendation of the Ministers assembled at Yorktown, iu October last, until he has laid his testimonials before the Synod of Philadelphia, or the General Assembly; according to the rules for receiving foreign Ministers into our connection. § 57. One who for conscientious scj-iqiles retired from the ministry in Ireland, wishes to resume it here. 1849, p. 239. A reference from the Presbytery of St. Clairsville, of the case of the Rev. Samuel Boyd, who having retired in good standing from the Presbyterian ministry in Ireland in 1842, on account of a change in his views of Infant Baptism, now seeks a restoration to the exercise of the min- istry among us, inasmuch as he adopts again, with full conviction, the whole Confession of our Faith. The committee recommend that the Presljytery of St. Clairsville be instructed to proceed according to the rule relating to foreign ^Ministers, the probation of one year commencing at the time of their next stated meeting. The recommendation was adopted. § 58. The probationer transferred from one Presbytery to another. 1830, p. 24. An application from the Presbytery of Watertown, for leave to receive Mr. William Lockhead, a foreign licentiate, who, after being under the care of the Presbytery of Champlain for five months, had been dismissed to the Presbytery of Watertown, and had been under the care of the latter Presbytery since the 9th of February last. The Presbytery of Watertown requests that the Assembly will allow them to take into the account for the term of trial, the time which he spent on trials in the Presbytery of Cham- plain. On this request, the Assembly I?ijsolved, That the standing rule, which requires that the foreign licen- tiate must spend a year in the Presbytery to which he is dismissed, be not dispensed with. 1^35, p. 12. The committee appointed on Overture No. 14, from the Presbytery of Elizabethtown, respecting the case of Mr. John Anderson, a foreign licentiate, who in October, 1834, was received under the care of the Presbytery of New York, and in April last was transferred to the Presby- tery of Elizabethtown; requesting that Mr. Anderson's year of probation may be considered as commencing at the time when he was received by the Presbytery of New York, reported as follows : After examining all the documents put into their hands respecting the subject, they unanimously recommend that the request of the Presbytery of Elizabethtown be granted. This report was accepted and adopted. § 59. Privilege lost by a return to Europe. 1848, p. 22. An application from the Presbytery of Philadelphia for advice and direction in the case of Bcv. James T. Irvine. The facts of the case are these: In the year 1825, 3Ir. Irvine was received as a foreign licen- tiate on probation by the Presbytery of Philadelphia; after the term of pro- bation had expired, he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Huntingdon, and by that Presbytery ordained and installed in one of their Churches. In the year 1834, he returned to Ireland, where he became the Pastor of a Church, and remained until the present year. The question to which the Presbytery wish an answer from the General Assembly is: Does Mr. Irvine come under the denomination of a foreign Minister; and is he subject to the rules in 2.02 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOR IV. such oases provided? And if he be liable to the usual probation, may his probation be considered as eoniniencing from the time in which he has made his present application to Presbytery — viz: from the 4th of April, 1848?" The committee recommend that both questions be answered in the affirm- ative. The recommendation was adopted. § 60. These rules to he strktli/ ohserved. 1822, p. 10. [The records of the Synod of Albany approved] excepting the ease of receiviuj^ a foreign licentiate, by the Presbytery of St. Law- rence, without laying their proceedings in the case before the Synod, or General Assembly. 1852, p. 221. Papers touching the reception of the Rev. William Wiudle, a foreign Minister, to the Presbytery of Philadelphia. These were remitted to that Presbytery, inasmuch as no record of its proceedings in the case had been placed in the hands of the committee, by which they might ascertain how far the Presbytery has complied with the order of the Assembly, in such cases made and provided. Title 5. — dismission and withdrawal of ministers. § 61. Disviission ■moij i^ui he hj a committee ad interim. 1830, p. 27. The rule of the Presbytery of Cayuga, referred to the As- sembly, is as follows, viz : " The 31oderator for the time being, and the Stated Clerk, ex o^fficio, were appointed a Committee to grant letters of dis- mission to Ministers without charge, and to licentiates and candidates under the care of this Presbytery, to unite with other Presbyteries, and were di- rected to report at the next stated meeting." In relation to this rule, the following resolution was adopted, viz : Resolved, That the rule hitherto acted upon by the Presbytery of Cayuga, is inexpedient and unconstitutional. § 62. Dismission must he to a specific hocly. 1806, p. 351. Resolved, That whereas, it is a fundamental principle of the government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church, that every Minister of the gospel belonging to it, be subject at all times to his brethren in the Lord; and accountable to them for the orthodoxy of his principles, and for his moral, religious, and orderly deportment; it is therefore Ordered, That every Presbytery under the care of this Assembly, when- ever they dismiss a member, be careful particularly to specify with what Presbytery, Association, or Classis, or other religious body, he is to be asso- ciated after his dismission, (to which some of the Presbyteries do not appear to have been sufficiently attentive,) and that every member so dismissed be in all cases considered as amenable to the Presbytery which has dismissed him, till he shall become connected with the ecclesiastical body which he shall have been directed to join. § 68. Ministers witltdrcncing from Presbytery. [See Book VII, §§ 52, 56, 71.] 1828, p. 236. [The Rev. Edward Andrews, a member of Chenango Pres- bytery,] has recently withdi-awn, and received Episcopal ordination. p. 237. The Committee on the reference from Chenango Presbytery, in the case of the Rev. Edward Andrews, made the following report, which was adopted, viz : cJEC. 59.] THE SYNODS. 2o3 Resolved, as the sense of this Assembly, That though the conduct of Mr. Andrews was disorderly, it is recommended to the Presbytery to do nothing further than simply to strike his name from the list of their mem- bers. 1S30, p. 30. Resolved, That when a Minister, otherwise in good standino- gives notice in form, to the Presbytery to which he belongs, that he renounces the fellowship of the Presbyterian Church ; or by neglecting to attend the meetings of its judicatories, after being dealt with for such neglect, gives evidence that he has done so, in fact; his name ought to be struck from the roll of its members; a notice of this procedure communicated to the dis- owned member, and, if necessary, published to the Church. The Congre- gation under the care of such Minister ought to be held as still under the care of Presbytery, unless they give evidence that they also have been with- drawn, in which case, their name ought also to be struck from the list of Congregations belonging to the Presbytery. 1854, p. 17. The Second Presbytery of New York, asking the direction of the Assembly as to the action to be taken by Presbytery in the case of a member, who, without previous conference with his co-presbyters, or with- out receiving a certificate of dismission, leaves the Presbytery, and abandons the ministry of the Presbyterian Church: ^ Resolved, That in such cases as that presented in the overture, the Pres- bytery ought simply to erase the name of the Minister from the roll, pro- vided he leaves the Church without being chargeable with fundamental error in doctrine, or immorality of life. CHAPTER V. OF THE SYNODS. Title 1. — their constitution. § 64. A Synod is an assembly, not of Preshyteries, hut of 3Iimsters and Elders. (a) [Chapter xi. Sec. 1, of the Form of Government, stood originally thus — "As a Preshytery is the conventioTi of the Bishops and Elders within a certain district, so a Synod is a convention of several Presbyteries, within a larger district." The Assembly of 1804, sent down an amendment, which was adopted, changing the passage to the pre- sent phraseology. The proposal from the Assembly was accompanied with the following explanatory note. " Under tiiis section of the existing constitution it has been doubted whether tlie members can proceed to business as a Synod, unless there are present several Presbyteries, i.e. at least three Ministers from one of the existing Presbyteries, and three from another. This amendment, therefore, goes to make a Synod consist not of Presby- teries, but, as it ought, of Bishops and Elders." — Minutes, 1804, p. 304, note: 1805, p. 333.] ^ (h) [The following marginal note was inserted by the Assembly, in the first edition of the Constitution with [)roofs, under the chapter on Synodical Assemblies.] " As the proofs already adduced in favour of a presbytcrial assembly, in the govern- ment of the Church, are equally valid in support of a synodical assembly, since a Synod i8 only a larger Presbytery, it is unnecessary to repeat the Scriptures to wiiich reference has been made under Chap, ix., or to add any other." 264 THE CHURCH COURTS. [book IV. § 65. The ojycning sermon. 1827, p. 118, [The records of the Synod of Pittsburgh approved, except] that at the opening of the Synod, no sermon was delivered, as the Constitu- tion requires; but on the following evening. 1841, p. 181. [The records of the Synod of Albany approved, except that] the Synod was opened without a sermon ; whereas the Form of Govern- ment, Chap. xi. Sec. 5, requires that a Sermon shall be preached. § 66. Pro re nata meetings of Sijnods. 1823, p. 120. [The records of the Synod of Kentucky approved, except] the record of a meeting of Synod, which was convened pursuant to call of the Moderator; without a specification of the object for which they were con- vened. 1829, p. 383. " Has the Moderator of a Synod a right to call a meeting of Synod during the interval of its stated sessions?" Resolved, That this question be answered in the affirmative. 1832, p. 328. The Assembly took up the protest and complaint of a minor- ity of the Synod of Virginia, against a decision of said Synod in favour of called meetings of Synod ; the complainants and Synod were heard ; after which it was resolved, that the complaint be not sustained. 1832, p. 333. [The following was proposed to the Presbyteries, as an addition to the con- stitution :] " When any emergency shall require a meeting of the Synod sooner than the time to which it stands adjourned, the Moderator, or, in case of his absence, death, or inability to act, the Stated Clerk, shall, with the concurrence, or at the request of three Ministers and three Elders, the Ministers and Elders being of at least two different Presbyteries, call a special meeting. For this purpose he shall send a circular letter, specifying the particular business of the intended meeting, to every Minister belonging to the Synod, and to the Session, if practicable, of every vacant Congregation ; and between the time of issuing the letters of convocation, and time of meeting, shall elapse at least twenty days. And nothing shall be transacted at such special meeting, besides the particular business for which the judicatory has been convened. It shall also be the duty of the Moderator to cause notice to be given in the public prints of the time and place of such intended meeting of the Synod." [In 1833, forty-six Presbyteries reported adoption, and seventeen rejection , and in 1834, thirty-eight in favour, and eleven against the amendment; but as in neitlier case was there a majority of all the Presbyteries, the amendment failed.] — Minutes, 1833, p. 485 ; andl834, p. 13. § 67. Adjourned meetings of Synods reeognized. 1797, p. 127. As there is an adjourned meeting of said Synod, with a view to issue the business, the Assembly ought not judicially to interfere, until it shall be decided upon by the Synod ; and they hereby recommend to the Synod of the Carolinas, to continue their laudable and prudent endeavours to bring the present dispute to a speedy issue. 1799, p. 176. [The records of the Synod of the Carolinas,] were approved as far as the end of the extraordinary session held at Little Britain, N. C., Feb. 7, 1799. Title 2. — history op the erection op the synods. § 68. The Synods of New York and New Jersey, Phdadelphia, Virginia, and The Carolinas, created out of the General Synod. 1758, p. 547. 1. Resolved tmammoxisly, That this Synod be divided, and it is hereby divided into four Synods, agreeably to an net made and provided for that SEC. 65.] THE SYNODS. 2G5 purpose in the sessions of Synod in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six ; [see below § 108 ;] and that this division shall commence ou the di.ssolution of the present Synod. 2. Rraoh-rd, That the Si/notl nf JSfpv York and Neio Jersey meet on Wed- nesday the twenty-ninth day of next October, in the First Presbyterian Church, in the city of New York, at three o'clock, P. M. ; and that the present Mode- rator, [Rev. John Woodhull,] or in his absence, the senior Minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a Moderator be chosen. 3. /?(".s'o?tr(/. That the Si/nod of P/u'/adelphia meet oa the third Wednes- day of October next, in the First Presbyterian Church, in the city of Phila- delphia, at eleven o'clock, A. M.; and that Dr. Ewing, or in his absence, the senior Minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a Moderator be chosen. 4. Resolved, That the Synod of Virginia meet on the fourth Wednesday of October next, at eleven o'clock, A. M., at New Providence Church ; and that Mr. Zanchy, or in his absence, the senior Minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a Moderator be chosen. 5. Resolved., That the Synod of the Carolinas meet on the first Wednesday of November next, at eleven o'clock, A. M., at Centre Church, in Roan county; and that Mr. Patillo, or in his absence, the senior Minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a Moderator be chosen. § 69. The Synods of Pittsburgh and Keiitucky. 1802, p. 250. [On petition of the Synod of Virginia,] Resolved, 1. That the Presbyteries of Hanover, Lexington, and Winchester, constitute a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Virginia j that they hold their first meeting at the Presbyterian Church at Lexington, in Virginia, on the last Wednesday of September next, and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Dr. James Waddel, or in case of his absence, by the next senior Minister who may be present ; and that they afterwards meet oa their own adjournnients. 2. That the Presbyteries of Redstone, Ohio, and Erie, be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Pittshurgh ; that they hold their first meeting in the Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh, on the last Wednesday of September next, and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. James Power, and in case of his absence, by the next senior Minister who may be present ; and that they afterwards meet on their own adjourn- ments. 3. That the Presbyteries of Tran.sylvania, West Lexington, and Wash- ington, be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Kentucliy ; that their first meeting be held in the Presbyterian Church ia the town of Lexin«eut ; and that they afterwards meet on their own adjournments. 4. That the southern boundary of the Synod of Pittsburgh be from the mouth of the Scioto, up the Ohio river to the mouth of the Great Kenhawa, thence a line due east unto the top of the Allegheny mountains ; and that the western boundary of the said Synod begin at the mouth of the Scioto, and thence up the said river to its source, &c.; and then that the line between the States of A'irginia and Kentucky be the boundary between those Synods. § 70. The Synod of Albany. 1808, p. 278. A communication was received from the Presbyteries of Albany, Oneida, and Columbia, requesting among other things that the said 31 266 THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK IV. Presbyteries may be constituted a Synod, by the name of the Synod of Albany. Satisfactory evidence was laid before the Assembly, that the Synod of New York and New Jersey, to which said Presbyteries belong, has been consulted, and o;ive their consent to the measures proposed ; therefore, Resolved, That the Presbyteries of Albany, Oneida, and Columbia, be and they hereby are, constituted and formed into a Synod, to be known by the name of IVte Si/nod of Albany ; that they hold their first meeting in the Presbyterian Church of Albany the first Wednesday of October next at two o'clock, P. M., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Jedediah Chapman, or in case of his absence, by the next senior Minister present j and that they afterwards meet on their own adjournments. § 71. Tlie Synod of Geneva. 1812, p. 502. Application from the Synod of Albany was overtured by the Committee of Overtures, that said Synod be divided in the manner fol- lowing, viz : — That the Presbyteries of Londonderry, Columbia, Albany, and Oneida, form the eastern division, and be constituted a Synod to be called and known by the name of the Synod of Albany ; and that they hold their first meeting in the Presbyterian Church in the city of Albany on the first Wednesday in October next, at eleven o'clock, A. M.; and that the meeting be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Samuel Blatchford, D. D., and in case of his absence, then by the eldest Minister present. That the Presbyteries of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Geneva, form the western division, and be constituted a Synod, to be called and known by the name of The Synod of Geneva; and that they hold their first meeting in the First Presbyterian Church in Geneva on the first Wednesday in October next, at 11 o'clock, A. M.; and that the meeting be opened with a sermon by the Rev. David Higgins, and in case of his absence, then by the eldest Minister present. Resolved, That the Synod of Albany be divided as above, and it hereby is accordingly divided. [Disowned, in 1837 ; see Book VII. § 134.] § 72. The Synods of North, Carolina, and South Carolina and Georgia. 1813, p. 526. An application from the Synod of the Carolinas, for the di- vision of their Synod, was overtured and read. Whereupon jt was Resolved, That the said Synod be divided as follows, viz : — That the Pres- byteries of Orange, Concord, and Fayetteville, be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of North Carolina; to meet at the Alle- mance Church on the first Thursday of October next ; that the Rev. Dr. James Hnll, or in the case of his absence, then the senior member present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside until a Moderator be chosen; and that the Synod meet afterwards on their own adjournments. That the Presbyteries of South Carolina, Hopewell, and Harmony, be con- stituted a Synod, to be known by the name of l^he Synod of South Caro- Una and Georr/ia ; to meet on the first Thursday in November next, at Upper Long Cane Church, and afterwards at their own adjournments ; that the Rev. Dr. Henry Kollock, or in case of his absence, then the senior Min- ister present, preach the opening sermon, and preside until a Moderator be elected. § 73. The Synod of Ohio. {a) An unsuceessfiil application. 1813, p. 532. The committee to which the petitions from the Presbyteries of New Lancaster, Washington, and Miami, were referred, reported; and their SEC, 70.] XUi; 8Y-NODS. 267 report being read, and the subject discuh-^ed at con.sideiable length, was ad(.pted, and is as follows, viz : That although their knowledge of the circumstances of those Presbyte- ries, and of the vast extent of the bounds of the Synod of Kentucky, and their apprehensions of the interests and convenience of the Churches iu that region, would strongly recommend that the prayers of the petitioners be granted ; yet as the Synod of Kentucky is acknowledged by the petition- ers to have decided against their request, and as this xisscmbly do not possess any official information from said Synod on this subject, the Assembly in present circumstances do not feel themselves at liberty to make an imme- diate division of the Synod ; therefore, Resolced, That the Assembly recommend to the Synod of Kentucky to leeonsider their proceedings on this case, and if consistent with their views of the interests of the Churches within their bounds, to take, at their next meeting, the order necessary to open the way for a division of said Synod by the General Assembly, or otherwise to.exhibit to the next Assembly their reasons against the division. (6 ) The Synod of Ohio erected. 1814, p. 5-17. The committee to which were referred the petition of the Presbytery of Lancaster, for the division of the Synod of Kentucky, and a resolution of the Synod on the same subject, reported in favour of the pe- tition ; and it was Rewlved, By the Assembly, that the Presbytery of Lancaster be sepa- rated from the Synod of Pittsburgh, and the Presbyteries of Washington and ^liami be separated from the Synod of Kentucky, and be erected into a new Synod, and called by the name of Tlie Synod of Ohio ; to meet at Chillicothe, on the last Thursday of October next ; that the Rev. Robert G. Wilson, or in case of his absence, the senior Minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a new Moderator be chosen. § 74. The Synod of Tennessee. 1814, p. 648. The committee to whom was referred the petition of the Synod of Kentucky, praying a division of said Synod, reported, and their report being read, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : — That agreeably to the request of the Synod of Kentucky, the Presby- teries of Union, Shiloh, West Tennessee, and Mississippi, be constituted a Synod, to be known and called by the name of The Sjjnud of Tennessee ; that they hold their first session at Nashville, on the first Wednesday of October next ; and that the Rev. James W. Stephenson, or in case of his absence, the senior Minister that may be present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside until a new Moderator be chosen. [Dissolved in 1839; Book VII. § 167 : 1.] § 75. The Synod of Genessee. 1821, p. 10. The Synod of Geneva requested that said Synod be divided in the following manner, and their request was granted ; viz : — That the Presbyteries of Niagara, Genessee, Rochester, and Ontario be erected into a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Genessee; and that they hold their first meeting at Rochester on the third Tuesday of September next, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, D. D.j or in case of his absence, by the senior Minis- ter present; and afterwards meet on their own adjournments. [Disowned in 1837 ; see Book VII. § 134.] THE CHURCH COURTS. [BOOK TV. § 76. The S^nud af JVcir Yorh and JS'ew Jerscij divided. 1823, p. 117. Rewlved, That agreeably to the petition of said Synod [of New York and New Jersey,] the Presbyteries of New York, Long Island, Hudson, North iliver, and Second Presbytery of New York, be constituted, and they are hereby constituted a Synod, to be called Tlie Synod of New York; that they hold their first meeting on the third Tuesday of October next, at 10 o'clock, A. M., in the First Presbyterian Church in the city of New York, and afterwards upon their own adjournments; and that Dr. Rowan, or in case of his absence, the senior Minister present, open the meeting with a sermon and preside till a new JModerator is chosen. That the Presbyteries of Jersey, New Brunswick, Newton, and Susque- hanna be constituted, and they hereby are constituted a Synod, to be called The Synod of New Jersey ; that they hold their first meeting on the third Tuesday of October next, at 10 o'clock, A. M., in the First Presbyterian Church in Newark, and afterwards on their own adjournments ; and that Dr. Woodhull, or in case of his absence, the senior Minister present, open the meeting with a sermon, and preside till a new Moderator is chosen. § 77. The Synod of Western Reserve. 1825, p. 263. [Upon application from the Synod of Pittsburgh,] Resolved, That the Presbyteries of Grand River, Portage, and Huron, be, and they hereby are detached from the Synod of Pittsburgh, and con- stituted a new Synod, to be designated by the name of The Synod of Western Reserve; that they hold their first meeting at Hudson, on the fourth Tuesday of September next, at 11 o'clock, A. M., and that the Rev. Joseph Badger preach the Synodical sermon, and act as Moderator till another shall be chosen ; or in case of his failure, then the oldest Minister present shall ofl&ciate in his place. [Disowned in 1837 ; see Book VII. § 134. § 78. The Synod of West Tennessee, (iioio Nashville.') 1826, p. 24. Resolved, That the prayer of the Synod [of Tennessee,] be granted so far as to constitute the Presbyteries of West Tennessee, Shiloh, Mississippi, and North Alabama into a Synod, to be denominated The Synod of West Tennessee ; to meet in Huntsville on the second Wednesday of October next, at 11 o'clock, A. M., and that the Rev. Robert Hardin, or in case of his absence, the senior Minister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a Moderator be chosen, and the Synod regularly organized." [The name was changed to The Synod of NashviUe. — Minutes, 1850j p. 469.] § 79. The Synod of Indiana. 1826, p. 24. The committee to whom was referred the petition from the Pres- bytery of Salem, requesting that the Presbyteries of Salem, Madison, Wabash, and Missouri, be constituted a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Indiana, made the following report, which was adopted, viz : Resolved, That the prayer of the petition be granted, and that the said Synod meet in Vincennes on the third Wednesday of October next ; and that the Rev. William Martin, or in the case of his absence, the senior Min- ister present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside till a JModerator be chosen, and the Synod regularly organized. § 80. The Synod of Utica. 1829, p. 373. An application from the Synod of Albany for the erection of a new Synod, was taken up ; when it was SEC. 76.] TUE SYNODS. 269 Resolved, That the request be granted, and agreeably to the reque,st of the Synod, the Presbyteries of Ogdensburgh, Watertown, Oswego, Oneida, and Otsego, are hereby constituted a new Synod, to be called The Synod of Utica. Bcwlvcd, That the Synod of Utica hold their first meeting in Utica, in the First Presbyterian Church, on the Tuesday preceding the third Wednes- day of September next at 7 o'clock, P. M. ; and that the llev. Israel Brai- nard preach the opening sermon, and preside until a Moderator is chosen, and in case of his absence, these duties shall devolve on the senior Minister present. [Disowned in 1837; see Book VII. § 134.] § 81. The Synod of Mississippi and South Alabama. 1829. p. 376. The committee on No. 2, from the Judicial Committee, viz : the, complaint and request of the Presbytery of Mississippi, reported, that in consequence of the insufficiency of testimony, they express no opinion respecting the correctness of the complaint; but they recommend that the request be granted, which is, that the Presbyteries of Mifsissippi, South Alabama, and Bigby, be formed into a new Synod. The report of the com- mittee was adopted; and the Presbyter!^ of Mississippi, South Alabama, and Bigby, are hereby formed into a newSynod, to be known by the name of The Synod of 3Iississi2^2^i and South Alabama. Resolved, That the Synod of Mississippi and South Alabama hold their first meeting at Mayhew on the second Wednesday of November next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. ; and that the Rev. Kobert M. Cunningham, D. D., or in case of his absence, the senior Minister present, preach the sermon at the opening, and preside until a Moderator is chosen. § 82. T7ie Synod of Cincinnati. 1829, p. 387. Resolved, That a new Synod be constituted by the name of The Synod, of Cincinnati, to consist of the Presbyteries of Chillicothe, Cin- cinnati, and Miami ; and that the line which divides the Presbyteries of Athens, Lancaster and Columbus, on the east, from the Presbyteries of Chillicothe and Miami, on the west, shall be the dividing line between the Synods of Ohio and Cincinnati ; excepting that the portion of the Presbytery of Columbus, which lies in the counties of Clarke, Champaigne, and Logan, and west of a line running due north from the northeast corner ofthe county of Logan, to the boundary of the Synod of the Western Reserve, shall be attached to the Presbytery of Miami ; and the Synod of Cincinnati shall hold their first meeting in Lebanon on the fourth Thursday of October next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. ; and shall be opened with a sermon by the Rev. James Kemper, or in case of his absence, by the senior Minister present, who shall preside until a Moderator shall be chosen. § 83. The Synod of Illinois. 1831, p. 175. Resolved, Agreeably to the request of the Synod [of Indi- ana], that the Presbyteries of Illinois, Kaskaskia, Sangamon, and ^Missouri, be and they hereby ai^ erected into a new Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of IlliMois ; that the Synod thus erected be required to hold their first meeting atlllillsborough, Montgomery county, Illinois, on the third Thursday of September, 1831, at 12 o'clock, noon; and that the Rev. John Matthews open the same with a sermon, and preside until a Modera- tor is chosen ; and in case of his absence, the senior Minister present. § 84. The Synod of Missouri. 1832, p. 326. The Presbytery of Missouri requested the Synod of Illinois to take measures for the erection of a new Synod ; whereupon the Synod 270 THE CHURCH COURTS. [bOOK IV. divided the Ministers and Churches in the State of Missouri into three Presbyteries, viz : the Presbytery of Ht. Louis, the Presbytery of St. Charles, and the Presbytery of Missouri. The Synod of Illinois pray the General Assembly to erect a new Synod, to be composed of the above named Pres- byteries, and to be called The Sijnod of Missouri; that the first meeting of the said Synod be held at St. Louis on the second Thursday in October, 1832, and to be opened with a sermon by the llev. Thomas Donnell, who shall preside until a Moderator be chosen ; or in case of his absence, then the senior Minister present. [Granted.] § 85. The Synod of Chesapeake. 1S33, p. 479. (ffl) An application for a new Synod, to be composed of the Presbyteries of East Hanover, Baltimore, and District of Columbia, and to be called the Synod of Chesapeake, was taken up. Resolved, That the application be granted, and that a new Synod be, and hereby is erected, to be called The Si/nod of Chesapeake, and to be com- posed of the Presbyteries of the District of Columbia, Baltimore, and East Hanover. Resolved, That the Synod of Cl^sapeake hold its first meeting in George- town, in the District of Columbfli, on the fourth Thursday of December next, at 11 o'clock, A. M., and be opened with a sermon by the Eev. Ste- phen B. Balch, D. D., or in case of his absence or inability to act, by the next oldest Minister present. ( 6 ) The Synod of Chesapeake Dissolved. 1834, p. 37. Resolved, That the Synod of Chesapeake be, and the same is hereby dissolved ; that the Presbytery of East Hanover be, and the same is hereby restored to the Synod of Virginia ; that the Presbyteries of Bal- timore and of the District of Columbia be, and the same are hereby restored to the Synod of Philadelphia. § 86. The Synod of Michigan. 1834, p. 22. A petition from the Synod of the Western Reserve, to erect the Presbyteries of Detroit, Monroe, and St. Joseph, in said Synod, into a new Synod, to be called the Synod of Michigan. Resolved, That the petition be granted ; and the said Presbyteries of De- troit, Monroe, and St. Joseph, are hereby erected into a new Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Michigan. Resolved, That the Synod of Michigan hold its first meeting at Ann Arbor, on the last Thursday in September next, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and that the Rev. Reuben Armstrong, or in case of his failure the oldost jMinis- ter present, open the Synod with a sermon, and preside until a Moderator is chosen. [Dissolved in 1839; see Book VII. § 167 : 2.] § 87. The Synod of Delaware. 1834, p. 37. Applications from the Presbyteries of Lewes, Wilmington, and Philadelphia second, as constituted by the Assembly, to be constituted into a new Synod, * * * Resolved, That the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, and the Presby- teries of Wilmington and Lewes, be, and the same hereby are erected into a new Synod, to be called The Synod of Brhnrare ; that tliey hold tlieir first meeting in the Second Church, Wilmington, the fourth Thursday in October next, at 11 o'clock A. M., and that the opening sermon be preached by the Rev. James P;itt(rson, or in case of his absence by the oldest Minis- ter present. [Dis.^nlvL.i in 1835 ; Book VII. § 106 : 4.] SEC. 84.] THE SYNODS. 271 § 88. Sj/nod of Alahamn . 1835, p. 31. The committee to whom was referred Overture No. 26, beins a petition from the Synod of Mississippi and South Alabama, for the erection of a new Synod, made their report, which was accepted and adopted, and is as follows, viz: Resolved, That the request of the Synod be granted; that the Presbyte- ries of South Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and Tombigbee, be erected into a new Synod, to be called The Si/nod of Alabama ; that this Synod hold its first meeting at the Church in Tuscaloosa, on the last Thursday in October, 1835, at 12 o'clock, M.; and that R. M. Cunningham, D. 1)., preach and con- stitute with prayer; or, in case of his absence, the oldest Minister pre- sent. That the name of the present Synod be so altered as in future to be known by the name of The Sijnod of Mississippi. [ The Si/nod of Northern India was erected in 1841. See Book V. § 123.1 § 89. The Synod of Buffalo. 1843, p. 174. Petition of the Presbyteries of Steuben, Wyoming, and Ogdensburgh, to be set off from the Synods of Albany and New Jersey,, and erected into a Synod. On which subject the committee submitted the fol- lowing minute, which was adopted, viz : Whereas, the General Assembly in 1838, [Book VII. § 158 : 3,] enacted that " If as many as three Presbyteries can be conveniently formed in Western New York, they should be constituted into a Synod, and shall cover the entire territory heretofore occupied by the three Synods of Utica, Ge- neva, and Genessee ;" therefore. Resolved, That the Presbyteries of Steuben, Wyoming, and Ogdensburgh, which have been formed in that territory, be constituted into a Synod, to be known by the name of The Synod of Buffalo; whose boundaries shall be according to the said act of the x\ssembly of 1838. And that the first meet- ing of said Synod be held in the city of BuiFalo, in the First Presbyterian Church in connection with this Assembly, on the second Wednesday of Au- gust next, at 3 o'clock, P. M. ; that the sessions of the Synod be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Isaac W. Piatt, of the Presbytery of Steuben, and in case of his absence, by the senior Bishop present; and that the Synod afterwards convene on their own adjournment. § 90. Tlie Synod of Northern Indiana. 1843, p. 192. Resolved, That the request of the Synod of Indiana be grant- ed ; and that a new Synod be erected, to consist of the Presbyteries of Lo- gansport. Lake, and Michigan, to be known by the name of The Synod of Northern Indiana ; that the present boundaries of said Presbyteries be tlie boundary of the Synod ; that it hold its first meeting at Fort Wayne, on the second Thursday of October next, at 12 o'clock, M. ; that it be opened with a sermon by Rev. John Wright, or in case of his absence, by the senior Minister present; that he preside till a Moderator is chosen; and that said .Synod afterwards meet on its own adjournments. § 91. TJie Synod of South Carolina and Georgia divided. 1845, p. 10. Resolved, That the -Synod of South Carolina and Georgia be, and it hereby is, divided into two Synods, to be styled respectively^ The Synod of South Carolina, unA The Synod of Georgia ; and that the geo- graphical limits of the Synod of South Carolina be those of the State of South Carolina; and that the geographical limits of the Synod of Georgia, be 272 THE CHURCH COURTS. [bOOK IV. those of tlie State of Georgia, together with the Territory of Florida, so far as this may not interfere with the limits of the Synod of Alabama. Bexoh-rd a/so, That the Synod of South Carolina be directed to meet in Pendleton, on the first Thursday of November, 1845, at 11 o'clock, A. M.; and that the opening sermon be preached by the Rev. Edward Palmer, as Moderator, and in case of his absence, by the oldest Minister present. And that the Synod of Georgia be directed to meet in Macon, Georgia, on the third Thursday of November, 1845, at 7 o'clock, P. M. ; and that the Rev. Thomas Goulding, J). 1)., be appointed to preach the opening sermon as Moderator, and in case of his absence, the oldest Minister present. [The Synod of South Carolina consisted of the Presbyteries of South Carolina, Bethel, Harmony, and Charleston. The Synod of Georgia, of the Presbyteries of Georgia, Hope- well, Flint River, Florida, and Cherokee.] § 92. The Sijnod of Memphis. 1847, p. 378. The committee on the formation of a new Synod to be com- posed of the Presbyteries of Western District, Chickasaw, Arkansas, and Indian, referred by the last General Assembly to the Synods of West Ten- nessee and ^Mississippi, report, that agreeably to the direction of that As- sembly, the vcj orts of the said Synods have been sent up, and that both Synods, as well as all the Presbyteries concerned, are favourable to the pro- posed arrangement. The committee therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolutions, viz: [Adopted.] 1. Resolved, That a new Synod be, and hereby is, erected, to be called The Si/nod of Mewplik, and to be composed of the Presbyteries of Western District, Chickasaw, Arkansas, and Indian. 2. Resolved, That the Synod of Memphis hold its first meeting in Mem- phis, Tennessee, on the third Thursday of October, 1847, at 7 o'clock, P. M. ; and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. G. W. Coons, or in case of his absence or inability to act, by the oldest Minister present, who shall preside until a Moderator be chosen. § 93. The Synod of Texas. 1851, p. 28. Overture No. 11, from the Presbytery of Eastern Texas, re- questing that the three Presbyteries, Eastern Texas, Brazos, and Western Texas, be erected into a Synod, to be called The Synod of Texas. The committee recommend that the Synod be formed, according to the memorial, to meet at Austin, Texas, on the last Thursday in October next, at 11 o'clock, A. M., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Daniel Baker, D. D.,or, in the event of his absence, by the oldest Minister present, who is then to preside until a Moderator be chosen. The recommendation was adopted. § 94. The Synod of Wisconsin. [A memorial from the Presbytery of Wisconsin, proposing a division of that body into the three Presbyteries of Dane, Milwfaukic, and Winnebago, and the erection of a Sj-nod ; the Synod of Illinois, to which the Presbytery belonged, opposed the action.] 1851, p. 35. Resolved, That the Presbytery of Wisconsin be divided into three Presbyteries, and that they thus formed be erected into a Synod, under the name, [7'/;e Synod of Wisconsin,'] provisions, and specifications, cm- braced in the memorial sent up by said Presbytery to this General Assembly on that subject; and that it be directed to- meet on the last Tuesday of .June, at 7 o'clock, P. M., at Fulton; the Rev. Thomas Frasier to preach the open- ing sermon, and preside until a Moderator be chosen. A)id xchereas, the records of the Presbytery of Wisconsin have not yet undergone synodical revision, that they transmit to the next Assembly, all SEC. Ifi.] THE SYNODS. 273 the records of their Pre.sbyterial acts, prior to their erection into a Synod by this action of the Assembly, for revision, as in the cases of synodical records. Provided, that- this action of the Assembly does not change, in any respect, the line of boundary between the Presbyteries of Wisconsin and Rock River. § 95. The Si/nod of the Pacific. 1852, p. 207. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported Overture No. 4, a memorial from the Presbytery of California, requesting the forma- tion of a new Presbytery and a new Synod. The committee recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following minute : The Rev. R. McCoy is transferred from the Presbytery of Memphis to the Presbytery of California. The Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge, Jr., and the Rev. James Woods, both of the Presbytery of California, with the Rev. W. Gr. Candors, of the Presbytery of Maury, together with the Churches of Benicia and Stockton, are constituted a new Presbytery, to be called the Presbytery of Stockton. The said Presbytery shall hold its first meeting in the First Pres- byterian Church in Stockton, California, on the third Tuesday of August next, at 7 o'clock, P. M.; and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. S. Woodbridge, Jr., who shall preside until a Moderator be chosen. It is the purpose of this minute to perpetuate the Presbytery of California, with the remaining Ministers and Churches belonging thereto. The said Presbytery will hold its next stated meeting on the third Tuesday of August next, in the First Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, California, at 7 o'clock, P.M. ; to be opened with a sermon by the Rev. R. McCoy, who shall preside until a Moderator be chosen. The Presbyteries of California, Oregon, and Stockton, are hereby erected into a new Synod, to be called The Sijnod of the Pacific; and for that pur- pose the Presbyteries of California and Oregon are detached from the Synod of New York. The Synod, created by this minute, shall hold its meeting in the First Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, on the third Tuesday of Octo- ber next, at 7 o'clock P. M., and shall be opened with a sermon by the oldest Minister present, who shall preside until a Moderator be chosen. The Presbyteries herein named shall present their records to the Synod of the Pacific for examination, from the date of their last approval by the Synod of New York. The Synod shall, at its first meeting, settle definitely the territorial limits of its several Presbyteries. The report was adopted. § 96. The Synod of Iowa. 1852, p. 207. Overture No. 10, being an extract from the records of the Synod of Illinois, desiring the Assembly to erect a new Synod. The Committee recom- mended the adoption of the following minute, viz : the Presbyteries of Iowa, Cedar, and Desmoines. with their Ministers and Churches, are hereby detached from the Synod of Illinois, and constituted a Synod, to be called The Sjjnod of lova. It .shall hold its first meeting in the city of Muscatine on the 14th day of October, 1852, at 7 o'clock, P. M., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. L. (jr. Bell, or, in his absence, by the oldest Minister present, who shall preside until a new Moderator be chosen. The said Presbyteries shall present their records to the Synod for approval. The report was adopted. § 97. The Synod of Arkansas. 1852, p 224. A memorial of the Commissioners to this Assembly, from the Presbyteries in the Synod of Memphis, requesting the Assembly to erect a new Synod. This request was granted by the Assembly, and the following resolution was adopted : That the Presbyteries of Arkansas, Ouachita, Indian, and Creek Nation now in the Synod of Memphis, be, and they are hereby erected into a ne^ 35 2"4 THE CITURCII COURTS. [BOOK IV. Synod, to oe called The Synod of Arkansas. The said Synod shall hold its first meeting in the First Presbyterian Church in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, on the second Thursday of October, at 7 o'clock, P. M., and be opened by a sermon by the Rev. James C. Kinsbury, or in case of his absence, by the eldest Minister present, who shall also preside until a Moderator be chosen. § 98. The Synod of Baltimore. 1854, pp. 15, 18. Resolved, That the requests of these four Presbyteries be granted, and that the Presbyteries of Carlisle, Baltimore, and Eastern Shore, from the Synod of Philadelphia, and the Presbytery of Winchester, from the Synod of Virginia, be hereby set off and constituted a new Synod, to be called The Synod of Baltimore ; which body shall meet in the F street Church in the City of Washington, on the last Tuesday (31st) of October next, at 7^ P. M., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Wm. S. Plumer, I). J)., or in his absence by the oldest Minister present, who shall preside till another Moderator be chosen ; and that thereafter the Synod convene on their own adjournment. § 99. The Synod of Allegheny. 1854, p. 36. Papers in relation to a division of the Synod of Pittsburgh — were then taken up. The papers were read, and the matter was discussed at length, when the previous question was called, and the petition of the Synod was granted ; which petition is as follows : Resolved, That the next General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States be petitioned to erect a new Synod, embracing that part of the Synod of Pittsburgh which lies west and north of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers ; and in case it shall erect the new Synod for which this Synod asks, to call it by the name of The Synod of Allegheny, and to appoint its first meeting to be held in the First Church, City of Allegheny, at the same time at which the Synod of Pittsburgh shall hold its next meeting ; to be opened with a sermon by the Rev. William Annan, who shall preside until the elec- tion of a Moderator. § 100. The Synod of Chicago. 1856, p. 508. Overture No. 3, from the Synod of Illinois, requesting the erection of a new Synod, to embrace the Presbyteries of Chicago, Rock River, and Schuyler, as these Presbyteries now exist, and to be called the Synod of Chicago. This request was granted; and on the recommendation of the Committee, it was ordered, that the first meeting be held in Princeton, Illinois, on the third Thursday of October next, at seven o'clock, P. M. ; to be opened with a sermon by the Rev. J. Pillsbury ; or, in case of his absence, by the oldest Minister present, who shall preside until a Moderator be chovsen. § 101. The Synod of Southern Iowa. 1857, p. 38. Overture No. 10, from the Synod of Iowa, for the erection of a new Synod within its present territory. The Committee recommended that the, overture be granted; and that the county of Muscatine, with the Churches and Ministers therein, be detached from the Presbytery of Iowa and connected with the Presbytery of Cedar ; that the Presbyteries of Iowa, Dos Moines, and Council Bluffs be detached from the Synod of Iowa, and that the same, be and hereby are erected into anew Synod, to be called Tlit Synod of Soufhrrn Jnwa ; and that said Synod hold its first meeting in Fairfield on the second Thursday of October, 1857, at seven o'clock P. M., and that the Rev. Salmon Cowles preach the opening sermon and preside till a Moderator SEO. 97.] THE SYNODS. 275 be chosen; or, in case of his absence or inability, then the oldest Minister present. Adopted. It was ordered also that the Churches of Nebraska be connected with the Presbytery of Council Bluffs. § 102. The Synod of U'p'per Missouri. 1857, p. 40. Overture No. 17 was then taken up from the docket — from various ministers in the Territory of Kansas, praying the Assembly to or- ganize three Pre.sbyteries there ; and, on motion. Overture No. 18 was taken up, to be considered along with the former — from the Presbytery of Upper Missouri, praying for the erection of a new S3^nod, to be called the Synod of Upper Missouri. The report of the Committee was adopted in part, so far as to order the organization of two Presbyteries, as follows: 1. That the Rev. S. M. Irvin, of the Presbytery of Lafayette; the Rev. W. H. Honnell, of the Presbytery of Transylvania; the Rev. D. A. Mur- dock, of the Presbytery of Council Bluffs; and the Rev. Wm. McGrookin, of the Presbytery of Sydney, together with the church of Highland and the church of Lodiana, be constituted a Presbytery, to be called the Preshi/trrt/ of H:c Sessions and Presbyteries under its care may afford to the Assembly's Board." — Minutes of the Conv. pp. 13, 16. 358 institutions of the church. [book v Title 5. — :\iiscellaneous enactments. § 87. Itinerant labours required. 1841, p. 444. Resolved, That tlie system of itinerating vshould be a promi- nent plan of missionary operation. That, while it is proper that the Board, as heretofore, continue to aid destitute and feeble Churches, they are di- rected to assign a full proportion of their missionaries to the work of itinera- ting. And that in their next annual report, the Board distinguish between these two classes of labourers. 1842, p. 2G. Resolved, That the condition of the population of wide por- tions especially of our Southern and Western States, not only justifies, but requires the employment of Evangelists engaged in itinerant labours, and that Pastors are called upon in all such regions, to inquire if they cannot extend their labours beyond the bounds of their own Congregations, oc- cupy new stations for preaching, gather new Churches, and with the con- sent of their own people, spend some portion of their time in missionary labours. 1854, p. 35. Resolved, That it be recommended to the 'Board of Missions to encourage, as far as possible, the organization of the missionary field into districts, embracing several points of labour, with a view to adapting the system to the work of pioneering by an itinerant ministry. § 88. Pastors should make itinerant tours. 1839, p. 167. Resolved, That in furtherance of this great work, which is of equal importance to this country, in its civil and religious aspects, this Assembly recognizes the great importance of itinerant missionary labours among the more destitute districts and the newly settled portions of our country, and would urge its necessity, not only upon the employed mission- aries of the Board, but also upon all Pastors, who, by an annual missionary tour of this character, might render equal benefit to themselves, their Churches, and to the Church at large, and thus greatly extend the bounda- ries of the kingdom of Christ. 1841, p. 444. That until a sufficient number of suitable men can be found to occu])y this field of labour, it is the duty of the Churches enjoying regu- lar pastoral labours, and of settled Pastors, to take part in the work, by de- voting a portion of their time to missionary labours ; and it is recommended that every Presbytery take order on the subject, and see that the burden of this work be equally distributed among its Churches. § 89. Pastoral sustentation. 1825, p. 2G2. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Board to appro- priate a considerable portion of their funds to the location of Pastors in those destitute parts of the Church, where from the character of the popu- lation there is a prospect of a permanent establishment, and where the Pastor can, in the meantime, receive the chief part of his support. § 90. Increase of the salaries of Missionaries. 1854, p. 35. Resolved, That this Assembly, whilst deprecating any waste- ful or unncccssai-y expenditure of domestic missionary funds, would ex- press particular approval of the conduct of the Board in increasing, as they have done, the salaries of missionaries in the field ; the Assembly would express further the assurance that the Board may proceed to a much larger increase in the allowance to their missionaries, full}'^ relying on the justice and liberality of our people to supply the Board with such an increase of means as will enable it to lessen, to some extent, the privations now endured SEC. 87.] BOARD OP DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 359 by our brethren ; and while the Assembly express thus decidedly their view of the duty of the Board, they would most earnestly exhort the Churches to greatly increased exertions, to meet the increased demands on the funds of the Board, which must result from any attempt to do justice to our missionary brethren. § 91. Discretion of the Board in distributing the funds. 1852, p. 221. A memorial from the Presbytei'y of Logansport, desiring the Assembly to say, whether the Board of Missions has the power to re- duce the amounts recommended to be given in aid to any Churches, under the care of any Presbytery, without consulting such Presbytery, and if so, whether the Board has not equal right to take away the whole amount so recommended in any case. Rejoiced, That while the Assembly expects the Board of Missions to pay great respect to the advice of the Presbyteries, touching missionaries labour- ing within their bounds, yet, in the distribution of its funds, the action of the Board must be controlled by the state „of its treasury, and the relative importance of the various missionary fields under its care. § 92. Discretion as to the orthodoxy of the Missionaries. 1830, p. 16. In answer to the questions propounded by the Presbyteries of Union and French Broad, the Assembly would say, that though they do not recognize in the Board of Missions the authority to sit in judgment upon the orthodoxy or morality of any Minister, who is in good standing in his own Presbytery, yet from the necessity of the case, they must exercise their own sound discretion, upon the expediency or inexpediency of appointing or withholding an appointment from any applicant, holding themselves amenable to the General Assembly for all their official acts. § 93. Missions among the Germans. 1851, p. 27. Resolved, That the Board of Missions be requested to keep in view the increasing number and religious wants of the German popula- tion in our country, and to do whatever may be practicable to furnish them with the ministry and means of grace. Title 6. — policy and results of the assembly's missions. § 94. Extent of the field. 1839, p. 167. Resolved, That it is not only the duty of this Board to supply vacant Churches with an intelligent, orthodox, and devoted ministry — not only to render assistance to feeble Churches in supporting such a min- istry when enjoyed, but also to extend the boundaries of the Church, to or- ganize new Congregations, and to estat)lish Churches in the hitherto ne- glected and waste places of the land. § 95. Principles concerning the icorh. 1852, p. 215. Resolved, That the great work .undertaken for so long a time by the Assembly, is the expansion and full establishment of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by his own Spirit and power, over all our vast country. And it is purely a missionary work ; missionary in this respect, that Ministers are sent out by the Assembly, and means furni.>^hed for their support, in whole or in part, while they are preaching the gospel, and gathering and establishing Churches. So soon as individual Churches or groups of Churches are established, and are able to support all the iusti- 360 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. tuiions of the gospel for themselves, they are no longer missionary in char- acter, but immediately cease their connection with the Board, and fall into line with the great body of self-sustaining and contributing Churches, and go to add to the solid material and power of the Presbyterian Church. Now the principles upon which the General Assembly conducts its domestic mis- sionary work are these : 1st. It is, in the sense defined, a missionary work. 2d. The funds contributed for it are missionary funds. 3d. The men em- ployed in preaching the gospel are, in their fields, missionary men. 4th. All the Churches and fields aided and supplied, are missionary Churches and fields. 5th. The funds supplied are funds for temporary assistance, and not for entire nor permanent support. The people aided are to help themselves, be it ever so little, from the beginning, and are to go on to independence. 6th. The gra'tid end and aim of the Assembly is to establish self-sustaining Churches and fields, as fast and as far as possible, and so to increase the solid material and power of the Church, and accumulate strength to go for- ward expanding. 7th. Ministers and means are to be distributed according to the relative importance and promise of different fields, and in view of the necessities of the whole field, that there may be equality and no partiality. 8th. The Assembly conducts this work through a Committee or Board, re- sponsible to itself alone, under its advice and control, and which Board is required to exercise its sound discretion and judgment in deciding upon, and in conducting the business entrusted to it. 9th. No debt to be incurred in carrying forward the missionary work. The Assembly always acted upon this first and only safe principle, and a principle which has always been ad- hered to by our Church, and in the Assembly of 1808, the following resolu- tion was passed : '' That there ought to be no anticipation of the funds in future ; or in other words, that ap^^ropriations ought not to be made in any year, beyond the amount which the funds arising in that year will be suffi- cient to satisfy." — p. 280. 10th. And finally, agents for visiting the Churches, and collecting funds for the work, may be employed by the Board. § 96. Results of twenty-one years. 1851, p. 27. Resolved, That the results of the domestic missionary work of the General Assembly for the last twenty-one years, 1880 to 1850, inclu- sive, namely, the increase of our missionaries from 101 to 570; the increase of our funds from 112,000 to $79,000 : the organization of 943 new Churches, the erection of 1484 houses of worship, and the addition of over 40,000 souls to the missionary Churches on profession of their faith ; and the constitution of a number of new Presbyteries and Synods, and a great enlargement of our territorial boundaries : and also, the results of the past year, by the report, being still most favourable, all furnish to the Assembly, occasion of profound gratitude to the God of Missions, and of encourage- ment to us to proceed unitedly and vigorously with the work. Title 7. — duties op presbyteries. § 97. To provide for their own destitutions. 1842, p. 26. Resolved, That it behoves our several Presbyteries to take a careful survey of the territory within their respective bounds, inquire whether the population residing there is fully supplied with the ordinances of the gospel and in habitual attendance on the worship of God, and to take such measures as their wisdom may suggest, to establish at all proper points the preaching of the word and the ordinances of God's house. SEC. 95.] BOARD OF DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 361 § 98. Presbyteries to report to the Board. 1843, p. 21. Whereas, it appears from the statistical reports from various parts of our Church, and it is well known to this Assembly, that there are some Presbyteries which have more Churches than JMiuisters, and other Presbyteries which have unemployed Ministers and licentiates under their care ; therefore, Resolved, That it be enjoined on all such Presbyteries to report these facts with the names and locality of their vacant Churches and unemployed Ministers to the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions, who are hereby appointed and authorized to act as a Committee of Supplies for the whole Church, by and with the concurrence of the Presbyteries. § 99. Preshyterial efficiency urged. 1854, p. 35. Resolved, That this Assembly would express their special approbation of the earnest appeals nmde in this report by the Board to our Presbyteries, in favour of more vigilant and energetic presbyterial action in behalf of domestic missions. Union of feeble Churches. Ibid. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Presbyteries to encourage more and more the union of small Congregations in the support of one Pas- tor, which, separately, are unable of themselves, to sustain a Minister, with a view to the more efficient support of the ordinances of God among them, with less expense to the missionary fund. Title 8. — auxiliary organizations. § 100, Auxiliary plans recommended. 1841, p. 445. Resolved, That the plans by which Presbyteries and Ses- sions may become auxiliary to this Board, and the plan of Church or Con- gregational associations, as adopted and. published by the General Assembly of 1839, be republished in the report of the present year and in the Ap- pendix to the Minutes. [The following are the plans thus sent forth :] ( 6 ) Presbyteries auxiliary to the Board. Ibid. p. 484. The Board of Missions is an ecclesiastical org-anization, and operates throujjli the Presbyteries ; its success, therefore, must depend essentially on the co-opera- tion of tl\c Presbyteries, and the efficiency of their aid. It is therefore recommended to each of the Presbyteries disposed to become auxiliary to tlie Board, that they appoint an- nually, from their own body, an Executive Committee of Missions, which on its org-ani- zation shall appoint a Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. It shall be the business of this connnittee, 1. To select and recommend to the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions, missionary fields, and missionary labourers, and also to locate such missionaries as may be sent to them by tlic Bcjard for s[)ecial instructions. 2. To receive applications for aid from feeble Cong-regations within the bounds of the Presbytery, and to recommend the same to the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions, specifying in each case the amount of aid, which they deem indispensably 'necessary, to be afforded to the Congregation. 3. To devise and execute plans for raising funds, or if there be an agent of the Board within their limits, to co-operate with snch agent in collecting funds for the support of missions from the several Congregations within their bounds; which funds, if desired by the committee, shall be paid into the hands of their Treasurer; and be held subject to tlie orders of the Board, in snch way as the comnnttee may direct. It will be readily percrivd, by the friends of the Board, that much will depend on the efficiency of tliese committees of Presbyteries. The success of the Board in obtaining suitable missionaries tor distant places, must depend essentially on the ofhcial informa- tion they are enabled to give to those who apply for commissions. Missionaries will 46 362 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. generally be found reluctant to take commissions to the fields of labour, of which they can obtain but little information, as to their wants and prospects; and the information desired can be best iurnishcd by the committees of Presbyteries. It is therefore a matter of very great importance that these corresponding executive committees be composed of active, eificient men, who feel interested in the cause, and have opportunities for becoming acquainted with the state of Churches, and the destitu- tion within their bounds. That the members be located in the immediate vicinity of each other; that the number necessary for the transaction of business be small; and that a due proportion of each committee be composed of active laymen. ( c ) Sessions auxiliaries to the Board of Missions. lb. p. 485. It is believed, after much reflection and experience, that Sessions, consist- ing of the Pastor and Elders, are about the best auxiliaries for the Presbyterian Church. Sessions are already formed ; they are essential to the order and government of the Pres* byterian Church, and, by their taking an agency in the missionary operations, the Church will act directly by her own officers, which is the most proper and desirable mode of action, in everything in which the Church is concerned. By Sessions taking the responsibility, and acting in this matter, missionary operations are brought more directly home to every Congregation, and to individuals, as a concern of their own ; and, when the people see their own representatives, men of their own choice, and in whom they have confidence, superintending and managing this business, they will be likely to contribute more will- ingly, generally, and liberally than tliey would otherwise do. It is hoped the Pastors of our Churches, with their Elders, will feel how important it is, they should act with prompt- ness and regularity in this great and good work. {d) ^^ Plan for Church or Congregational Associations. CONSTITUTION. Ibid. Article 1. This Association shall be known by the name of The Domestic Mis- sionary Association of , and shall be auxiliary to the General Assembly's Board of Missions. Art. 2. Any person who shall contribute annually to its funds shall be a member. Art. 3. The afla.irs of this Association shall be conducted by an Executive Committee of seven members, of whom the Pastor and Elders shall always be a part, and the Pastor, if there be one, shall be, ex officio, chairman. Art, 4. The Committee shall appoint their owm Secretary and Treasurer, either from their own number, or any other persons, as they may deem expedient. The Treasurer shall take charge of the funds, and pay them at the order of the Committee — the Secre- tary shall keep the records, and conduct the correspondence. Art. 5. The whole subject of soliciting contributions, and raising funds, shall be com- mitted to the Executive Committee, whose duty it shall be to adopt such plans as they may deem most expedient for accomplishing the object. Art. 6. It shall be the privilege of this Association, if they desire it, to designate the missionaries they will aid ; and where they take on their funds individual missionaries, they will expect from these missionaries quarterly reports to be made to the Association, as well as to the parent Board. Art. 7. It shall be tlie duty of the Committee to meet at least once in three months, to consult together, devise plans for promoting the interests of domestic missions, and do whatever business may come before them ; three members regularly convened, shall be a quorum for business. Art. 8. The Association shall meet annually on the in March, when a report for the year shall be read, and an Executive Committee appointed. The Pastor, if there be one, shall be, ex officio, President of the Association ; seven members shall be a quorum fdr business. Art. 9. The Secretary of the Association shall transmit a copy of the report immedi- ately after the annual meeting of the Association, to the Secretary of the General Assem- bly's Board of Missions." The foregoing constitution, it will be observed, is designed for an Association including either the whole Congregation, or the male part of the Congregation. It may, however, with a few changes, suit an Association composed of females, and the object in giving a form, is to aid Congregations in organizing themselves into missionary associations ; re- taining the general outlines — each association can model itself to suit its own circum- stances. In all such operations, however, as far as practicable, uniformity is desirable. SEC. 100.] FOREIGN MISSIONS. 863 CHAPTER lY. FOREIGN MISSIONS. Title 1. — the western foreign missionary society. § 101. Dr. J. H. Rices onertiire on Foreign Missions. " The Presbyterian Church in the United States of Nortli America, in org-anizing^ their tbnn of gfovernincnt, and in repeated declarations made tlirouirh her representatives in after times, liave solemnly recog-nizcd the importance of tlie missionary cause, and their obligation as Christians to promote it b}' all the means in their power. But these various acknowledgrneuts have not gone to the full extent of the obligation imposed by the Head of the Church, nor have they produced exertions at all corresponding tt'.ereto. Indeed, in the judgment of this General Assembly, one primary and principal object of the insti- tution of the Church by Jesus Clirist, was not so much the salvation of individual Chris- tians,— for ' he that believeth in tlie Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved.' — but the comma- ntcating of the blessings of the gospel to the destitute with efficiency and united effort. The entire history of the Christian societies organized by the apostles, affords abundant evidence that they so understood the design of their Master. They received of him a command to ' preach the gospel to every creature ;' and from the churches planted by them, the word of the Lord was 'sounded out' through all parts of the civilized world. Nor did the missionary spirit of the primitive Churches expire until they had become se- cularized and corrupted by another spirit. And it is the decided bcliet'of this General Assembly, that a true revival of religion in any denomination of Christians, will gene- rally, if not universally, he marked by an increased sense of obligation to execute the commission which Christ gave to the apostles. " The General Assembly would therefore in the most public and solemn manner ex. press their shame and sorrow that the Church represented by them has done compara- tively so little to make known the saving health of the gospel to all nations. At the same time, they would express their grateful sense of the goodness of the liord, in employing the instrumentality of others to send salvation to the heathen. Particularly would they rejoice at the divine favour manifested to the American Board of Commissioners for For- eign Missions, whose perseverance, whose prudence, whose skill in conducting this most important interest, merit all praise, and excite the joy of all the Churches. With an car- nest desire theretbre, to co-operate with this noble institution ; to iullil, in some part at least, their own obligations ; and to answer the just expectations of the friends of Christ in other denominations, and in other countries : in obedience also to what is believed to be the command of Christ, "i?e it therefore Resolved, 1. That the Presbyterian Church in the United States is a Missionary society, the object of which is to aid in tlie conversion of the world ; and that every member of the Church is a member for life of said society, and bound in mainte- nance of his Christian character, to do all in his power for the accomplishment of this object. "2. That the Ministers of the gospel in connection with the Presbyterian Church, are hereby most solemnly required to present this subject to the members of their respective Congregations, using every effort to make them feel their obligations, and to induce them to contribute according to their ability. " 3. That a connnittee of be appointed from year to year, by the General As- sembly, to be designated, 'Tlic CominitUe of the Presbyterian Church in the United States for Foreign Missions,' to whose management this whole concern shall be confided, with directions to report all their transactions to the Churches. " 4. The Committee shall have power to appoint a chairman, corresponding secretary treasurer, and other necessary officers. "5. The Committtee shall", as far as the nature of the case will admit, be co-ordinate with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and shall correspond 364 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCn. [bOOK V. and co-operate with that association, in every possible way, for the accomplishment of the great objects which it has in view. " 6. Inasmuch as numbers belonging to the Presbyterian Church have already, to some extent, acknowledged their obligations, and have been accustomed, from year to year, to contribute to tiie funds of tlie American Board, and others may hereafter prefer to give that destination to their contributions ; and inasmuch as the General Assembly, so far from wishing to limit or impede tlie operations of that Board, is earnestly desirous that they may be enlarged to tlie greatest possible extent; it is therefore to be distinctly un- derstood, that all individuals. Congregations, or missionary associations, are at liberty to send their contributions either to the American Board, or to the Committee for Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church as to the contributors may appear most likely to advance the great object of the conversion of the world. " 7. That every church Session be authorized to receive contributions ; and be directed to state, in their annual reports to the Presbytery, distinctly the amount contributed by their respective Churches for Foreign Missions ; and that it be earnestly recommended to all church Sessions, in hereafter admitting new members to the Churches, distinctly to state to candidates for admission, that if they join the Church, they join a community, the object of which is the conversion of the heathen world, and to impress on their minds a deep sense of their obligation, as redeemed sinners, to co-operate in the accomplishment of the great object of Christ's mission to the world." — Life of Rice, p. 388. § 102. Action on Dr. Rice's Overture. 1831, p. 173. An overture on the subject of Foreign Missions, from the Rev. Dr. John H. Rice, was taken up, read, and committed to Mr. Arm- strong, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Goodrich, Dr. J. McDowell, and Dr. Agnew. p. 179. The committee made a report, which being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : Resolved, That a committee of three be elected to attend the next annual meeting of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and confer with that body in respect to measures to be adopted for enlisting the energies of the Presbyterian Church more extensively in the cause of mis- sions to the heathen, and that said committee report the results of this con- ference, and their views on the whole subject, to the next General Assem- bly. p. 181. The committee to whom were committed the ballots for the com- mittee to meet with the Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, made a report, when it appeared that the following persons were duly elected, viz : Rev. Dr. John McDowell, Rev. Dr. Thomas McAuley, and the Rev. Dr. James Richards; and that Rev. Dr. Archibald Alexander is elected alternate to Dr. McDowell ; Rev. John Breckinridge to Dr. McAuley ; and Rev. Elisha P. Swift to Dr. Richards. 1832, p. 331. The report of the committee who were appointed by the last Assembly to attend the Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and confer with that body, &c., was taken up, and after some discussion the following resolution was adopted, viz: Resolved, That while the Assembly would express no opinion in relation to the principles contained in the report, they cordially recommend the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to the affection and patronage of their Churches. [The principals of the above named committee were the nominees of the party in the Assembly opposed to the organization of a Missionary Board by our Church. The alter- nates, of those who were in favour of it. "When Dr. Eiee heard the names of the Com- mittee, he said smilingly, that some of the alternates he thought understood his views better than some of the principals." He was then on his death bed. — Footers Sketches of Virginia, 2nd series, p. 439.] § 103. Formation of the Western Foreign Missionary Society. [It was anticipated, as the result proved, correctly, that an attempt would be made by the committee above designated, to form such a treaty with the American Board as liad been once already rejected, tending to preclude the Church from engaging in her own ca- SEC 101.] FOREIGN MISSIONS. 365 pacity in tlie work of missions. To forestall such an attempt, the Synod of Pittsburgh at its sessions in October, 1831, between the appointment and the report of tiic committee, determined to resume its missionary organization; and adopted the following report and constitution. Sec the printed minutes of that Synod, 18.31, page 348.] " It is a fact which the members of the Presbyterian (.'iuirch, in common with some other branches of Christ's visible empire, recognize with joy and gratitude to God, that the indications of prophecy, and the signs of tlic times, call upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, ol" every denomination, and of every clime, to employ redoubled exertions, to extend the glorious gospel in the earth, and especially to those who are en- veloped in pagan and anti-christian darkness. The time appears to have come, when Zion should awake and put on her strength, and not only plead before tlic throne with in- creasing importunity, for the lulfillmcnt of the blessed promise made to the Mediator, that all nations sliould flow unto him, and be saved; that the mountain of the Lord's house may be established ; but by their actual untiring and liberal exertions to exemplify the reality and sincerity of tlieir desires, to convey to a dying world the precious blessings contemplated in these glorious engagements of the covenant of redemption. ThcCliurch and the world wait to see such an ardour and enterprise on this great subject, as the love of Christ, and the wants of man demand of his own blood bought family ; living as it does, in comfort and atHuence, and possessing the rich favours of a munificent provi dence. " In saying this, however, there is no wish to depreciate the exertions of the children of Zion, eitlier in Europe, or in this country, in bcliull'of the pagan world. To say noth- ing of the eastern continent, niucli lias been done in these United States, in years past, and the memory of many precious servants of Christ, whose mortal bodies now moulder in distant climes, and the record of many missionary stations, now existing in various places, and under ditFerent directions, attest the truth of this cheering declaration. Especi- ally it is with pleasure that this Synod recur to and acknowledge tlie .auQable, persever- ing, and truly splendid operations of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in the cause of the heathen world; and they cherish towards that society, and its various and animating movements, none but unmingled feelings of respect and affec- tion. Li years past, many of tliem have esteemed it a privilege to pray for its success, and contribute to its funds ; and they hope to have opportunities, in years to come, to express in similar ways, their love to it. " Nor do the Synod regard it as improper to recur with grateful sentiments, to those humbler efforts which they have been enabled, in departed years, to put forth, through the Western Missionary Society, in this great and good cause. "Still however much remains to be done. Tlie resources of large districts of the Pres- byterian Church, are slumbering in inaction, and experience for a few years past has demonstrated the fact that they cannot be drawn forth by a society so remote as the American Board, or by any that does not involve an ecclesiastical organization comport- ing with the honest predilections of many of our people. No judicatory of the Presbyte- rian Church, it is believed, can act at this time on this subject with as much propriety and prospect of unanimity as this; and from various considerations which it is imncces- sary to specify, it is also believed that no position on the continent is so favourable as this, tor undertaking the institution of a society, which shall bring up the forces of the Pres- byterian Cliurch in the middle and western States, to this great and blessed work. " Without any feeling of unkindness to any existing Board, here, in these western re- gions, of this large and opulent republic, the friends of the perishing heathen can lift up a banner intended for other benefactors, and other ardent aspirants after missionary toils and labours, than any institution has yet numbered, and from-hencc a stream of benevo- lence can roll, which shall meet and commingle with those of distant places, and the friends of God even here supply its demands, without coming in unhappy conflict with any ottier society whatever. Disclaiming all party feelings, tberefore, and listening to that voice from the mediatorial throne, which seems to say, 'Arise, and be doing, collect my scattered soldiers, and display my banner: for the day of salvation is opening on the world I' [by] tais Synod trusting in tbe aid and guidance of tlie God of Missions. ^ ^'' Resolved, 1. That it is expedient fbrthwitb to establish a society or board for foreign missions, on such a plan as will admit of the co-operation of such parts ol" tiic Prcsby- li rian Church as may think proper to unite with it, in this great and important ruicern. •' Resolved, 2. That for the purposes above specified the following be adopted as tlie con- slitution of the contemplated society, viz: " Constitution of the Western Foreign Missionary Society of the United States. " Art. I. This Society shall be composed of the Ministers, Sessions, and Cburches of the Synod of Pittsburgh, together with those of any other Synod or Synods, Presbytery 366 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. or Presbyteries, that may hereafler formally unite with them, and shall be known by the name oi' The Western Forcie/n Missionary Society of the United States. " II. The objects of tiie society shall be to aid in fulfilling the last great command of the glorified Redeemer, by conveying the gospel to whatever parts ol the heathen and antichristian world the providence of God may enable this society to extend its evangeli- cal exertions. " III. The centre of its operations shall be in the city of Pittsburgh, at least until such time as the Board of Directors shall judge that the interests of the cause require a change of location, which however shall never be eiFccted without the consent of the Synod of Pittsburgh; and in the event of such a change, then the special provisions ot Synod ica] supervision and representation, mentioned in this constitution, shall be transferred to the General Assembly, or to that particular Synod within whose bounds the operations of the society are concentrated. "IV. 'I'he general superintendence of the interests of this society shall be confided to a Board of Directors, to be appointed in the following manner, to wit : "1. The Synod shall elect at the present time, of persons residing in Pittsburgh and its vicinity, six Ministers, and six Ruling Elders, whose terms of service shall be so arranged, that those of two Ministers and two Ruling Elders shall expire at the end of one year, and two of each at the end of tvi^o years, and the remaining two at the end of three years, and the Synod shall ever after, elect annually one-third of this number, or two Ministers, and two Ruling Elders. And in the event of the renewal of the charter of the Western Mis- sionary Society, [See above, § 15,] so amended as to meet the present objects of this society, then the said twelve persons herein mentioned, shall constitute for the time being the trustees and legal representatives of the Synod, to fulfil the duties of such trust in the manner which may be specified in the charter. "2. The Synod shall also elect one Minister, and one Ruling Elder from each of the Presbyteries now comprising this body, the one hali; or four Ministers and four Elders to be chosen lor two years, and the remaining four for one year; but after the expiration of the term of service for which they shall be severally chosen, this election shall devolve upon the Presbyteries respectively : and the same right shall also extend to any Presbyte- ry or Presbyteries, which may hereafter be formed within its bounds. " 3. And whenever any Presbytery or Presbyteries, belonging to other Sj'nod or Synods, shall become regularly united with this society, by vote and actual contribution to its funds, every such Presbytery shall be entitled in like manner to the right of appointing one Minister, and one Ruling Elder, to serve for the term of two years, leaving it to the Board of Directors so to fix the two classes as that the change for each year sliall be as nearly as possible equal to the others ; and these persons, so appointed, shall consti- tute a Board, to be styled The Board of Directors of the Western Foreign 3Iissionary Society ; and the said Board shall meet annually, in the city of Pittsburgh, on the Tuesday preceding the 2d Thursday in May, at 3 o'clock, P. M., and oftener on tlie call of the President, at the request of the Executive Committee, or on that of any three other mem- bers of the Board. The election of the Board of Directors shall be made by ballot, and in reference to those to be chosen by the Synod, the rule shall be, after the first election, to make a nomination at least one day previous to tliat on which the choice is to be made. V. [Of the organization and duties of the Board.] VI. [Of the Executive Committee.] "VII. It sliall be proper for the Synod or any of the Presbyteries connected with tiiis institution, to recommend such plans and measures, to the Board of Directors or the Exe- cutive Committee, as to them shall appear expedient ; and the Synod may, with the con- currence of a majority of the Presbyteries concerned, give positive instructions to either, in cases where it may seem necessary to exercise a direct interference in its operations." VIII. [Of amendments to the constitution.] § 104. Recognition of the Society hy the Assembly. 1832, p. 344. The Assembly would hail with pleasure the appearance of a deeper interest in the subject of foreign missions, recently manifested in the Churches of the West by the establishment of a Western Foreig-n Mis- sionary Society. We would that all our Churches might have a strong- sense of their obligation to send the gospel " to every creature," and af- ford fairer evidence of the sincerity of their daily prayer, " Thy king'dom come v SEC. 103.] FOREIGN MISSIONS. 307 § 105. A commission to treat for its transfer to the Assemhli/. 1835, p. 30. Overture No. 24, relative to Foreign Mi.ssions, wa.s taken up, read, and committed to Messrs. Elliot, Magie, Witherspoon, Williamson, and Symington. p. 31. Their report was accepted and adopted, and is as follows, viz : Resolved, That it is the solemn conviction of this General Assembly that the Presbyterian Church owes it as a sacred duty to her glorified Head to yield a far more exemplary obedience, and that, in her distinctive char- acter as a Church, to il\^ Command which he gave at his ascension into heaven : "Go ye into air tne world, and preach the gospel to every creature." It is believed to be among the causes of the frowns of the great Head of the Church, which are now resting on our beloved Zion, in the declension of vital piety, and the disorders and' divisions that distract us, that we have done so little, comparatively nothing, in our distinctive character as a Church of Christ, to send the gospel to the heathen, the Jews, and the Mahomme dans. It is regarded as of vital importance to the welfare of our Church, that foreign as well as domestic missions should be more zealously prose- cuted, and more liberally patronized ; and that as a nucleus of Foreign Mis- sionary effort, and operation, the Western Foreign Missionary Society should receive the countenance, as it appears to us to merit the confidence, of those who cherish an attachment to the doctrines and order of the Church to which we belong. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to confer with the Synod of Pittsburgh on the subject of a transfer of a supervision of the Western Foreign Missionary Society now under the direction of that Synod; to ascer- tain the terms on which such transfer can be made, to devise and digest a plan of conducting foreign missions under the direction of the General As- sembly of the Presbyterian Church, and report the whole to the next Gene- ral Assembly. Dr. Cuyler, Dr. Cummins, Dr. Hoge, Mr. Witherspoon, and Dr. Edgar, were appointed this committee. p. 33. Resolved, That the committee appointed to confer with the Synod of Pittsburgh, on the subject of a transfer of the supervision of the West- ern Foreign Missionary Society to the General Assembly, be authorized, if they shall approve of the said transfer, to ratify and confirm the same with the said Synod, and report the same to the next General Assembly. § 106. Report of the Commission. — The terms of transfer. 1836, p. 243. The committee appointed by the last Assembly on the transfer of the Western Foreign Missionary Society to the General As- sembly, made a report, which was read and accepted, and is as follows, viz : *' The committee appointed under the following resolution of the last General Assembly, viz : ' Resolved, That the committee appointed to confer with the Synod of Pittsburgh, on the subject of a transfer of the supervi- sion of the Western Foreign Missionary Society to the General Assembly, be authorized, if they shall approve of the said transfer, to ratify and confirm the same with the said Synod, and report the same to the next "General Assembly,' beg leave to report. That they submitted the follow- ing terms of agreement to the Synod of Pittsburgh, at its sessions last fall, and that it was duly ratified by that body, as will fully appear by its minutes. " Terms of agreement between the Committee of the General Assembly and the Synod of Pittsburgh, in reference to the transfer of the Western Foreign Missionary Society : " 1. The General Assembly will assume the supervision and control of the 368 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. Western Foreign Missionary Society, from and after the next annual meet- ing of said Assembly, and will thereafter superintend and conduct, by its own proper authority, the work of foreign missions of the Presbyterian Church, by a Board especially appointed for that purpose, and directly amenable to said Assembly. And the Synod of Pittsburgh does hereby transfer to that body all its supervision and control over the missions and operations of the Western Foreign Society, from and after the adoption of this minute ; and authorizes and directs said society to perform every act necessary to complete said transfer, when the As&i^jibly shall have appointed its Board, it being expressly understood that the sKrd Assembly will never hereafter alienate or transfer to any other judicatory or Board whatever, the direct supervision and management of the said missions, or those which may hereafter be established by the Board of the General Assembly. " 2. The Greneral Assembly shall, at its next meeting, choose forty Min- isters and forty laymen, and annually thereafter, ten Ministers and ten lay- men, as members of the Board of Foreign Missions, whose term of office shall be four years ; and these forty Ministers and forty laymen, so appointed, shall constitute a Board, to be styled 'The Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States ;' to which, for the time being, shall be entrusted, with such directions and instructions as may from time to time be given, the superintendence of the foreign missionary operations of the Presbyterian Church ; who shall make annually to the Greneral As- sembly a report of their proceedings ; and submit for its approval such plans and measures as may be deemed useful and necessary. Until the transfer shall have been completed, the business shall be conducted by the Western Foreign Missionary Society. " 3. The Board of Directors shall hold a meeting annually, at some con-' venient time during the sessions of the Greneral Assembly, at which it shall appoint a President, Vice-President, a Corresponding Secretary, a Record- ing Secretary, a Treasurer, General Agents, and an Executive Committee, to serve for the ensuing year. It shall belong to the Board to receive and decide upon all the doings of the Executive Committee, to receive and dis- pose of their annual report, and present a statement of their proceedings to the General Assembly. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to meet for the transaction of business as often as may be expedient, due notice of every special meeting being given to every member of the Board. It is recommended to the Board to hold, in different parts of the Church, at least one public meeting annually, to promote and diffuse a livelier interest in the foreign missionary cause. *' 4. To the Executive Committee, consisting of not more than seven members, besides the Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer, shall belong the duty of appointing all missionaries and missionary agents, except those otherwise provided for ; of designating their fields of labour, receiving the reports of the Corresponding Secretary, and giving him needful directions in reference to all matters of business and correspondence intrusted to him; to authorize all appropriations and expenditures of money ; and to take the particular direction and management of the foreign missionary work, subject to the revision of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a month, and oftener if necessary ; of whom three mem- bers, meeting at the time and place of adjournment or special call, shall constitute a quorum. The committee shall have power to fill their own va- cancies, if any occur during a recess of the Board. " 5. All property, houses, lands, tenements, and permanent funds, belong- ing to the ]Joard of Foreign Missions to be constituted by this agreement, shall be taken in the name of the Trustees of the General Assembly, and SEC. 106.] FOREIGN MISSIONS. 369 held in trust by them for the use and benefit of the Board of Foreign Mis- sions for the time being. " 6. The seat of the operations of the Board shall be designated by the General Assembly." After some discussion, the above report was committed to Dr. Phillips, .Mr. Seovel, Dr. Skinner, Dr. Dunlap, and Mr. Ewing, who were authorized to review the whole case, and present it for the consideration of this As- sembly. Resolved, That the report of this committee be the order of the day for Thursday morning, at 10 o'clock, or earlier if prepared. § 107. Majority report on the treaty of transfer. 1836, p. 253. The committee to whom was referred the report of the com- mittee appointed by the last Assembly on the subject of a transfer of the supervision of the Western Foreign Missionary Society to the General As- sembly, and also the overture from the Synod of Philadelphia on the sub- ject of foreign missions, report — That the attention of the last Assembly was called to the subject of foreign missions by the following overture, viz : on page 31 of printed minutes : " That it is the solemn conviction of this General Assembly, that the Presbyterian Church owes it, as a sacred duty to her glorified Head, to yield a far more exemplary obedience, and that in her distinctive character as a Church, to the command which he gave at his ascension into heaven — ' Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' It is believed to be among the causes of the frowns of the great Head of the Church, which are now resting on our beloved Zion, in the declension of vital piety, and the disorders and divisions that distract us, that we have done so little — comparatively nothing — in our distinctive character as a Church of Christ, to send the gospel to the heathen, to the Jews, and the Mahommedans. It is regarded as of vital importance to the welfiire of our Church, that foreign as well as domestic missions should be more zealously prosecuted and more liberally patronized ; and that as a nu- cleus of foreign missionary effort and operation, the Western Foreign Mis- sionary Society should receive the countenance, as it appears to us to merit the confidence, of those who cherish an attachment to the doctrines and order of the Church to which we belong." The Assembly feeling the force of the suggestions contained in this over- ture, and believing it to be their most important and appropriate work, tc spread the gospel throughout the world, adopted the overture in the form of a resolution, together with the following, viz : " Resolved, That a committee be appointed to confer with the Synod of Pittsburgh on the subject of a transfer of a supervision of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, now under the direction of that Synod, to ascertain the terms on which such transfer can be made ; to devise and digest a plan of conducting foreign mis- sions under the direction of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ; and report the whole to the next General Assembly." Thus it ap- pears, that the proposition to confer with the Synod, and to assume the supervision and control of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, origi- nated in the Assembly. At that time the Western Foreign Missionary Society was in a prosperous condition, enjoying the confidence and receiving the patronage of a consid- erable number of our Churches, having in their employ about twenty mis- sionaries, and their funds were unembarrassed. The committee having con- ferred with some of the members of that society, and finding that the pro- position was fiivourably regarded by them, indulging the hope that an ar- rangement might be definitely made with the Synod, at their next stated 47 370 IX.-TITITIOXS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. meeting, by which the Assembly would be prepared to enter on the work at their present sessions, brought the subject again before the Assembly, when it was, after mature deliberation, " Resolved, That the committee appointed to confer with the Synod of Pittsburgh, on the subject of the transfer of the supervision of the Western Foreign Missionary Society to the General As- sembly, be authorized, if they shall approve of the said transfer, to ratify , and confirm the same with the said Synod, and report the same to the next General Assembly." The committee thus appointed, and clothed with full powers to ratify and confirm a transfer, submitted the terms on which they were willing to accept it, to the Synod of Pittsburgh, at their sessions last Fall. The members of the committee not being present at the meeting of the Synod, and there being no time for further correspondence, the Synod, (al- though they would have preferred some alterations of the terms,) were pre- cluded from proposing any, on the ground that such alteration would vitiate the whole proceedings, and therefore acceded to the terms of the transfer which were proposed by the committee of the Assembly, and solemnly rati- fied the contract on their part. Feeling themselves bound by the same, and trusting to the good faith of this body, they have acted accordingly, and have made no provision for their missionaries now in the field, for a longer time than the meeting of this Assembly, having informed them of the trans- fer which has taken place, and of the new relation they would sustain to this body after their present sessions. It appears then to your committee, that the Assembly have entered into a solemn compact with the Synod of Pittsburgh, and that there remains but one righteous course to pursue, which is to adopt the report of the com- mittee appointed last year, and to appoint a Foreign Missionary Board. To pause now, or to annul the doings of the last Assembly in this matter, would be obviously a violation of contract, a breach of trust, and a departure from that good faith which should be sacredly kept between man and man, and especially between Christian societies — conduct which would be utterly un- worthy of this venerable body, and highly injurious to the Western Foreign Missionary Society. The Committee beg leave further respectfully to remind the Assembly, that a large proportion of our Churches (being Presbyterians from convic- tion and preference) feel it to be consistent not only, but their solemn duty in the sight of God, to impart to others the same good, and in the same form of it which they enjoy themselves, and to be represented in hea- then lands by missionaries of their own denomination. They greatly prefer such an organization as this contemplated, and which shall be under the care of the Presbyterian Church, and cannot be enlisted so well in the great and glorious work of sending the gospel to the heathen under any other. Already, with the blessing of the great -Head of the Church on the eff"orta of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, in this form of operation, has a missionary spirit been awakened among them to a considerable extent and an interest in the cause of missions been created never before felt by them. They have furnished men for the work, and are contributing cheerfully to their support in the foreign field. As one great end to be accomplished by all who love the Redeemer, is to awaken and cherish a missionary spirit, and to enlist all the Churches in the work of evangelizing the world ; as every leading Christian denomination in the world has its own foreign missionary board, and has found such dis- tinct organization the most effectual method of interesting the Churches under their care, in this great subject ; as such an organization cannot in- terfere with the rights or operations of any other similar organization, for SEC. 107.] FOREIGX MISSIONS. 371 the field is the world, and is wide cnouuh for all to cultivate • as it is neither desired nor intended to dictate to any in this matter, but simply to o-ive an opportunity of sendiui^ the gospel to the heathen, by their own missionaries, to those who prefer this mode of doing so, giving them that liberty which they cheerfully accord to others — your committee cannot suppose for a mo- ment that this General Assembly will, in this stage of the proecedinii-s re- fuse to consummate this arrangement with the Synod of Pittsburijh, and thus prevent so many Churches under their care from supporting their mis- sionaries in their own way. From this view of the case, they recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions, viz : 1. RexoJvcd, That the report of the committee appointed by the last Assembly, to confer with the Synod of Pittsburgh on the subject of a trans- fer of the Western Foreign Missionary Society to the (j-eneral Assembly, be adopted, and that said transfer be accepted on the terms of agreement therein contained. 2. Resolved, That the Assembly will proceed to appoint a Foreign Mis- sionary Board, the seat of whose operations shall be in the city of New York. § 108. Mi nor It)/ report on the Treaty. lb. p. 257. Dr. Skinner, one of the committee, who dissented from this re- port, made a counter report, which was read, accepted, and is as follows : Wherean, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Las been connected with the Presbyterian Church from the year of its incor- poration, by the very elements of its existence ; and whereas, at the present time the majority of the whole of that Board are Presbyterians; and whereas, as it is undesirable, in conducting the work of foreign missions, that there should be any collision at home or abroad ; therefore, Resolved, That it is inexpedient that the Assembly should organize a separate Foreign Missionary Institution. § 109. Rejection of the Society. [A motion to postpone the report, for the purpose of taking up that of the iniiiurity, was lost by Yeas, 133, Nays, 134; and after discussion, protracted through sevoral days,] lb. p. 278. The previous question was moved and carried, when the main question on adopting the report, to transfer the Western Foreign 3Iissionary Society to the General Assembly, was put, and was decided in the negative, as follows, viz: [Yeas, 106, Nays, llU.] p. 279. Ordered, That the Stated Clerk inform the Board of the West- ern Foreign Missionary Society, that the Assembly have not carried into efiFect the stipulation touching the receiving that society under their care. § 110. Profeat on the Rejection. lb. p. 280. "The undersigned do solemnly protest against the decision of the General Assembly, whereby the report of the committee of the last As- sembly, respecting the Western Foreign Missionary Society was rejected, for tlie following reasons, viz : •' 1. Because we consider the decision of the Assembly in this case, as an uiijustitiable refusal to carry into effect a solemn contract with the Synod of Pittsburgh, duly ratified and affirmed under the authority of tlie last Assembly. •' 2. Because we are impressed with the deej)cst conviction that the Pres- byterian Church, in her ecclesiastical capacity, is boniid. in obedience to the command of her divine Head and Lord, to send the glorious gospel, as far as may be in her power, to every creature; and we consider the decision of the 372 TN- riTUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V Assembly in this case, as a direct refusal to obey this command, and to pur- sue one of the great objects for which the Church was founded. '^ 3. Because it is our deliberate persuasion, that a large part of the energy, zeal, and resources of the Presbyterian Church, cannot be called into action in the missionary cause, without the establishment of a Missionary Board by the General Assembly. It is evident that no other ecclesiastical organi- zation, by fragments of the Church, can be formed, which will unite, satisfy, and call forth the zealous co-operation of those in every part of the Church who wish for a general Presbyterian Board. " 4. Because, while the majority of the Assembly acknowledged that they had a Board which fully met all the wants and wishes of themselves and of those who sympathized with them, they refused to make such a decision as would accord to us a similar and equal privilege ; thereby, as we conceive, refusing that which would have been only just and equal, and rejecting a plan which would have greatly extended the missionary spirit, and exerted a reflex beneficial influence on the Churches thus indulged with a Board agreeable to their views. "5. Because, to all these considerations, urged with solemnity and aff"ec- tion, the majority of this Assembly were deaf, and have laid us under the necessity of protesting against their course ; of complaining that we are denied a most reasonable, and to us a most precious privilege ; and of lament- ing that we are laid under the necessity of resorting to plans of ecclesiasti- cal organization, complicated, inconvenient, and much more adapted, on a variety of accounts, to interfere with ecclesiastical harmony, than the pro- posed Board would have been." Pittsburgh, June 9th, 1836. *' Samuel Miller, John Coulter, Robert Porter, A. R. Curry, J. S. Weaver, James Lenox, J. H. Symmes, Edwin Downer, H. M. Hopkins, Clement Velandingham, G-eorge Bishop, J. H. Gray, J. McElroy, David 3IcKin- ney, P. J. Sparrow, E. W. Caruthers, Robert Johnston, G. W. Musgrave, S. G. Winchester, M. G. Wallace, F. H. Porter, R. H. Kilpatrick, Ben- jamin C; Swan, James McCurdy, Samuel S. Davis, H. M. Koontz, Sam- uel Boyd, David Moi-row, John M. C. Bartley, J Bemiss, Parly Coburn, J. S. Berryman, William Wallace, Jacob F. Price, W. L. Breckinridge, J. LeRoy Davies, Thomas L. Dunlap, James V. Henry, Wm. Marshall, Joseph Nimmo, J. Stoneroad, S. L. Graham, John W. Cunningham, Or- son Douglass, Archibald George, Wm. P. Alrich, Sylvester Scovel, Ben- jamin F. Spilman, N. Ewing, Charles Woodward, J. R. Sharon, S. B. Lewers, James McFarren, R. Highlands, Wm. W. Philips, Alexander A. Campbell, Samuel Henderson, H. S. Pratt, Nathaniel Todd, Evander McNair, John Miller, William Wallace, (of Lancaster,) James D. Ray, Alexander Write, Jr., Archibald Hanna, John Elliot, Jacob R. Castner, John Stinson, Joseph Campbell, James Kennedy, David S. Tod, Ananias Piatt, Johnston Eaton, William Williamson, John S. Galloway, John H. Culbertson, Joseph Harbeson, John H. Van Court, Archibald McCal- lum, Thomas A. Ogden, Thomas R. Borden, John R. Hutchison, John McClure, Isaac W. Snowden, James Patterson, Jr., Ellison Conger, James Alexander, George Anderson." § 111. Answer to the 'protest. Ih. p. 291. In answer to a protest of the minority of the General Assem- bly, on the subject of Foreign Missions, the majority regard it as due to the Churches, and the friends of Missions generally, to state some of the grounds on which they have declined to carry into effect the arrangement adopted SEC. 110.] F' i-iLic:; ML'-hi: ns. 373 and reportetl by tlie committee of thi? last Geneval Apsemlily, in re'^ard to the Western Foreign Mi.^sicjiiary Society. We are ol'oijinion, 1. That the powers intended to be conferred upon the above committee by the last Assembly, to ratify and confirm the transfer of the said society from the Synod of Pittsburgh to the General Assembly, on such terms as the said committee might approve, are altogether unusual and unwarranted ; and especially that it was indiscreet and improper for that Assembly to at- tempt to confer such unlimited powers, for such a purpose, in the existini; state of the Churches, upon so small a committee, and that too on the last day of the sessions of the Assembly, when more than one half of the en- rolled members of the body had obtained leave of absence, and had already returned to their homes. 2. That it was unwarrantable and improper for the above committee, in the exercise of the extraordinary powers supposed to be conferred on them, to incorporate, in their agreement with the Synod of Pittsburgh, the condi- tion that the supervision of the missions of the Board intended to be organ- ized, should never be alienated by the Genei'al Assembly ; thus endeavour- ing to bind irreversibly all future Assemblies by the stipulations of that committee. 3. It is, therefore, our deep conviction that it was the duty of this As- sembly to resist the unwarrantable and extraordinary powers of the above committee, and to reject the unreasonable conditions of their contract with the Synod of Pittsburgh. 4. It is our settled belief, that the Church of Christ is one by divine con- stitution, and that the command is of universal obligation — " Let there be no divisions among you ;" and that whatever advantages or disadvantages may have resulted from the divisions of the Church into numerous denomi- nations, with conflicting opinions, it cannot be our duty, as Christians, to perpetuate and extend these divisions by incorporating them in our arrange- ments to spread the gospel in heathen lands. We cannot, therefore, regard the decision of the Assembly in this case as a refusal to obey the command of the great Head of the Church to preach the gospel to every creature. That command, as we understand it, is not to the Presbyterian Church in her distinctive ecclesiastical capacity, but to the ichole Church, to the col- lective body of Christ's disciples, of every name. It was, that they might the more effectually ohci/ the al)Ove command, by uniting with Christians of other denominations in the noble work of foreign missions, that the Assem- bly declined to carry into effect the proposed organization, restricted to the Presbyterian Church. 5. We do not agree with the protestants in the opinion that the resources of any part of the Presbyterian Church. " cannot be called into action in the missionary cause, without the establishment of a Missionary Board by the General xVssembly." The histor}- of missionary operations in this and in other countries, furnishes aniple evidence that the energy and zeal of Chris- tians in the spread of the gospel, are much more effectually enlisted, and their liberality greatly increased, by more expanded organizations, which overstep the limits of sects, and the bond of whose union is the one great object of spreading the glorious gospel of the blessed God. It is our settled belief, that societies formed on those principles, and including different de- nominations of Christians, are actually performing, as the proxies of tlie Church in the work of missions, that which the Church, on account of her existing divisions, can perform in no other way so well. They appear to us to have embraced tlie harmonizing principle which is destined ultimately to reunite the Churches, and make them one, as it was in the beginning and will be in the end. 374 IN^TITUTKiXS OF THE CilUHCH. [bOOK V 0. Wiiile the uiajoritj of the Assembly acknowledge their unabated con- fidence in the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, a^ fully meeting our wishes, and affording a safe and open channel through which all our Churches may, as consistent Presbyterians, convey their con- tributions 10 the cause of foreign missions, we do not regard ourselves as having denied, by the decision protested against, to the minority, the privi- lege of conducting their missionary operations, witli entire freedom, in any other plan which tliey may prefer. But we think it unreasonable for them to ask us to form, and to complain of our not forming, by a vote of the Gene- ral Assembly, an organization, the principles of which we do not approve. We do not ask of them to assume the responsibilities of, the plan which we prefer, and we cannot regard ourselves as chargeable with unkindness or in- justice in having refused to assusiie the responsibilities of the plan which they pi'efer. If we cannot agree to unite in the same organization, for the same purpose, it appears to us manifestly proper, that each party should bear the responsibilities of its own chosen plan of operations ; and if our brethren cannot so far commend their principles as to extend their eccles- iastical organizations beyond those '' fragments of the Church" of which they speak, they surely ought not to complain of us, " if those in every part of the Church who wish for a general Presbyterian Board," remain dissatisfied. We would respectfully ask whether they ought not to charge their embar- rassment, in this respect, to the plan which they have adopted, rather than to those who have chosen, on their own responsibility, in the fear of God, to conduct their missionary operations on other principles. If, therefore, the minority of the Assembl}'^ should hereafter judge themselves under " the necessity of resorting to plans of ecclesiastical organization," which shall " interfere with ecclesiastical harmony," the majority cannot regard them- selves as responsible for such results. The settled belief of the majority of the Assembly is, that the operations of the American Board of Commission- ers for Foreign Missions, with its numerous auxiliaries, both ecclesiastical and voluntary, within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church, present the best arrangement for the promotion of the cause of missions by our Churches, and it was to prevent ecclesiastical conflicts and divisions which have re- sulted from the operations of other similar organizations, that they have thought it their duty to decline the organization proposed. They have made their decision for the purpose, and with the hope, of securing and pro- moting the union in the missionary work which has so happily existed in former years. With these views and hopes, they commend the cause of missions, and their solemn and conscientious decision, to the blessing of God, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Title 2. — organization of the board op foreign missions. § 112. The Const (iuf ion of the Board. 1837, p. 418. Overture No. 7, from the Presbytery of Salem, on Foreign Missions, was taken up and read, and referred to Dr. Green, Baird, Plumer, Lowrie, and A. Todd. p. 452. The Committee on the Overture from the Presbytery of Salem, on the subject of Foreign Missions, made a report, which was accepted, and adopted, by yeas and nays, as follows, viz : [Yeas 108. Nays 29.] 1. Resolved, That the General Assembly will superintend and conduct, by its own proper autliority, the work of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church, by a Board appointed for that purpose, and directly amenable to said Assembly. 2. The General Assembly shall, at its present meeting, choose forty Min- SEC. 111.] BOARD OF FOEEIGX MISSIONS, 375 istcrs and forty laymen, as members of the Board of Foreign ISIissions, one fourth part of whom shall go out annually, in aliiluihetical order; and there- after ten Ministers and ten laymen shall be annually elected us members of the Board of Foreign Missions, whose term of office shall be four years; and these forty Ministers and forty laymen so appointed, shall constitute a Board to be styled, " The Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Cburch ill the United States of America," to which, for the time being, shall be intrusted, with such directions and instructions as may from time to time be given by the General Assembly, the superintendence of the foreign mission- ary operations of the Presbyterian Church. This Board shall make annu- ally to the General Assembly a report of their proceedings, and submit for its approval such plans and measures as may be deemed useful and neces- sary. 8. The Board of Directors shall hold their first meeting at such time and place as may be directed by the present General Assembly, and shall hold a meeting annually at some convenient time during the sessions of the Gen- eral Assembly, at which it shall appoint a President, Vice-President, a Cor- responding Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Executive Committee, to serve for the ensuing year. It shall belong to the Board of Directors to review, and decide upon all the doings of the Executive Committee; to receive and dispose of their annual report, and to present a statement of their proceedings to the General Assembly. It shall be their duty, also, to meet for the transaction of business as often .as may be expedient, due notice of every special meeting being seasonably given to every member of the Board. ' •i. To the Executive Committee, consisting of not more than nine mem- bers besides the Corresponding Secretary, and the Treasurer, shall belong the duty of appointing all missionaries and agents; of designating their fields of labour ; receiving the reports of the Corresponding Secretary, and giving him needful directions in reference to all matters of business and corres- pondence intrusted to him; to authorize all appropriations and expenditures of money; and to take the particular direction and management of the for- eign missionary work, subject to the revision and control of the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a month, and oftener if necessary; five members, meeting at the time and place of ad- journment or special call, shall constitute a (juorum. The committee shall have power to fill their own vacancies, if any occur, during the recess of the Board of Directors. 5. All property, houses, lands, tenements, and permanent funds, belonging to the said Board of Foreign Missions, shall be taken in the name of the Trustees of the General Assembly, and held in trust by them for the use and benefit of " The Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America," for the time being. 6. The seat of operations of the Board of Directors shall be designated by the Board. 7. The Board of Directors shall have power, and they are hereby author- jzed, to receive a transfer of the* foreign missionary societies, or either of them, now existing in the Presbyterian Church, with all the missions, and funds, under the care of and belonging to such societies. p. 453. Resolved, That the Board of Foreign Missions be directed to hold their first meeting in the First Presbyterian Church, in the city of Balti- more, on Tuesday, the 31st of October next, at 3 o'clock, P. M. § 113. Union of the Western Foreign Missionary Society. [The Synod of Pittsburirh iniinediately surrendered to tliin Board all its missions. The Corresponding Secretary ol' the Western Board, was calJed to tlic same oHicc in tiic Board 876 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. of the Assembly, and the Western Foreign Missionary Chronicle was adopted as its official organ.] § 114. Alterations in the Constitution. 1838, p. 21. Resolved, That the Constitution of the Board of Foreign Missions be so altered as to make the number of members 120 instead of 80. 1839, p. 165. Resolved, That the General Agent of the Board of Foreign Missions be, ex officio, a member of the Executive Committee. Resolved, That the Board be authorized to increase the number of Vice- Pi*esidents to twelve. p. 170. Resolved, That at all meetings of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church, thirteen members meeting at the time and place of adjournment, or special call, shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. 1845, p. 25. A request from the Board of Foreign Missions to the As- sembly to amend the fourth article of the Constitution of the Board, by adding after the word " Treasurer" in the second line, the following : " with as many members of the Board as may be present." On motion, the amend- ment was adopted. § 115. Resolutions upon receiving the first Report of tlie Board. 1838, p. 44. Resolved, By the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 1. That we would acknowledge the favour of God, in permitting our beloved Church to engage in the work of foreign missions ; and we would desire to have our own hearts and the hearts of all our people constantly impressed with the solemn truth, that the conversion of the heathen to himself is God's work, and that everything in relation to its beginning, its progress, and its completion, proceeds from him, and to him is due all the glory. 2. That for the salvation of the world, God employs the agency of his Church and people, and has united the means and the end together ; and that he who disregards this arrangement, and withholds his aid and assist- ance, especially at such a time as this, fails in his duty to God and to the benighted heathen. 3. That it has always been the duty of the Church to make known the gospel to all the world ; and in this day of light, with such facilities for this purpose, and so many calls and openings of Divine Providence, this duty is greatly increased; and no Church which neglects it can expect the blessing of God upon her interests. 4. That as the Presbyterian Church is engaged in this great work, and as the harvest is perishing for want of labourers, every member of the Church is called to increased exertion in behalf of our benighted fellow-men. 5. That in view of all these considerations, it is the duty of the Presby- terian Church to provide the means necessary to send out and support every properly qualified foreign missionary that may be accepted by the Board; and the General Assembly would solemnly remind the members of the Church, that all are required, by the word of God and their covenant engagements to him, according to their talents and means, to do what they are able, to promote the glory of God, by sending the knowledge of the glorious gospe! to the benighted heathen. 6. That the preaching of the gospel by the living teacher, is the princi- pal instituted means for the conversion of the souls of the perishing hea- then ; and in connection with this is the great duty of training up a native SEC. 113.] BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. 377 ministry ; and the General Assembly have seen with approbation the promi- nence piven to their vital principles in the report of the Board. 7. That for the purpose of disseminating information in relation to forei'-n missions, it be recommended to the Ministers and Elders of the Churches to make an effort to increase the circulation of the Foreign Missionaru Chronicle. 8. That we regard with sincere interest, all the efforts' of the different foreign missionary institutions, to make known the truth as it is in Jesus Christ to the heathen ; and we recognize it as a duty binding upon all these institutions, to cultivate the best understanding with each other, in carryinf forward the same great cause. R<'soIved, 9. That in view of the solemn principles and facts now declared, the General Assembly would urgently invoke all the Ministers of the Pres- byterian Church, and especially such as are not now laboriously engaged in the appropriate work of the gospel ministry, to come to the help of the Church, in the great work of converting the world. § 116. Pastoral letter to foreign missionaries. 1838, p. 51. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, to the missionaries under the care of their Board of Foreign Missions, wish grace, mercy, and peace. Very dear Brethren : — Assembled as usual, as the representatives of the whole Church with which we are connected, to deliberate on its affairs, and to devise measures for extending the Redeemer's kingdom, we cannot for- bear to pour out the fulness of our hearts to those beloved brethren who have gone forth from our bosom to carry the glorious gospel to the benighted heathen. Not that our confidence in either the wisdom or fidelity of the Board which we have appointed, or of their Executive Committee, is in the least impaired. On the contrary, their annual report, recently received, has our entire approbation, and furnishes new evidence both of their competency and faithfulness. And we trust that all the instructions and communica- tions of the Executive Committee, who are more immediately charged with the supervision of your labours, will be received with all that respect and docility to which they are so well entitled. But as it is our firm belief that the Church, in her ecclesiastical capacity, is bound to superintend and direct, as far as practicable, the missions which she authorizes, we cannot deny ourselves the pleasure of directly addressing you on several subjects which we deem important, and in regard to which we are desirous of stirring up your minds by way of remembrance. The solemnity and responsibility of your situation, as bearers of the word of life to those who are sitting in darkness and the shadow of death ; the perils and privations to which you are exposed; and the probable consequences of the manner in which you discharge your ministry, all crowd into our minds, and fill us with unspeak- able solicitude, while we entreat your attention to those considerations which, with all respect and tenderness, we would impress upon your minds ; and, 1. We earnestly exhort you to aim continually at a high standard of per- sonal piety. We doubt not you have already become convinced by expe- rience, that a strong faith, an humble, tender confidence in the power and faithfulness of your covenant God, and a cheerful submission to the many trials which await you are peculiarly important to gospel labourers among the heathen. It is perfectly evident that small attainments in piety are altogether insufficient to sustain and carry forward the missionary in his 48 378 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. self-denying and arduous work. Unless you live near to Grod, and abound in prayer, in reading his word, and in habits of peculiar and devout com- munion with the Father of your spirits, and his Son, Jesus Christ, you will find but little comfort, and probably but little success in your labours. Deep and ardent piety is inestimably precious to every disciple of Christ, and espe- cially to every Minister, in every situation in which either can be placed; but in no situation can it be regarded as so vitally important as to those who are called to labour amidst the darkness and desolations of the heathen world, and to encounter the numberless difficulties which the degrading superstitions, the profligate habits, and the philosophy, falsely so called, of the heathen, constantly present. We entreat you, therefore, first of all, and above all, to study to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is your highest duty — your most precious privi- lege— your surest consolation under all the trials of life — and the most cer- tain pledge that your labours will not be in vain in the Lord. 2. In imparting a knowledge of the gospel to the heathen, be careful to communicate its pure and simple doctrines, without any of those additions or modifications which human philosophy, falsely so called, is apt to suggest. God has promised to bless the truth, and he has not promised to bless any- thing else. The prayer of the Master is, Sanctify them through thy truth ; thy word is truth. The precious message of life and peace which you bear to the heathen is not your message, but Christ's. Your duty evidently, then, is to " preach the preaching which he bids you," without turning from it either to the right hand or to the left. * Let the Bible be your great direc- tory in every sermon. You are now laying the foundations of divine truth and order among the ileathen. See that you everywhere make Jesus Christ, and him crucified, the chief corner-stone. Never admit for a mo- ment the thought of accommodating the doctrines of the gospel to the cor- rupt taste of your hearers. Be not backward to teach the heathen that, by the sin of our first parents we lost our original righteousness, and became guilty betbre God ; that we are all by nature totally depraved, destitute of holiness and of all strength in ourselves, to regain either the image or the favour of God ; that there is no other ground of justification than the right- eousness of the Redeemer, imputed to us, and received by faith alone; and that without the renewing and sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, no sin- ner can either return to God, or be prepared for the holy joys of his pre- sence. These humbling and self-denying doctrines form the great theme of all the apostolic addresses to the primitive Churches ; and although those holy men, in encountering the prejudices of the heathen, had every tempta- tion to soften the aspect of their instruction, and to accommodate it to the proud claims and the voluptuous habits of those around them, they refused to do either ; but whether the heathen would hear, or whether they would forbear, they charged home upon them their real character, and assured them that without holiness no man should see the Lord. Let this practice be your model. You will never be likely to benefit the poor pagans unless you go to them, not with " the enticing words of man's wisdom," but with " the simplicity that is in Christ ;" unfolding to them without fear or reserve what they are by nature; what they have made themselves by sinful prac- tice; and what they must be by the grace of God, or eternally perish. All history bears witness that just in proportion as the Ministers of religion fail of preaching the pure and simple doctrines of the gospel, their ministry loses its power, vital piety declines, and the Church becomes a scene of dis- cord and strife, instead of heavenly love. 3. Be careful to let your example at all times manifest the power and purity of the religion you teach. Endeavour to exemplify in your own con- SEC. 116.] BOARD OF FOREICiN MISSIONS. 379 duct the holy and self-denyinp; system which you bear to them as tlie gospel of the grace of God. It is deeply to be regretted that so many nominal Christians, with whom the heathen have frequent intercourse, exhibit an example adapted to fill them with prejudices against the gospel, and to make even the name of Christian odious in their view. This melancholy fact renders it of peculiar importance that those who go among them as Minis- ters of our holy religion should study so to conduct themselves as to be "living epistles" in favour of the truth, known and read of all who sec them. This will soon satisfy them that you really are what you profess to be, and will be in the place of a thousand arguments in favour of the reli- gion you profess. For although they are filled with prejudices against the holy system which you teach; yet they are close observers of facts, and will not fail of receiving impressions from them. 4. We entreat you to bear in mind that all your labours will be in vain, unless they are accompanied and made effectual by the power of the Holy Spirit. " Paul may plant, and ApoUos water, but (lod giveth the increase." "lie that planteth is nothing, and he that watereth is nothing, but it is God that showeth mercy." It is of the utmost importance that this great princi- ple in the economy of grace be ever borne in mind in all your ministrations. The moment it is forgotten, you will go forth in your own strength, and God, in righteous displeasure, will probably disappoint your hopes. His glory he will not give to another. Let all your labours, then, be begun and con- stantly attended with humble importunate prayer for that power of the Holy Spirit, by which alone they can become efficacious. When most sensible of your own weakness and insufficiency, and most deeply impressed with a sense of your need, at every step, of divine aid, the greater is the proba- bility of your happy success. Ever study to walk humbly with God, and to look to the power of his grace alone for the fruit of all yo.ur labours. And let your views of the power and riches of the Holy Spirit's influence be large and confident. The territories of heathenism have already been repeat- edly blessed, within our memory, with powerful and most precious revivals of religion ; and the time is not far distant when nations, sunk in sin and death, shall be " born in a day." Expect great things, then ; and pray without ceasing for great displays of the power of God in convincing and converting sinners, and building up believers in faith and holiness unto sal- vation. 5. Let the heathen among whom you labour see that you love them, and that you are intent on promoting their best interests. Your labours will be pleasant to yourselves, as well as more likely to benefit them, in proportion to the degree in which you feel and manifest an ardent desire to advance their happiness. You can probably do much for promoting their temporal as well as their eternal welfare, by recommending abstinence from intoxicating liquors; industry, the introduction of important arts and trades; and, in short, everything which has a bearing on personal and domestic comfort. Every benefit of this nature which you confer on the heathen will endear you to them, and will also prepare them more fully to profit by your evan- gelical ministrations. In a word, everything that you can do to lift them up in the scale of knowledge and civilization, as well as of Christianity, will be important, and will forward the great purpose for which you are sent to them. 0. We recommond to your attention, and to your unceasing prayers, the children of the heathen. We are far from despairing of the convor.'^ion of adults among thom. Experience, as well as the word of God, shows that the power of the Holy Spirit can overcome the most obstinate hardness, as well as the most inveterate habits of pagan profligacy. And, theiefore, it 380 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK X. will be your duty to preach the gospel to all classes, in every forii), and by all the lueaus in your power, l^roclaimino- the word of life, by the living teacher, is God's own ordinance, which ought never to be exchanged for any other, where it is possible to employ it. But still we consider the childrea and young people as pre-eminently the hope of your missionary labours. The greater susceptibility of the youthful mind — the durability of impres- sions made in early life — and the comparative ease with which habits are changed which have not become inveterate — all recommend diligent and per- severing efibrts to form the minds of children and youth, as among the most promising and probably productive depai-tments of missionary labour. But this is not all. Parents themselves are never more likely to be effectually reached and pi'ofited than through the medium of their children. They will, of course, regard with favour those whom they sec to be labouring for the happiness of their oifspring • and when they see their children growing ia knowledge and in good habits under the instruction of the missionaries, this will form a new bond of attachment, and open a new avenue to their hearts. We exhort you, therefore, next to the preaching of the gospel, to make the instruction of heathen youth, in every form which you may find practi- cable and expedient, an object of your constant and diligent attention. But let all your schools and instructions be strongly stamped with a Christian character. Let the Bible be everywhere carefully introduced. Let all your efforts for the benefit of youth be consecrated with prayer ; and let the excellent catechisms of our (jhurch be as early and as extensively employed as possible, as formularies of instruction. Recollect that it is our object to raise up, as soon as practicable among the heathen, a native ministry. The attainment of this object will require the most vigorous efforts to educate the young, the selection of the most promising of their number for special cul- ture, and elevating the means of their instruction as far as circumstances will admit. 7. Be careful to maintain in all your missions, the worship and order, as well as the doctrine of your own Church. We have no desire either to cherish ourselves, or to recommend to you a sectarian spirit. Bat we can- not think that a warm attachment to our own beloved Church, and a decided preference of its rites and polity, deserve to be so styled As long as we believe them to be founded on the word of God, we must consider an adhe- rence to them as our incumbent duty. And as you are the representatives among the heathen of the Church of your choice, we trust you will faith- fully maintain all its claims and usages. The only departure from this prin- ciple which we can consider as likely, in some cases, to be necessary, is that which relates to the appointment of Ruling Elders. In the infancy of the Church, at some of the missionary stations, it may not be always practicable to obtain suitable candidates for this office among the converts from pagan- ism. In this case, as we have no doubt happened in the apostolic age, it will be proper for the teaching elder or elders at each station, to perform the usual duties of the Church session until suitable Ruling Elders can be ob- tained. It is hardly necessary to add, however, that this expedient ought not to be continued an hour longer than is absolutely necessary. 8. We hope you will be diligent in collecting all the information of every kind, which can be considered as bearing on the missionary cause, not only for your own benefit, but also for transmission to the Executive Committee, for the enlargment of their views, and their guidance in the great work en- trusted to their management. Finally, dear brethren, you are engaged in the noblest cause that can employ the attention and efforts of mortals. Be faithful unto death, and you SEC. 116.] BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. 381 shall receive a crown of life. And unite with us in prayer that the whole Church may, with one heart and one soul, come up to the performance of this ^reat work. We plcdL'e ourselves, in the fear of God, to you and to the heathen world, that, by the favour of the Alminitre of light and love to others, and that it is a high privilege to do this work of God — that it is more blessed to give than to receive. (jod is calling you to this work by the smiles of his Providence. Even if fiiilure and disaster had followed every attempt hitherto made, it would be the duty of the Church to go forward in darkness, trusting in the name of 382 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. the Lord, and staying herself upon her God. But everywhere the infant eflPorts of our Board are blessed. Everywhere eflfectual doors are thrown aiore widely open. China, mother of myriads, is manifestly approachinj^; .some mighty revolution, that may soon let iu the missionary of Christ to the very centre of jealuusy and darkness. India, with her hundred millions of soub, is ready to throw down her gorsreous susperstitions, and to cast away her idols. Ethiopia is literally stretching forth her hands. An African king asks to become a nursing father to the Church, at any expense; he begs for the gospel — he would take by force the kingdom of heaven that suffereth violence. The Islands of the sea are waiting for us. Our own Aborigines ask us, as they sink in the west, for some inheritance with them that are sanc- tified, that some of their wasting sons and daughters may be saved from utter extinction, by heirship with Him who shall have a seed to serve him while sun and moon endure. The " preserved of Israel," the stubborn Jew himself, feels that he is under some withering curse — that some veil is on his eye, and begins to seek again for '< the root and fatness of the olive." Time would fail to survey the opening field. While the field abroad invites and urges ■with such a glorious prospect, the field at home is like a garden which the Lord hath blessed. The fulness of the blessing of the gospel has been poured down upon our Churches within the last year, giving them bread enough and to spare. We have peace in our borders and harmony in our councils, and cords of confidence and love binding us to unity and strength in the Lord. The conflict for truth has been crowned with signal success; and shall the truth, more precious than many sums of gold and silver, be redeemed only to be hidden in a corner ? If what we call truth, is not diffusive as the light of heaven, by our hands, it is not the truth, or we have not the heart to ap- prehend it aright. By every consideration — by the power of many a pure and elevated motive which we need not mention here, you are summoned to the work of God in sending .salvation to the heathen. You need scarcely ask. Whom shall we send ? Devoted men, called and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are stand- ing idle, till you send them — beseeching you with the loud and repeated call, " Send us." We have Bibles — we have missionaries — we have stations and facilities — everything but the funds, which you must furnish. The call of God is now upon you, both in his word and providence. We are waiting for your answer, the poor heathen are waiting — another generation of millions going down to death while you hesitate. Shall our missionaries be detained at home — shall our prosperous stations be abandoned — shall the bidding of God be mocked, and his truth dishonoured, and his bounty abused ? Shall the heathen perish, and your money perish, and your own souls go quicklv to meet at the bar of God millions of despairing eyes to turn on you the reproach of their eternal death and horrid woe ? The Assembly would, in conclusion, call the attention of the Churches to the great want of missionary intelligence among the people. We cannot expect them to awake duly to this great work, we cannot expect them to pray with understanding for the beloved labourers in the field, unless they are acquainted with their stations, their trials, and encouragements. Such intelligence is furnished in The Foreign Mmionary Chronicle, a monthly paper, whose general circulation would be eminently calculated to promote a deeper tone of missionary feeling. Some of our Church Sessions have pr()cureIode- rator be chosen. And further, that the Presbytery of Western Africa shall be attached for the present to the Synod of Alabama. Resolved, That the E.ev. E. M. Loughridge, of the Presbytery of Tusca- loosa, H. Ballentine, of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and 1). W. Eakins, of the Presbytery of l^hiladelphia, be, and they hereby are, detached from their respective Presbyteries, and constituted a Presbytery to be called the Presbytery of Creek Nation ; that they shall meet for the purpose of being organized, at such time and place as they shall mutually agree upon, and that the eldest Minister present shall preside until a Moderator be chosen. And further, that the Presbytery of the Creek Nation be attached for the present to the Synod of Mississippi. [See Book III. § 46.] § 125. Mission church Courts have, in certain Cases, a necessary Discretion, as to the Letter of the Form of Government. 1845, p. 19. [Upon a memorial from missionaries in Northern India] — Whereas, the Presbyteries and Synods in the different fields of foreign missionary labour, formed by the missionaries under the care and in con- nection with this General Assembly, from the immature and forming state of the Churches, must of necessity be subject to some deviations from the letter of the Form of (lovernmcnt. which was primarily designed for the Churches in the United States ; therefore, Resolved, That the Presbyteries in India must be left to their own dis- cretion in the premises ; and that, when they shall have organized a Synod, they adhere, as nearly as practicable in their circumstances, to our Book, and report to this body all deviations which necessity may have compelled them to make. 388 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. CHAPTER V. MINISTERIAL EDUCATION. Title 1. — early measures op the general synod. § 126. Abortive attempts to establish a Scliool. 1739, p. 149. An overture for erecting a school, or seminary of learning being brought in by the committee, the Synod unanimously approved the design of it, and in order to the accomplishing it did nominate Messrs. Pemborton, Dickinson, Cross, and Anderson, two of which, if they can be prevailed upon, to be sent home to Europe to prosecute this affair with proper directions. And in order to this, it is appointed that the Commis- sion of the Synod, with correspondents from every Presbytery, meet at Philadelphia the third Wednesday of August next. And if it be found ne- cessary, that Mr. Pemberton should go to Boston pursuant to this design, it is ordered, that the Presbytery of New York supply his pulpit during his absence. 1740, p. 151. The Commission of the Synod did meet last year accord- ing to appointment, in order to conclude upon a method for prosecuting the overture respecting the erecting a seminary of learning. The minutes of that proceeding were read, and although herein it is found, that they con- cluded upon calling the whole Synod together as necessary in that affair ; yet the war breaking out between England and Spain, the calling of the Synod was omitted, and the whole affair laid aside for that time. Extract from the Minutes of this Commission. " The affair of the overture brought in last Synod, that gave occasion for our present meeting-, was taken under consideration, and after much reasoning upon it, the Commis- sion unanimously concluded to enter on said affair ; but previous to any particular steps to be fallen upon in order thereto, it was agreed to ask counsel of God, by appointing one of their number to pray, which was done by appointing Mr. Evans to that service. Upon wliich they proceeded to inquire what they should do, and because of the weight of the affair in hand, they agreed to defer the main inquiries till the afternoon. But as prelimi- nary thereto, do judge it to be the most reasonable and probable method to accomplish the good design of said overture, to apply to the several Congregations witliin our bounds for their concurrence and assistance in the affair, and that a letter of address be sent to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for their assistance. Accordingly Mr. Andrews was apjiointed to draw up the said letter to the General Assembly before men- tioned, and Mr. Thompson to draw up a letter to our Congregations, to be brought in next sederunt.^' [In the evening] "the affair of the overture respecting the erecting a school of learning resumed, and the Commission, after some further deliberation of it, weighing the import- ance of the matter, and considering the small number of members now present, together vvith the many preparatory letters and instructions that are necessary for such an under- taking as going to E\ir()pe for assistance, according to the unanimous judgment of tlie Synod, will require, they do now with one consent judge it most advisable to defer doing any more in said affiir at ])n'sent, but leave it to the consideration and determination of the whole Synod, and aecordingly agree to call the Synod together, to meet at Philadel- phia the last Wednesday of September next, and enjoin the members present to inform Uieir respective Presbyteries of tliis appointment ; and that the Moderator send letters to >F,C. 126.] EDUCATION. KARLY MEASURES. 389 tiie Presbyteries of New York and New Brunswick, orderinfif their attendance at the time appointed. And the Coniniission further orders, tiiat Messr.<. Andrews, Cross, and Treat do prepare what addresses, letters, credentials, or otiier instruments may be proper ag-iiinst the meeting of the Synod. And furtlier, that a letter be remitted to Dr. ('olman to be conmiunicated to our reverend brethren in Boston, earnestly desirinfr tlieir concurrence and assistance in this affair, and that said letter be inclosed in one to Mr. Pcmborton to be forwarded by him. " Ordered, I'hat the Moderator preach at the opening of the Synod." § 127. A Free School founded hy the Philaddphia Synod. 1744, p. 175. (P.) The minutes of a committee held at the Great Valley, November 16, 1743, by a private agreement between the Presbyteries of Philadelphia, New Castle, and Donegal, were laid before us ; showing that the said committee considered the necessity of using speedy endeavours to educate youth for supplying our vacancies. But the proper method for this end cannot be so well compassed without the Synod ; they refer the further consideration of the aifair to that reverend body, but agree that in the mean time a school be opened for the education of youth. And the Synod now approve that design, and take the said school under our care, and agree upon the following for carrying on that design : 1. That there be a school kept open where all persons who please may send their children and have them instructed gratis in the languages, plii- losophy, and divinity. 2. In order to carry on this design, it is agreed that every congregation under our care be applied to for yearly contributions, more or less, as they can afford, and as God may incline them to contribute, until Providence open a door for our supporting the school some other way. 3. That if anything can be spared besides what may support a master and tutor, that it be employed by the trustees for buying books and other necessaries for said school, and for the benefit of it, as the trustees shall see proper. And Mr. Alison is chosen mastei^ of said school, and has the privi- lege of choosing an usher under him to assist him ; and the said Mr. Alison is exempted from all ])ublic business, save only attending Church judica- tures, and what concerns his particular pastoral charge. And the Synod agree to allow Mr. Alison twenty pounds per annum, and the usher fifteen pounds. 4. Agreed that Messrs. Jedediah Andrews, Cross, and Evans, junior, of Philadelphia Presbytery; and John Thomson, Black, and Boyd, of Done- gal ; and Gillespie and Grifiith, Cathcart, and Steel, and McDowell, of New Castle Presbytery, be appointed trustees for the management of the affiiirs of the said school, for this year; and as many more as can conveniently, may meet with them. And it's ordered, that said trustees meet on the third Wednesday of September next, and that any five of them be a quorum, and that they appoint three of their number to meet at three other times in the year at said school. These trustees are to inspect into the master's dili- gence in, and method of, teaching; consider and direct what authors are chiefly to be read in the several branches of learning ; to examine the scholars from time to time, as to their proficiency, and apply the money pro- cured from our people as ordered above, and to what other uses they find proper ; and in sum, to order all affairs relating to said school as they see expedient, and be accountable to the Synod, making report of their pro- ceedings and the state of the school yearly. And ordered, that Messrs. Thomson, Griffith, and Steel, and McHowell, be the four that shall meet first at said school, and that on the last Tuesday of June next. 390 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V § 128. A tuition fee imposed. 1748, p. 194. (P.) The Synod on serious consirleration, finding that the salaries ap])ointed for master and usher of the public school, were not suffi- cient encouragement, order, that the master be allowed forty pounds, and the usher twenty pounds per annum, which salaries are to be raised by collec- tions from the several Congregations, whether enjoying the stated ordi- nances or vacant, and by sessing each scholar twenty shillings per annum, only allowing the committee for said school to exempt such scholars as they shall think proper ; and if these two methods will not answer the above demandsj the remainder is to be paid out of the yearly interest of the Synod's fund. § 129 Branches taught in the School. 1754, p. 212. (P.) Mr. McDowell, under whose care and inspection the school has been for these two last years, has declined to have the whole burden. Therefore, Mr. Wilson is appointed to teach the languages, Mr. McDowell undertaking, from a sense of the public good, to continue to teach logic, mathematics, natural and moral philo.sophy, &c. ; and it is agreed, that Mr. Wilson have the same encouragement which Mr. McDowell had; and it is further agreed, that the Presbytery have a special regard to Mr. Wil- son in their appointments, in not sending him to those vacancies which are too far distant for his attendance in the beginning of the week. § 130. A Library founded. 1755, p. 219. (P. ) 'Tis agreed that the books sent from Dublin be the foundation of a public library, under the care of the Synod. That books proper for our school in the country be lent to the master, and that he give his obligation to return the same indemnified, when demanded ; or if any be lost or damnified, that he repair the damages. And further, that any Minis- ter belonging to this Synod may borrow any of the said books, and that tliey be allowed to keep a folio for one year, a quarto half a year, and an octavo, or a lesser volume, for three months ; that they give their obligation for the full price of the volume, to return it safe, or to pay damages. And if any book be detained beyond the time appointed, every Minister so failing shall pay one shilling per month for a folio, eight pence per month for a quarto, and four pence per month for octavos and lesser volumes. 'Tis agreed like- wise, to lend none of them beyond Potomac river; and that the books be committed to the Trustees of the fund for Minister's widows, who shall choose a librarian, to take care of the library for these ends, and for the benefit of students of divinity in the College of Philadelphia. § 131. Aid for the school from a German fund. 1757, p. 227. ( P. ) The Rev. Mr. William Smith, Provost of the College of Philadelphia, waited on the Synod ; when Mr. Cross, according to order, returned the thanks of the Synod to him for his particular care and pains taken in transmitting our petition to the honourable Trustees of the fund fur the German emigrants in London; which Messrs Cross and Alison had pre- sented to the honourable Trustees in this province, to be, for the approbation of the honourable Trustees there, by them transmitted thither, and which is as follows : To the Trustees General of the Society Schools for the instruction of poor Germans, &c., in Pei)n.>^((n for increasing the number of Candidates. 1806, p. 366. The committee to whom was referred the overture of last Assembly, for increasing the number of gospel Ministers, reported, and sub- mitted a record, proper to be made by the Assembly on the subject. The report having been read and amended, was adopted as follows, viz : The commissioners from all the Presbyteries represented in this Assem- bly, having been called to state the opinion entertained by their respective Presbyteries on this subject, it appeared that the overture had been serious- ly considered and highly approved by most of them ; that some Presbyte- ries had long been in the habit of using the measures contemplated in the overture, fur bringing forward youth and piety and talents, as candidates for the gospel ministry; and that others had adopted and organized such measures within the last year, in consequence of the overture under consid- eration. After maturely deliberating on the overture, the Assembly determined, that the part of it which relates to the selection and education of young men of piety and talents for the gospel ministry, presents a plan which they con- sider as well deserving their countenance and support. It is indeed an ob- vious and melancholy fact, that the candidates for the gospel ministry within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church, at present fall very far short of the demand which is made for their services, and that the rapid increase of vacant Congregations, taken in connection with the youth who are studying for the ministry, presents a most gloomy prospect of what is likely to be the state of our Church in a few years, if prompt and effectual measures be not taken to furnish a supply of Ministers much greater than the existing state of things is likely to produce. On the whole, the Assembly were deeply affected with the view which they had taken of this subject, and were extremely solicitous to adopt the most efficient measures which circum- stances will permit, to remedy the existing evil, and prevent its augmenta- tion. But as the Presbyteries of which the Assembly have the oversight are scattered over a wide extent of country, and their circumstances are knnwn to be extremely various, it occurred that an absolute injunction on all the I'rcsbyteries, immediately to enter into the execution of the plan pro- posed, might bear hard on some, if not entirely incapable of execution ; on thi' otht-r hand, merely to recommend an attention to the jtlan, without at- taching any responsibility to the neglect of the recommendation, appeared to 398: INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. the Assembly incompatible with the high importance of the subject, and with their own dutj^ as guardians of tlie (Ihurch, bound especially to provide for their people a supply of the word of life. It was, therefore, determined to take a middle course between these extremes, so as to avoid, if possible, the inconveniences of both. With this view it was resolved to recommend, and the Assembly do hereby most caniestly recommend to every Presbytery under their care, to use their utmost endeavours to increase, by all suitable means in their power, the number of promising candidates for the holy ministry; to press it upon the parents of pious youth to endeavour to edu- cate them for the Church ; and on the youth themselves to devote their tal- ents and their lives to the sacred calling; to make vigorous exertions to raise funds to assist all the youth who may need assistance ; to be careful that the youth they take on their funds give such evidence as the nature 'of the case admits, that they possess both talents and piety ; to inspect the education of these youth, during the course of both their academical and theological studies, choosing for them such schools, seminaries, and teach- ers, as they may judge most proper and advantageous ; so as eventually to bring them into the ministry, well furnished for their work. And the As- sembly did, and do hereby order, that every Presbytery under their care, make annually a report to the Assembly, stating particularly what they have done in this concern, or why (if the case so shall be) they have done no- thing in it ; and that the Assembly will, when these reports are received, consider each distinctly, and decide by vote, whether the Presbyteries seve- rally shall be considered as having discharged or neglected their duty in this important business. § 143. Manner of action binder this 'plan. [From the adoption of this plan until 1822, tlie inquiry thus proposed was annually made, and the result placed on record. Thus :] 1819, p. 701. The committee appointed to prepare a minute, stating the attention which the Presbyteries appear to have paid to the resolution of the Assembly in relation to the education of pious young men for the gospel ministry, reported, and their report being read, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : That the Presbyteries of Ontario, Onondaga, Cayuga, Bath, Oneida, Colum- bia, Albany, Londonderry, Hudson, Newton, New York, Long Island, Jersey, New Brunswick, Philadelphia, New Castle, (Carlisle, Redstone, Erie, Lancas-' ter, Portage, Grand River, Hartford, Ohio, Winchester, Hanover, Lexington, Washington, West Lexington, Orange, Fayetteville, Union, and Abingdon, have fully attended to the recommendations of the Assembly. That the Presbytery of Geneva was excused for not complying with the order, on the ground that they had generously contributed toward the same object in another way. That the Presbyteries of Niagara, Champlain, St. Lawrence, Baltimore, Northumberland, Huntingdon, Concord, and Miami, having offered reasons for their noncompliance with the order of the Assembly, were excused. That no reports have been received from the Presbyteries of Richland, West Tennessee, Transylvania, South Carolina, Muhlenberg, Mississippi, Harmony, and Shiloh. And that from the information derived from the whole of the reports sub- mitted on this subject, it appears that there are at present fifty-nine 3'oung men of the description contemplated by the Assembly, under the care of the Pres- byteries. SEC. 142.] THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, 339 § 144. The plan amended. 1822, p. 12. Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly consider the educa- tion of poor and pious youth of prouiisiiip; talents for the gospel ministry, a subject of interesting importance, especially considering the rapid population and increasing number of destitute settlements of our country. 2. It is therefore expected, that all the Presbyteries under their care will pay particular attention to this important object, and that they be careful to forward annually, written reports to the Assembly, how many young men they have under their care, the funds they have raised for education, with the whole of their transactions in this concern. 3. When this report is read in the Assembly, the inquiry shall not be as heretofore, whether the Presbyteries have done their duty, but whether their report shall be accepted, and if so, the inquiry ends. 4. Those Presbyteries which do not comply with these regulations, must assign satisfactory reasons for their non-compliance, or be recorded as delin- quents in their duty, or censured by the Assembly, as they may deem proper. Title 4. — the board of education. § 145. The erection of a Board resolved upon. 1819, p. 712. Whereas, the General Assembly forms the bond of union of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and affords the acknowledged means of combining the intelligence and concentrating the efforts of that de- nomination ; whereas, the present state of our country most loudly calls for increasing energy and zeal in training young men for the ministry of the gospel, and it has become necessary to originate new and more efficient mea- sures for carrying on this great and important work, to systematize and unite the efforts that are now making within our bounds; and whereas, it is desi- rable that a fund be established, under the direction of the General Assembly, which, among other objects, might afford assistance to those Presbyteries and parts of the Church that may require the same ; therefore, Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly establish a General Board of Education. 2. That it be recommended that Boards of Education be formed within our bounds, auxiliary to the Board of the General Assembly, as extensively as possible. 3. That it be recommended to the several Presbyteries to form themselves into education societies auxiliary to the Board, and to adopt the most vigor- ous efforts to accomplish this important object. 4. That as a fundamental principle, no young man shall be patronized and assisted by the funds of the Board, who shall not, in the judgment of the Board, or of some auxiliary society, give hopeful evidence of piety and pro- mising talents. 5. That it be the object of this Education Board, and its auxiliaries, to assist the young men, under their patronage and direction, to obtain all parts pf an education necessary to their introduction into the pulpit, including both their classical and theological course. 6. That the Boards auxiliary to the Board of the Assembly shall be per- mitted to make such arrangements and selections of places for the young men under their care to prosecute their education, whether classical or theological, as they may prefer. 7. That the auxiliaries shall annually report their proceedings to the Board ; and that the Board report to the Assembly. 8. That the auxiliaries shall send to the Board all the surplus funds in 400 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. their hands, which shall not he necessary for those young men under their own immediate care. 9. That the Board, according to its best discretion, assign to the several auxiliary societies their just proportion of the whole disposable funds of the Board. 10. That Doctors Hill, Richards, and Blatchford, with the Rev. Messrs. Martin, and Herron, be appointed a committee to digest and draw up a con- stitution embracing these fundamental objects, and to present it to this As- sembly for their adoption. § 146. Constitution of the Board. Ibid. p. 714. I. There shall be a general board of education, known, by the name of The Board of Education, under the care of the General As- sembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. 11. The Board shall consist of thirty-six members ; of whom there shall be twenty Ministers and sixteen Elders, one Minister and one Elder to be chosen from each Synod, and the remainder from Philadelphia, and from a distance convenient to it. Seven members, including the President or V^ice- President, shall be a quorum to transact business. III. The whole number of members shall be divided into four classes — one-fourth to be annually elected. IV. The election of the members of the Board shall be made by nomi- nation and ballot by the General Assembly. V. The officers shall be a President, three Vice-Presidents, a Recording and a Corresponding Secretary, and a Treasurer, to be annually elected by the Board. VI. The objects of this Board shall be: 1. To recognize such Presbyte- ries and other associations as may form themselves into education societies, as auxiliary to the General Board. 2. To assist such Presbyteries and as- sociations in educating pious youth for the gospel ministry, both in their academical and theological course. 3. To assign, according to their best discretion, to the several auxiliary societies, a just proportion of the whole disposable funds under their control. 4. To concert and execute such meas- ures as they shall judge to be proper for increasing their funds, and promo- ting the general object. VII. No young man shall be patronized or assisted by any auxiliary so- ciety, unless he shall produce a testimonial of his hopeful piety and talents from some Presbytery under whose care he shall have been taken. VIII. Auxiliary societies may make such arrangements and selection of a seminary for the young men under their patronage, as, in their opinion, shall be most eligible for the prosecuting of their education, whether classi- cal or theological. IX. The auxiliary societies shall send to the Board all the surplus funds in their hands which shall not be necessary for the accommodation of those immediately depending on them for support. X. Every auxiliary society shall annually forward a report of their pro- ceedings to the Board, sufficiently early to enable the Board, whose dut}^ it shall be, to report to the General Assembly. XI. The Board shall have power to make such by-laws to regulate their own proceedings, and effectually to accomplish the great objects of their ap- pointment, as shall not be inconsistent with this Constitution. XII. The Board may propose to the General Assembly, from time to time, such plans as they may consider useful and necessary for the success of this institution, to be recommended to the several societies or Churches, as the Assembly may think proper. ^ f SEC. 145. J Tin: board of education. 4(U XIII. No addition or amendment to the provisions of this Constitution shall be made, unless by the consent of two-thirds of the members of the Gen- eral Assembly present at any of their sessions; of which notice shall be given at least one day previous. § 147. Amendments to the Constitution. 1824, p. 218. Resolved, That the Board of Education be, and hereby are, authorized to select and educate such young men as are contemplated in the Constitution of that Board. 1825, p. 276. Resolved, That the Board of Education may appoint any person whom they deem suitable, to be their Treasurer, to continue in office during their pleasure; and that he shall be, ex officio, a member of the Board. 1829, p. 388. Resolved, That the second article of the Constitution be so amended as to read thus, viz : The Board shall consist of fifty-three members elected by the General Assembly, of whom twenty-five shall be Ministers, and twenty-eight other Dfiale communicating members of the Presbyterian Church ; one Minister and one layman shall be chosen from each Synod, and the remainder from Philadelphia, and from a distance convenient to it ; together with such Vice-Presidents as the Board may appoint. Five members, including the President or a Vice-President, shall be a quorum to transact business. Resolved, That the fifth article of the Constitution of the Board of Edu- cation be so amended as to read thus, viz : The officers of the Board, to be annually appointed by the Board, shall be a President, a Recording Secre- tary, a Corresponding Secretary, and General Agent, a Treasurer, and so many Vice-Presidents as the Board may deem it expedient to appoint. 1831, p. 182. [The second article was again amended, to read thus :] The Board shall consist of sixty-seven members, elected by the General Assembly, of whom thirty-two shall be Ministers, and thirty-five other male communicating members of the Presbyterian Church; one Minister and one layman to be chosen from each Synod, &c. 1846, p. 199. Resolved, That the second article of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Board of Education be so amended that the Corresponding Secretary shall be, ex officio, a member of the Board. § 148. The pledges required of Beneficiaries. 1839, p. 175. As misapprehension has sometimes arisen in the minds of the beneficiaries of the Board, as well as in the minds of others, in regard to the light in which the Board and the Church view the assistance furnished to candidates for the gospel ministry under their care, Resolved, That the 2d article of the Constitution,* be so altered that it may read as follows, viz : In all other cases, the aid contributed to any can- didates for the ministry, shall be considered as a donation which he is under no other obligation to return, than that moral obligation \^hich must neces- sarily arise out of the nature of the case. . 1851, p. 29. Resolved, That the practice of requiring ;from young men a pledge to enter the ministry, especially in the early stages of their prepara- tory studies, is not deemed conducive to the best interests, either of the can- didates or of the Church ; and the Board of Education are hereby author- ized to modify their rules accordingly. * [This reference should be to the 2d Article of Chapter vi. of the By-Laws of the Board.] 51 402 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [UOOK V. § 149. Honorary members of the Board. 1837, p. 438. Resolved, That the Board of Education have power to make persons honorary members of the same, by the payment of a sum to be specified by the Board ; and that these persons, thus made honorary mem- bers, shall have a right to sit in the meetings of the Board, and engage in their deliberations, but shall have no right to vote. § 150. Employment of Candidates binder the direction of Pastors. 1843, p. 188. Resolved, That it be recommended on the one hand to the Board to encourage their candidates to engage in active means of doing good during the progress of their studies, and especially during periods of vaca- tion from study ; and on the other hand, to Pastors who may have it in their power, to take them under their care at such times, and to direct their la- bours so as to cultivate a practical knowledge of the subordinate duties of the pastoral oflice, and a personal acquaintance with men and manners, along with intellectual and theoretical education. § 151. Caution enjoined in recommending Candidates. 1845, p. 31. Resolved, That we renew our earnest and solemn urgency on the Presbyteries, to be careful and cautious in their choice of beneficiaries; and that they be enjoined to require not only clear evidences of piety and prudence, but also talents of a high order. Ibid. Resolved, That all teachers who have beneficiaries of the Board under their care, whether in academies, colleges, or theological seminaries, be urged to watch the progress of these students with the utmost vigilance ; and to report promptly and faithfully every instance in which a student falls below a high standard in any of the varied qualifications now specified in the form of report to this Board. § 152. Thorough and full course of study to be required. 1845, p. 31. Resolved, That to suffer a candidate under the care of this Board to slight his solemn pledge, by entering the ministry without " a thorough course of study preparatory," or " a three years' course of theo- logical study," be regarded by the Assembly as injurious to the cause of education, ensnaring to the conscience of beneficiaries, dangerous to the honour and best interests of Zion, and to be excused only under circum- stances of extraordinary necessity. [See also the noxt section, and Book II. § 59, et seq.'] § 158. Appropriations may assume the form of scholarships. 1851, p. 29. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, the wants of the Church, and the general improvement of the age, demand increasing attention to the qualifications of candidates for the ministry; and that with the view, partly, of keeping more prominent the idea of the necessity of literary attainments in our candidates, and partly with the view of other advantages, the Board of Education are hereby allowed to give to their appropriations the title of scholarships, and the Presbyteries are enjoined to use their best endeavours to raise the standard of qualification for the ministry. § 154. Increase of appropriations. 1854, p. 31. Resolved, That this Assembly approve of the recommenda- tion of the Board to increase the appropriations to candidates, so that those in the academical course shall receive $80 ; those in the collegiate, SEC. 149 ] EDUCATION. — CHURCH SCHOOLS. 40."} I ; and those in the theological, $120 ; with liberty, in .special cases, of increasing the appropriations, on the recommendation of the Presbyte- ries. § 155. Dutinction of Probationers and Candidates. Ibid. Resolved, That this Assembly prefer that young men within their bounds, who are looking forward to tlie work of the ministry, should be officially recognized as candidates under the care of Presbyteries only when they are prepared to enter upon their theological studies ; and that until that time they be regarded simply as students on probation, under the gene- ral watch and patronage of the Presbyteries. § 156. Discrimination of funds. lb. p. .30. Resolved, That in collecting funds for the purposes of education, the Board shall in all cases keep specific contributions for candidates, or for schools, acitdemies, and colleges, distinct from each other; but if no special direction is indicated, then the funds shall be appropriated to the education of candidates for the ministry. § 157. Si/nodical Agents. 1848, p. 53. Resolved, That it be enjoined upon each Synod to appoint a Synodical Agent, in behalf of the cause of education, whose duty it shall be to confer with similar Presbyterial agents and co-operate with the Board in having this important cause more fully presented to all our Churches. 1850, p. 455. An overture from the Synod of Mississippi, requesting the General Assembly either to rescind the order enjoining it upon each Synod to appoint an agent for the Board of Education, or to modify the resolution so as to leave the matter discretionary with the Synods. The committee re- commended that the Assembly refuse to rescind the injunction in form, but that it be left discretionary with each Synod to appoint such an agency as will accomplish the object intended; namely, the due presentation of the cause of education, as far as practicable, to all our Churches. [See also 1849, p. 239.] 1852, p. 212. Resolved, That the Board of Education, in its important departments of benevolent operation, be recommended to the patronage of our Churches ; and that the Presbyteries and Synods endeavour to have its objects annually presented in such manner as may be deemed expedient with a view to increasing the means of educating pious young men for the min- istry. § 158. Theological tScminaries referred to the Board. 1848, p. 52. Resolved. That inasmuch as one or more of the Theological Seminaries -of the Chui-ch, during the temporary interval of its endowment, is in a condition that needs assistance, the Board of Education be and here- by is authorized to apply such funds as may be appropriated by the donors, to advance the interests of theological education. Title 5. — church-schools and colleges. § 159. Earlier precedents. 1785, p. 513. The Synod considering the education of youth, and their being early instructed in just principles of religion, as one of the most use- ful means of promoting the influence of the gospel in our Churches, Resolved, That it be enjoined on every Presbytery, in appointing supplies to their vacant Congregations, to take order that every vacant Congregation within their limits be carefully catechized at least once in the year, in the 404 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V same manner as is required by the order of our Church, in Congregations supplied with regular Pastors ; and that the Ministers appointed to this duty be required at the next meeting of the Presbytery to render an account of their fidelity in this respect, and that the Presbyteries be required to render an account of their attention to this order at the next meeting of Synod. [Repeated 1786, p. 526.] Resolved, also, That it be enjoined on all our Congregations to pay a spe- cial regard to the good education of children, as being intimately connected with the interests of morality and religion ; and that, as schools under bad masters, and a careless management, are seminaries of vice rather than of virtue, the session, corporation, or committee of every Congregation, be re- quired to endeavour to establish one or more schools in such place, or places, as shall be most convenient for the people ; that they be particularly careful to procure able and virtuous teachers ; that they make the erection and care of schools a part of their congregational business, and endeavour to induce the people to support them by contribution, being not only the most eflFectual, but eventually the cheapest way of supporting them ; that the Presbyteries appoint particular members, or if possible, committees to go into vacant Congregations to promote similar institutions ; that the corpora- tion, session, or committee of the Congregation, visit the school, or schools, at least once in three months, to inquire into the conduct of the master, and the improvement of the children, and to observe particularly his care to in- struct them, at least one day in the week, in the principles of religion ; that the Presbyteries, in appointing Ministers to supply vacant Congregations, require it as an indispensable part of their duty, to visit at the same time the schools, and require, at the next meeting of the Presbytery, an account of their fidelity in this respect, and of the state of the schools ; and that, in these schools efi"ectual provision be made for the education of the children of the poor ; and that, at the visitations of the schools, one or two of the most ingenious and virtuous of the poor children be annually selected, in order to give them a more perfect education, and thereby qualify these in- genious charity scholars to become afterwards useful instructors in our con- gregational schools. § 160. An Act of the Synod of Virginia. 1790. " Overtured, 1st. That the Synod of Virginia undertake the patronag-e of a semi- nary of learning for the purpose of educating young men for the gospel ministry. 2nd. That they devise means for supporting or assisting young men of piety and genius in procuring an education, who may not be possessed of sufficient property for the pur- pose." " The Synod highly approve of the proposition contained in the overture, as they are well convinced of the necessity of extending the opportunities of acquiring knowledge, and especially the knowledge of the doctrines of religion to all who intend to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Taking this measure, therefore, into serious con- sideration, the Synod recommend that there be two general institutions for learning, con- ducted under the patronage of this body ; one to be established in Rockbridge county, Virginia, under the care of the Rev. William Graham, as the President; the other in Washington county, Pa., under the care of the Rev. John McMillan. The principles upon which these institutions are to be conducted, are as follows : — " 1st. The learned languages and usual circle of sciences shall be taught in them to as many as may be scut there for instruction. "2d. During the course of academical education, and from the first initiation of the stu- dents into the seminaries, a course of religious instruction shall also be entered upon, and continually adhered to during tlieir residence there, according to the principles of our Church. Books of a practical and doctrinal nature shall be put into their hands at once. Catechetical lectures sliall be established and examinations entered into, upon tlieir pro- gress in this kind of knowledge, from time to time. The attention to these studies shall jc kept up during the whole of their academical course, and suited to the capacities and ,)rogress of the youth. SEC. 159.] EDUCATION. — CHURCH SCHOOLS. 405 ■".3d. The Presbyteries of Lexington and Hanover shall be Trustees of the seminary in Rockbridge, to cherisli it by their inHutnce, and pointedly to attend the examinations of the students, either in a collective capacity, or by conniiittees from their respective bo- dies, duly appointed. The Presbytery of Redstone shall, in like manner, superintend the seminary in Washington coujity. " 4th. In one or other of tliese institutions, it is the advice of the Synod, that all the youth within our bounds, who intend to engage in the ministry of the gospel, shall be in- structed. "5th. As there are a number of pious youth in our country, who might be serviceable in preaching the gospel, but through want of sufficient ability are unable to obtain an education, it is the intention and desire of Synod, that the Ministers in their respective Presbyteries shall seek out such, and that they, being examined and approved by the Picsby tery, shall be placed in the respective seminaries, at the expense of the Presbytery who sliall approve them. "6th. In order to obtain the proper supplies for such indigent students, the Presbyte- rics are exhorted to use their influence in their respective bounds, with the pious and benevolent, to make annual contributions for raising a fund for this purpose ; this fund to be placed in the hands of treasurers appointed by the Synod, who are to return annual accomits of receipts and expenditures ; and from it the youth upon the foundation, are to draw their supplies, by an order from their respective presidents. And those youth, upon their obtaining their education, at the expiration of one year, after being settled in some line of business, shall begin to refund to the treasury the expenses of their education, in such time and manner as the Presbytery may direct. " 7th. The rules of these seminaries, and the mode of education therein, shall be sub- mitted to the Presbyteries, for their respective approbation." — Minutes of Synod, in Smith's » Old Redstone." p. 423. [Such was tlie origin of Washington College, Va., and Jefferson College, Pa.] § 161. Centre College. 1824, p. 207. A memorial from the Synod of Kentucky was overtured on the subject of instituting a seminary of learning within its bounds upon scriptural principles, to be entirely under its direction and control, [read and referred to the Trustees of the Assembly.] p. 217. The Trustees of the Assembly to whom had been referred an ap- plication from the agents of the Synod of Kentucky, relative to instituting a seminary of learning within its bounds, reported, and their report being read was adopted, and is as follows, viz : That on due examination of the papers containing this application, a feel- ing was produced peculiarly favourable to the wishes of the highly respec- table source from which it emanated ; and to have acquiesced in the propo- sition consistently with a sense of duty, would have been a personal gratifi- cation to the trustees. They however are constrained, (without entering into the constitutional powers vested in the trustees, to meet this object, or considering the effects of precedent on future cases of a similar nature,) that, in their opinion, the funds of the Assembly might be involved, by the authority necessarily required from a principal to its agents, so as to endan- ger the sphere of usefulness to which those funds are now applicable; and further, that the power asked for being irrevocable, except in the event of the Legislature of Kentucky granting a satisfactory act of incorporation, exposes the trustees to the continuance of a connection, after experience had demonstrated that it operated unfavourably to the general interests of the Assembly, though in a degree favourable to the establishment in Ken- tucky. The following resolution is therefore respectfully submitted to the consideration of the Assembly : Reaolrrd, That the Trustees of the General Assembly entertain the most cordial feelings in favour of the design of the Synod of Kentucky, and highly approve of their endeavours to establish '' a school in which litera- ture and science, blended with the doctrines of the word of God, shall be taught;" they are of opinion, and respectfully report to the Assembly, that it is not expedient to concur in the request of the Synod of Kentucky, in- 406 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. asmuch as it is inconsistent with the design of the Act of the Assembly by which the trustees are incorporated, and might be attended with results in- jurious to the sphere of usefulness to whicli the funds of the General As- sembly are now applicable. § 162. Report on parochial schools. [In the Assembly of 1844 a committee was appointed] "to consider the expediency of establishing' Presbyterian parochial schools, and to report on the whole subject at the next meeting of the General Assembly." — Miiiutes, 1844, p. 376. The committee being continued made a report to the Assembly, in 1846, five hundred copies were printed for the use of the members, and after deliberation it was adopted as follows :] ( a ) The phrase parochial schools must be used with a certain latitude in such a country as ours; inasmuch as, having no established Church, we can have no parishes, strictly so called. At the same time, the analogy which exists between Presbyterian institutions in the old world and the new, and the identity of wants in the two, justify us in employing these familiar terms, in reference to schools connected with Congregations, and under Church authority. • And the question proposed, as understood by your committee, is whether it is desirable and practicable to institute any sucli schools in the United States. In the very outset, it is important to be observed, that all precedents derived from the Reformed Churches in Europe must fail in severul particulars, from the absence' of state connection, already noted, as well as from the differences of condition among us, arising from our recent settlement and thin population. And, still further, such is the diversity, even in our own States, between the North and the South, between older and newer settlements, and between city and country, that your committee dare not hope to strike out a plan, which shall be equally suited to every part of the Church. It is this which, to some extent, seems to absolve them from the task, at which indeed they would tremble, of suggesting details, on a topic so new and so momentous. It must however be acknowledged, that a public opinion has been maturing, in various parts of our communion, which favours the investigation now proposed, and that a wide-spread ana growing anxiety is manifested, in regard to the religious training of the infant popu- lation. It cannot be expected of your committee to discuss the questions of general education, or of Christian Catechetical instruction : these have been ably treated at length, by other hands, under the direction of your venerable body. It is our province, to advert rather to that branch of popular education, which, while it shall be carried on day by day, shall at the same time convey the knowledge of divine things. (6) If we are asked, whether the Presbyterian population of these United States can safely rely, for such scriptural training, on tlie common school systems of the several states ? we must, reluctantly, but without a remaining doubt, answer in the negative. The question finds a prompt solution, when we consider, that our state schools, in their best estate, can teach no liigher morals or religion, tlian what may be called the average of public morals and religion. So long as the majority do not receive the truths of grace, state schools, their creature, can never teach the gospel. In some states it is already a matter of debate, whether the word of God shall be admitted' and even if this were settled to our wishes, it needs scarcely be said, our necessities demand sometliing far higher than the bare reading of the Bible. In our state schools — Bible or no Bible — we have every assurance that Christ, and grace, and gospel liberty, cannot, by authority, be so much as named; and without these there can he no Christian education Equally vain is it to seek our invaluable end by aiming at a rateable proportion of pub- lic school iiinds. Although such a separate maintenance has been sought by the Roman Catholics, and not without marked favour; we are too well instructed by our history to expect any such allowance for scruples and demands on the side of Presbyterianism. Nor have we learned that such a requisition has ever been attempted. Nor can we accept the otlier horn of the dilemma, and by yielding to the latitudinary encroachments of the age, consent to have our ciiildren reared under a system of such compromise, as prevails in some states; and according to which the child's creed shall be so dilute as to be equally palatable to the Sociniun, tlic Jew, or the Mussulman. For we hold it as a judgment common to us with our fatliers, that we owe it to God and to our b-,ptized offspring, to teach the rising race nothing less than the whole counsel of God, in regard to their salvation. Otb.erswill not do this work for us; nay others, whether Chris, tian or unchristian, are doing the very opposite, witli all their might. (c) If there is any period of life in which man receives deep impressions, it is the pe- riod of childhood. If tliere are any hours of childhood, in which permanent opinions are communicated, the hours spent in school are such. If there is any place where it is im- portant to inculcate tlie truth, the wliole truth, and nothing but the truth, it is the place SEC. 161.] EDUCATION. — CliURCIl bCliOOLS. 407 of daily, common instruction. And with all our nvcrcnce u,nd affection for Sabbath- schools, for wiiich Wc bless the name of God, we are unwilling- to let si.x days pass by, with- out a word of Christ, liowevcr faithfully he mr.y be held forth to our offspring on the seventh. In saying- this, we do no more than reassert the constant judgment of the best Reformed Churches. Calvin, and Knox, and the Melvilles, were not more zealous for the preach- ing of the Sibbatli, than for the teaching of tlie weelv. In Scotland, the two went forward with equal step Wherever tliere was a parish churcli, there was a parish scliool. The same court which ordained the Pastor, appointed the schoolmaster. The same ofiice- bearers who ruled the Church, superintended the school. And Scotland rejoices to this day, in a system which has made the daily lessons of every hamlet and mountain glen the means of training up a generation armed at all points against religious error. On this topic, however familiar, we trust we may be allowed one or two additional state, ments. The British Act of 1803, (53 Geo. III. cap. 54,) is founded on the Scotch statute of 1696. This statute directs that a school shall be established in every parish. The same acts give the appointment of the teacher to the Minister and certain otiiers, called heritors. And so stringent is the enactment, that if even four months elapse, without a supply, the vacancy is to be filled by the commissioners of the county or the stewartry. The record of such election is carried by the schoolmaster to the Presbytery of the bounds; and upon the production of such record, the court takes trial of his competency, and receives the signature of the nominee to the Confession of Faitli. As a necessary adjunct, these acts provide for the teacher's sustenance, by an annual salary, by a commodious school-house, by a dwelling-house and garden, and by certain fees, fixed by the Minister and his associates. By the same acts, the superintendence of the schools is entrusted to the Minister ; the Presbytery is empowered to regulate the hours, and the vacations ; and to animadvert on the incumbent, in all cases of just complaint. The judgment of the Presbytery is final, and is followed by civil consequences. (rf) Sucl} was the sedulous provision of the Scottish Church, and the state authority, for tlie continuance of Presbyterian education ; and the spirit of tlie founders breathes in every clause, it is felt in every family of Scotland. It forms no part of our inquiry, to de- termine how faithfhlly the established Church discharged these trusts : under the worst abuses, the system has not failed to make the people of North Britain a people of peculiar Christian sagacity and information. But that which, perhaps more than all other things, testifies to the value set upon these institutions, is the course of action adopted by the Free Church. No sooner were the seceding brethren released from the bonds, and de- • prived of the endowments of the .state, than they put their hands to the work, to recon- struct a system, precisely similar, except in the very points which furnish the happiest resemblance to our own condition. For being now, like ourselves, destitute of all aid from government, they have undertaken the work on the voluntary principle ; and this with a self denial, an energy, and a success, such as may well fill us with astonishment and provoke us to emulation. Few readers of British news can be ignorant of the extraordi- nary labours of the Rev. Mr. McDonald, in collecting moneys for the schools of the Free Church. ( e ) It is not pretended that, in circumstances so different, we could wisely follow the example of our honoured brethren in every particular. But these facts seemed to lie too near the subject entrusted to your committee, to be altogether neglected in such a report. And they regret that they have not received in time more ample and minute information, for which an application has been made to Scotland, on their behalf Even these hints will cause many to ponder upon the great support which some method of the kind, con- formed to our usages and condition, would afford to the cause of truth and order. In the midst of abounding error, we cannot close our eyes to the fact, that the gross defections of our day are mainly among those who have not had " line upon line" in the course of their common education. Our losses have been small indeed, compared with those of some sects, but the families in which Universahsts, Socinians, Papists, ritu- alists, enthusiasts, and otlier errorists, have grown up, are notoriously families in which our Catechisms have been sneered at, or at least neglected. The colour which has been washed out of the web, was never received by a deep dye into the raw material. Our ohildrcn may live to see an age of conflict. The contest of our sons, it appears to some among us, is to be between Christ and Antichrist ; and the forces are marshalling. Tiie uncatechized offspring of Presbyterians are good materials for hierarchical, ritual, and at length papal structures. And the errorists of the schools last indicated, are too wise in their generation not to seize on tlic policy which our supineness overlooks. They know the power of schools. They found them in every part of our land. They employ them as the direct means of imbuing the youthtlil mind with all their most distinctive and dan- gerous tenets, in regard to rites, and orders, and sacraments, as opposed to Christ and his free salvation. Such being the neglect of our own body, and the zeal and diligence of our opposcrs, we are ready to conclude, that next to the ministry of tlie word, aiid the 408 INSTITUTIONS OP THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. instruction of the family, there is nothing which, under God's blessing, promises so much for the sustentation of our covenanted truth, as schools, Presbyterian schools, tiiorough- paced and above-board ; such schools as shall, every day in the week, direct the infant mind, not only to a meagre natural religion, but to the whole round of gracious truth, as it is in Christ Jesus. The principles herein asserted are not new among us ; but it is high time that we should carry our principles into action. (/) The ideal of such a school as is proposed already occurs to almost every reflective mind: to realize it is, we admit, more difficult. Our desire would be for a Christian school, of respectable literary and scientific character, in every Congregation. The pro- posal is doubtless startling ; but we shall not lose by aiming high. Even if we admit the impracticability of securing this, in such a population as ours, there is a certain approximation, which we may profitably hold up before our minds. Concessions must be made to the valid objections of respected brethren. Allowance must be had for such cir- cumstances as forbid the attempt, in its completeness, in many, perhaps in most of our Congregations; such as poverty — thin population — rural dispersion — the mingling of small groups of Presbyterians among other sects. But after all this abatement, the ques- tion is not to be hastily set aside : Is there not still something to be discreetly and hope- fully attempted, in this very direction ? In cities, towns, and country districts of homo- geneous population, a near approach might be attained. Only grant the general princi- ple of distinctive instruction, in common schools, under church care, as a matter to be aimed at, and a new face will begin to be put upon the whole affair of education. Wis- dom will be profitable to direct how far any given Church shall go. The prjnciple would abide firm, if several Churches, or even a whole Presbytery, should unite in a school. The endeavour, under every variety of application, would be to exchange our present schools, in which the doctrines of grace are often unheard of, for institutions aiming at education for Christ ; including the nurture of Ministers, Ruling Elders, and godly lay- men. And the Church might at least authorize methods leading towards this as the proper end of every school, academy, and college. Could we in any degree realize the maxims of education thus expressed, in a working scheme of church-schools, we should see growing around us a host of young persons, every one of whom would have " from a child known the Holy Scriptures :" and who, in- stead of being nourished on books from which every particle of evangelical truth has been carefully filtered out by school-committees and temporizing state-directors, would have learned the same through doctrinal matter, which gave strength to our forefathers. {ff) Church-schools, could such flourish among us, would immediately act upon the , supply of Ministers. It is vain to hope for a stronger body of leaders, unless we can make our levies from a larger number of educated youth. And here a view of the subject pre- sents itself, as connected with education for the ministry, which is too importr.nt to be overlooked, and which has long occupied the minds of those who are solicitous for a learned and able ministry. There are difficulties in the present methods of training youth for the sacred office, which might be lessened, if not removed, by a system of parish- schools. So far as that system goes into effect, it will furnish primary instruction to all our young men of suitable capacity and promise. When such persons require aid from our Board of Educntion, they may receive it at an advanced stage of their training. In this there would be a double advantage. First, because the Board would thereby be ab- solved from the charge of elementary education, already a burden to them; and secondly, because they would be liable to fewer risks from incompetent beneficiaries. It appears from the statistics of that Board, that one-third of the applicants for aid are in this very stage of juvenile training. It further appears, that where failures have occurred, during the last six years, nine out of every ten have occurred in the case of candidates taken up during this preparatory stage. And let it be remembered, by those who are discouraged "by such cases, that at so early a period of development, it is almost impossible to judge with any precision as to the real character and qualifications. And yet, however hazard, ous or even unwise it may be, to receive such youth at this early stage, we cannot do without them ; the Church needs them ; the Church must educate them. If we leave them to struggle for themselves, one of these two results must inevitably ensue : either many will be lost to the Church and the ministry, for want of assistance, who are emi- nently fitted for usefulness; or else local societies will spring up all over tlie Church, to impair the unity and strength of our present system. How much simpler, and how much more congenial with our polity, to have every Congregation a nursery of Christian men, who may be called out, if need be, to the ministry ! For it is a favourable peculiarity of the method, that the boy thus trained for the Church, in a parish-school, need not have extorted from him a premature engagement to preach the gospel ; often a snare to him- self and a mortification to his patrons. In these two respects, therefore, a scheme of parish-schools would rather relieve than embarrass our Board of Education. It would, moreover, bring forward a great body of talent which, under the present system, cannot be devcloi)ed at all. And, meanwhile, the applicants for the aiJ uf tiie Board would be SEC. 162.] EDUCATION. — CHURCH SCHOOLS. 409 fully tried, and that aid could be limited to young men of any desired standing, as to piety, capacity, and general influence. (A) It may seem chimerical, to speak of remote results, while the very inception of such a scheme is matter of doubt ; but that which is ultimate in the intention, is not sel- dom weighty as a motive to begin. We, therefore, venture to suggest, that if parish- schools could become part of our system, some among them in favourable sites, might be cherished ui such a manner as to become academies of high rank in the literary scale. Nor is it incredible, that in many of them, a series of classes might ascend from the youngest, each one accessible only to the more promising for talents and piety of the class below ; so as to sitl out the very best of the students for the service of our beloved Church. Some method of this sort, even though only half executed, would do more to strengthen our ministry, than all our existing random efforts. Whatever may be the value of these hints, toucliing education for the ministry, your committee feel assured that the Assembly will admit, with them, the importance of the general topic. Our children must have such a discipline as shall include the knowledge of salvation ; and, not by snatches, at distant intervals, but by that reiteration of daily " precept upon precept," which imbues the whole mind and is the prime ingredient of common school tuition. Aflcr all, however, that has been written above, we are painfully impressed with the difficulty and importance of what remains ; namely, the indication of ways and means for the attainment of tlie ends proposed. Among the great number of our brethren who agree in desiring a system of religious education which shall include the vital doctrines of our covenanted testimony, there are not a few, who despair of ever securing it. It is not to be denied, that the difficulties are formidable, and that there is reason to shrink from adding a new requisition upon the liberality of our people, at a time when it is found hard even to sustain the ministry of the word. And we may, we trust, be pardoned, if, after all the meditation bestowed on this branch of the subject, we should nevertheless betray our reluctance to submit a method of supply, which shall be fitted to every portion of the Church. It is less seasonable, just now, to adjust this, than to awaken attention to the reality and greatness of our want : and it is not too much to hope, that when we shall be ready to attempt the work, we shall find some means for accomplishing that which appears so necessary to our carrying on the labours of the gospel. ( i ) That parish-schools must be to a certain portion of the community free-schools, is evident at first sight. In a sermon of Dr. Chalmers, upon this very subject, published many years ago, but never reprinted in America, that experienced friend of education and of the poor, argues with much force, that, in everycase, a part of the expense, even though it were a very small part, should be borne by the persons receiving the immediate advan- tage. Even where schools are entirely free, in respect to those who directly profit by them, they may, nevertheless, as is at once apparent, draw their support from the Con- gregation or other community, for wliose benefit they are founded. It is the obtaining of this support, in an easy and equitable manner, which constitutes the difficulty of the pro- blem now suggested, through us, by the General Assembly to the Church. Were the greatness of the benefit duly appreciated, so that our Congregations should feel willing to add to the sum which sustains the Pastor, the additional sum which would sustain the teacher, the problem would be solved. And whenever the experiment shall be fairly made, Christian parents will find that they are amply repaid in the persons of their off- spring, and that it is in a good degree a mere diversion of a small stream of domestic outlay from the channel of schools as now existing, to the better channel of Christian education. But it is too much to exact, that such a revolution should be attempted at once ; still less can we expect that it should be made part of a uniform Church-scheme. Your connnittec, therefore, have none such to offer. ( k ) The analogy of Scottish Presbyterianism, as established by law, entirely fails us here; and we are as yet uninformed of the plans adopted by the Free Church. While we await more full instruction on this point, we may remark, that even in Scotland, the means of parish education have been sometimes aided by individual bounty. As a striking in- sUmce, may be mentioned, what is known as the " Dick Bequest, for the benefit of the Parochial Schoolmasters and Schools in the counties of Aberdeen, Banff, and Moray," now for ten years in successful operation. This bequest consists of funds bequeathed by 'James Dick, Esq., of Finsbury Square, London ; amounting, at present, to a capital sum of i;il8, 767 11*. (more than half a million of dollars.)* ( / ) In our own country, examples are not entirely wanting of benevolent regard foi the same object. Allusion to these m;iy answer several valuable purposes, especially that of showing that church-schools have been actually atteinpted in America : a fact wliich is perhaps new to a large lunnber of our members. The parochial school attnched to the Scotch Presbyterian Church, in the city of New York, as the result of a munificent fbun * For full details, see " Report of the Dick Bequest," 1 vol. 8vo. Edinb. 1844. 52 410 INSTITUTJONS OF TlliO CIlUuCH. [B'jOK V dation, has been long in existence, is largely attended, and is believed to be of great value In several other Churches, and more particularly in each of the new Churches, foundec by private liberality, parish-schools are in successful progress. The limits of this report exclude detail ; but, so far as the experiment has been made, both Pastors and parents are disposed to regard it as promising solid advantages to the people, and peculiar addi- tions of strength to the Church. No inquiries of your committee, however, have resulted in bringing to their knowledge any Churches which by an original effort, in their congre. gationul capacity, have founded schools under the care of the Sessions. The attempt, if made, must therefore be upon untried ground. Yet we are not deterred from re-asserting the opinions respectfully suggested above, and in recommending that the General As- sembly give the sanction of their voice to some principles which may encourage future experiments in this most interesting field. In conclusion, the committee respectfully submit the following resolutions, viz: I. Resolved, That, in the judgment of the General Assembly, any scheme of education is incomplete, which does not include instruction in the Scrip- tures, and in those doctrines of grace which are employed by the Holy Spirit in the renewal and sanctification of the soul. II. That in consideration of the blessings derived to us through our forefathers, from the method of mingling the doctrines of our Church with the daily teachings of the school, the Assembly earnestly desire as near an approach to this method, as may comport with the circumstances of our country. III. That the Assembly regard with great approval the attempt of such Churches as have undertaken schools under their proper direction ; as well as the zeal which has led individual frieuds of the truth to aid the same cause. IV. That the Assembly commends the whole subject of Parochial Edu- cation to the serious attention of the Church ; counselling all concerned, to regard the maintenance of gospel faith and order, in the founding of new schools, the appointment of teachers, and the selection of places of educa- tion. V. Resolved farther, That the whole subject of the report be referred to the Board of Education, that they may, from time to time, report to the General Assembly any further action which may be needed for extending through our Churches a system of Parochial Schools. § 163. Estahlishment of Parochial and Presbyterial Schools. 1847, p. 379. The Board of Education, appointed by the last Assembly to report from time to time on the subject of parochial schools, reported through their Corresponding Secretary, Dr. Van Rensselaer ; and their report was referred to a special committee, con.sisting of Drs. Hodge, Jones, and Jane- way, and Messrs. Snowden and Mcllvaine. p. 399. The order of the day was then taken up, viz : the report of the committee to whom was referred the report of the Board of Education on parochial schools. The resolutions were considered seriatim, amended, and adopted, and are as follows, viz : 1. Resolved, That the report be committed to the Board of Education, in order that it may be printed and circulated among the Churches. 2. Resolved, That this Assembly do hereby express their firm conviction that the interests of the Church and the glory of our Redeemer demand that immediate and strenuous exertions should be made, so far as practica- ble, by every Congregation, to establish within its hounds one or more pri- mary schools, under the care of the Session of the Church, in which, toge- ther with the usual branches of secular learning, the truths and duties of our holy religion shall be assiduously inculcated. 3. Resolved, That tliis Assembly do hereby earnestly call upon all the Synods and Presbyteries under their care, to take the subject of Christian SEC. 1G2.] EDUCATION. — CHURCH SCHOOLS. 411 education under consideration, and to devise and execute whatever measures they raay deem most appropriate for securing the establishment of Parochial and Presbyterial schools in our bounds. 4. Rewlved, That a committee consisting of one Minister and one lluling Elder, be appointed by each Presbytery to collect information as to the num- ber and condition of schools within the bounds of the Presbytery, the num- ber of children under fifteen years of age belonging to their Congregations; the state of public opinion in respect to education j the ability of the Churches to sustain teachers and build school-houses ; and whatever other statistical information relating to education they may deem important; and that these committees forward their reports to the Board of Education on or before the 1st of January, 1848. 5. Resulted, That this whole subject be referred to the Board of Educa- tion, and that the Board is hereby authorized to expend whatever moneys arc committed to them for that purpose in aid of the establishment of Paro- chial and Presbyterial schools. [See subsequent Minutes, j;asst»t.] § 164. Board of Publication to inquire for suitable books. 1S47, p. 400. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Board of Publi- cation to make inquiries on the subject of elementary school books, with a viewof adaptingthem,as far aspracticable, to asystem of religious instruction ; and that the Board report on this subject to the next Greneral Assembly. § 165. Colleges under ecclesiastical control. 1848, p. 52. Resolved, That colleges, as an integral part, and in their wide-spread relations to the best interests of society, a vitally important part, of a complete system of Christian education, demand the fostering care of the Church; and that the Board of Education be, and hereby is, au- thorized to assist in the promotion of the cause of collegiate education, by means of any funds that may be given for that purpose. 1851, p. 30. It is recommended to our Churches and members to assist, as far as possible, in the endowment of our colleges, and to co-operate with the Board of Education in sustaining them during the interval for which they may need aid. § 166. Makemie College in Arkansas. 1853, p. 454. Resolved, That the eflFort of the Synod of Arkansas to es- tablish '' Makemie college" within its wide and destitute bounds, upon the frontiers of population, is entitled to the special support of the friends of Christian education ; and it is recommended, not only to the attention of the Board, but to the efficient and liberal co-operation of all who have it in their power to render it aid. § 167. Greek Testament in institutions of learning. 1844, p. 359. The same committee on Overture No. 9, — it being a memo- rial from the Presbytery of Richland, and ordered to be brought before the Assembly by the Synod of Ohio, praying for a reform in colleges respecting the use of the sacred Scriptures, especially in the original languages, or in case such reform be impracticable or unadvisable, that then the Assembly recommend the establishment of certain new institutions of learning, — re- ported the following minute, which was adopted, viz : 1. Resolved, That the memorial relates to matters not under the direct control of this body. 2. Resolved, Nevertheless, that this Assembly embrace this opportunity of expressing their heartfelt regret, that the Greek Testament has fallen into 412 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. disuse in some of our seminavios of classical learning, and tliat we regard the study of the Holy Scriptures in the original languages, by tiic youth of our land, as in many respects important, and recommend to all our members, Elders, and Ministers, who have the control of the studies of youth, to give due prominence to this branch of learning. § 168. Relation of the Church to corjioration and State schools. 1854, p. 31. Resolved, That the efforts of the Presbyterian Church in be- half of schools, academies, and colleges, on a definite religious basis, and under her own care, have met with a success, important in present results and hopeful for the future ; and that these operations deserve to be continued and enlarged, with an entire friendliness to all other educational efforts, not ■ positively injurious in their tendency; and especially that institutions under the management of members of our own Church, either privately or in cor- porations not subject to ecclesiastical supervision, in which religion is duly inculcated, ought to be regarded as entitled to confidence. Resolved, That the General Assembly, by affirming the Church to be one of the parties in education, and by acting on that principle in accordance with the practice of all the Reformed Churches, has never denied the im- portance of State co-operation in this great work, however defective it may be in some parts of the country; but on 'the contrary, rejoices in the gene- ral enlightenment of the masses under the public school system, and hopes that all Presbyterians, besides supporting their own institutions, will con- tinue, as heretofore, to be known as the sound friends of general education throughout the country, and as the advocates of the introduction of the Bible into the common schools. 1855, p 273. 3. Resolved, That as the knowledge of God is almost the only knowledge that men cannot do without, so religious instruction is almost the only kind of instruction that may not be excluded from our schools, it being " the end of learning to repair the ruins of the fall, by teaching to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him and obey him j" that, therefore, the General Assembly re-aflarms its approval, so often expressed in former years, of the policy of the Board in reference to the establish- ment of Christian schools, academies, and colleges. 4. Resolved, That this General Assembly, in recommending the establish^ ment of institutions under its own care, has never intended to depreciate truly Christian schools, academies, or colleges under private, corporate, or State management, but cordially acknowledges and welcomes them as co- partners in a great work, and invokes the blessing of God upon their instruc- tions. And although the public schools are far from being what they ought to be, in respect to religious teaching, yet, instead of the withdrawal of Pres- byterians from the support of the public system, the General Assembly re- commend the putting forth of earnest efforts, wherever practicable, to improve their condition ; especially by keeping in the public schools the Bible, as the great text-book of human instruction. — [Reiterated, 1856, p. 514.] § 169. The two departments of operation to be kept distinct. 1854, p. 31. Resolved, That the mode of conducting the operations of the Board in their enlarged scale be referred to the Board itself, to take such ac- tion as may prevent either department from interfering with the other, and as may continue to keep prominently before the Churches the education of pious and indigent young men for the Gospel ministry. SEC. 167. 1 THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION. 413 CHAPTER VI. BOOK AND TRACT PUBLICATION. Title 1. — early measures. § 170. Committee to revise controversial treatises. 173.% p. 117. The Si/nod do agree, That if any of our members shall see cause to prepare anything for the press upon any controversy in religious matters, that before such member publish what he hath thus prepared, he shall submit the same to be perused by persons to be appointed for that pur- pose, and that Me.'^srs. Andrews, Dickinson, Robert Cross, Pemberton, and Pierson, be appointed for this purpose in the bounds of the Synod to the northward of Philadelphia; and Messrs. Anderson, Thomas Evans, Cathcart, Stevenson, and Thomson, in the bounds of the Synod southward of Philadel- phia. Any three of each committee to be a quorum. § 171. Oolleetion and distribution of Religious Publications. 1772, p. 428. The Synod, finding the money collected some years ago for defraying the expense attending the missions appointed on our frontiers, is nearly expended, agree to have a collection this year through their bounds upon the same plan with the former. And as it is judged it might be use- ful to extend this public charity to purchase such religious books as the Sy- nod may approve of, to be given to poor Congregations ; the following members are appointed to consider this matter, and bring in an overture to be subjected , to the Synod as soon as they conveniently can, viz : Messrs. McWhorter, Montgomery, and Ogden. p. 429. The committee appointed last Friday to draw up an overture with respect to the general collection and the distribution of books, brought one in, which after correction is as follows : 1. That the Synod recommend a general collection in all the Churches under their care. 2. That the Synod write a pastoral letter, in which they shall return thanks to their several Congregations for their former generosity, and solicit their future favours. 3. That the Synod particularly desire the charity of the public for those purposes, viz : For defraying the expenses of sending missionaries to the frontiers, and such other places as are unable to support the gospel ; for purchasing useful books to distribute in said places under the direction of committees to be appointed for that purpose ; for propagating Christian knowledge among the Indians ; and for such other pious usc^ as may occur from time to time. The following books were proposed and agreed to be procured and dis- tributed, viz: Bibles, Westminster Confessions of Faith, small editions of Vincent's Catechism, Doddridge's Kise and Progress of Religion, A Com- passionate Address to the Christian World, Allein's Alarm to the Uncon- verted, Dr. Watts's Divine Songs for Children, and the Assembly's Cate- chism. And for the purpose of procuring and distributing those books we 414 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. appoint for a committee at Philadelphia, Dr. Alison, Mr. Sproat, Mr. Mont- gomery, Mr. Bayard, and Mr. Jonathan Smith ; and at New York, Dr. Rod- gers, Mr. Treat, Mr. McWhorter, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. V. B. Livingston, and Mr. Eobert Ogden. And the committees are restricted not to lay out this year above ten pounds pro. currency each for the purposes aforesaid. But if any well disposed persons will send the committee books and pamphlets, which they judge will answer the intention of the Synod to promote Chris- tian knowledge, they are desired to distribute these also. 1773, p. 441. For the purpose of procuring books to bestow on the poor ; in Philadelphia, Dr. Francis Alison, Mr. Sproat, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. John Bayard, and Mr. Jonathan Smith ; and in New York, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Treat, Mr. McWhorter, Mr. Caldwell, and Mr. Noel, are appointed as committees, and that they do not exceed the sum of twenty pounds procla- mation currency, to be laid out by each committee, and that they draw on the treasurer for this sum. 1774, p. 452. The committees appointed last Synod, to purchase books and distribute thepi among the poor on the frontiers, report, that they have complied with the order, and disposed of the whole of the sum allowed at New York, and the whole also of the sum allowed at Philadelphia, except one pound seven shillings and eight pence ; but as the committee at Phila- delphia have not yet received an account of any distribution made by the persons to whose care they have committed them on the frontiers, the Synod direct them to inquire as soon as possible into that matter, and use their best endeavours to have said distribution made, (if not already done,) and procure what information they can, of the success attending said distribu- tion, and make a report at next meeting of Synod. [See also 1794, p. 98. &c.] 1801, p. 229. That there be made a purchase of as many cheap and pious books as a due regard to the other objects of the Assembly's funds will ad- mit, with the view of distributing them, not only along the frontiers of these States, but also among the poorer classes of people, and the blacks, or wherever it is thought useful ; which books shall be given away, or lent, at the discretion of the distributor. And that there be received from Mr. Eobert Aitken, toward the discharge of his debt, books to such amount as shall appear proper to the Trustees of the Assembly, who are hereby re- quested to take proper measures for the distribution of the same. [See also 1802, p. 259, &c.] 1803, p. 268. A communication was received from the Presbytery of Erie, praying that Bibles and other pious books may be sent into the bounds of that Presbytery, and placed in the hands of certain persons, to the intent that they may be employed as a circulating library, for the spiritual edifica- tion of the numerous poor and ignorant persons in that place, who are per- ishing for lack of knowledge. On motion, it was Resolved, That the same be referred to the standing Committee of Mis- sions. 1804, p. 307. Resolved, That the Presbyteries and individuals who have received, or may hereafter receive religious books for distribution, report to the Committee of Missions from year to year, stating in what manner the books have been disposed of, the effect produced, and the books, if any, re- maining on hand. 1805, p. 346. Resolved, That the Committee of Missions be authorized and requested, to procure two hundred and fifty copies of Fuller's " Gospel Worthy of all Acceptation," and two hundred and fifty copies of Vincent's Exposition of the Shorter Catechism, to be distributed in places where such SEC. 171.] RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. il5 books are especially wanted, either gratis or otherwise, as the case may re- quire. Resolved, That the Trustees of the General Assembly be, and they are hereby authori/ :1 and requested, to grant a warrant in favour of the Rev. John Rice, fm- 'he payment of thirty-five dollars, to be applied to purchas- ing religious books, to be distributed among the people of colour, within the bounds of Hanover Presbytery. 1806, p. 861. That the Assembly appropriate, annually, when the funds will admit of it, the sum of one hundred dollars for the purchase of religious books, to be distributed in those parts of our Church which may most need them [See 1811, p 478, &c.] § 172. Proposed organization of Tract Societies, in 1809. 1809, p. 429. The committee appointed to report on the establishment of a society for procuring and distributing religious tracts, reported the follow- ing resolution, and it was adopted : Resolved, That whereas it appears to this Assembly, that great and in- creasing good has accrued to the Church of Christ by the distribution of small cheap religious tracts ; it is hereby earnestly recommended that each Synod take measures for establishing as many religious tract societies within their bounds, by association of one or more Presbyteries, as may be most convenient for this purpose ; and that such societies may adopt such plan for carrying into effect the object of this resolution, as may be most condu- cive in their judgment to this end. § 173. Recommendation of a Publisher's works declined. 1811, p. 475. Mr. Henry Sherman presented a number of copies of a book entitled Dr. Haweis's Communicant's Companion, and requested the recommendation of the Assembly to the work ; on motion. Resolved, That as the precedent of recommending books' would involve the Assembly in much trouble, by numerous similar applications, the mo- tion for recommending be postponed, and that the thanks of the Assembly be presented to Mr. Sherman for the donation. Title 2. — publication of the bible. § 174. A collection for the distribution of Bibles. 1788, p. .500. The Synod taking into consideration the situation of many people under their care, who, through the indigence of their circumstances, are not able to purchase Bibles, and are in danger of perishing for lack of knowledge : Ordered, That every member of thjs body shall use his utmost influence in the Congregation under his inspection, and in the vacancies contiguous to them, to raise contributions for the purchasing of Bibles, to be distributed ^mong such poor persons ; and that Drs. Sproat and Ewing, and 3Ir. Puf- field, be a committee to receive such contributions, to purchase Bibles therewith, and send them to the several members of this Synod, who, in conjunction with their respective Sessions, shall distribute them. And as Mr. Aitken, from laudable motives, and with great expense, hath under- taken and executed an elegant impression of the Holy Scriptures, which, on account of the importation of Bibles from Europe, will be very injurious to his temporal circumstances, Synod further agree, that the above commit- tee ehall purchase Bibles of the said impression and no other, and earnestly 416 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V recommend it to all, to purchase such in preference to any other. [R^ peated, Minutes, 1784, p. 503, and 1785, p. 506.] § 175. Collins' s edition recommended. 1789, p. 12. The General Assembly, considering the importance of pre- serving faithful and correct impressions of the Holy Scriptures j and as Mr. Collins, printer to the State of New Jersey, proposes to make an impression of the Old and New Testaments, and wishes the countenance and support of all denominations of Christians; on motion Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in order to give effectual encouragement to this undertaking, do hereby appoint the Rev. Mr. Joshua Hart, Mr. Judd, Dr. Alexander McWhorter, Mr. James F. Armstrong, Dr. George Dufl&eld, Mr. Thomas Read, Dr. Matthew Wilson, Dr. Patrick Alison, Mr. Robert Cooper, Mr. James Finley, Mr. Moses Hoge, Mr. John Blair Smith, Mr. James Mc- Kee, Mr. Hezekiah Balch, Mr. Thomas H. McCaulle, and Mr. David Rice, to lay Mr. Collins's proposals before their respective Presbyteries, and to re- commend to them, by order of the General Assembly, that a person or per- sons be appointed in every Congregation, vacant or supplied, to procure sub- scriptions; and that the Presbyteries transmit by their commissioners to the next General Assembly the number of subscribers. The General Assembly also confirm the appointment made by the Synod of New York and New Jersey, that Dr. John Witherspoon, Dr. Samuel S. Smith, and Mr. James F. Armstrong, be a committee to concur with any such committee as may be appointed, whether from any other denomination, or from any other Synod of our denomination, to revise and correct the proof-sheets; and, if necessary, to fix upon the most correct edition of the Scriptures to be recommended to the printer, from which to make his impression; and that the said committee be ordered to agree with the printer, that Ostervald's notes, if not inconsis- tent with the views of other denominations of Christians engaged in this un- dertaking, be printed with it, in such manner as may best promote the publi- cation. The General Assembly, desirous to spread the knowledge of eternal life contained in the Holy Scriptures, earnestly recommend to all the Con- gregations under their care to encourage this undertaking. [Repeated, 1790, p. 25; 1791, p. 41.] § 176. The American Bible Society. 1816, p. 620. The General Assembly record, with gratification and heart- felt pleasure, the information they have received of the formation of an " American Bible Society," a few days since, in the city of New York ; and from the unanimity manifested by all denominations of Christians on that oc- casion, the fervour of zeal displayed, and eagerness manifested by the nume- rous and highly respectable delegation which attended, to combine their exer- tions in promoting the best interests of their fellow-men, by furnishing them with the word of life, they cannot but believe that it is the work of God ; that it will stand, and prove a rich blessing to those who may enjoy the fruits of its exertions. 1853, p. 447. This Assembly, taking grateful occasion to re-affirra its ap- preciation of the importance and usefulness of the American Bible Society, which, under God, has been instrumental of so much good in this and other lands; in view of the multitudes of families in our own favoured country living without the sacred volume; the vast number of immigrants arriving among us ; the many transient persons, labourers, boatmen, and seamen in the midst of us, who greatly need the word of life, and the wide and inviting SEC. 174.] RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS. 417 fields opened by missionary labour in Papal, Mohammedan, and Pas;an coun tries, 1. Resolved, That we recognize the fostering hand of Almisrhty God in enabling the Society to erect its new and spacious ]Jible House, without using for the purpose any of its ordinary revenues. 2. lieaolved, That the increased facilities for printing, and the greatly in- creased demands for the inspired Scriptures, call for far greater and more general exertion, self-denial, and prayer, on the part of the people of God. 3. Resohed, That the Assembly earnestly recommend to the Churches under its care to take up stated annual collections for the American Bible Society. [See also subsequent Minutes passim^ § 177. The Bible Union's new translation. 1857, p. 36. Overture No. 6 was then taken up — two papers, one from Lake Presbytery, and the other from Central Mississippi, respecting a new translation of the Scriptures, proposed by the Bible Union. The Commit- tee recommended, that the Assembly distinctly disavow all manner of con- nection with the revision alluded to, and they have no sympathy with it; but on the contrary an entire disapprobation of the whole movement. The re- port was unanimously adopted. § 178. The Bible Society's Revision movement. 1858, p. 272. The second order of the day was then taken up, Overture No. 5, referred by the last General Assembly, respecting the American Bible Society ; the question being on a motion to refer the same to a special Committee. R. J Breckinridge asked and obtained leave to offer the following paper, as a minute on the whole subject; and it was, on motion, adopted unani- mously, viz : By a vote of the General Assembly of 1857, an overture to that body, which is printed in its Minutes, pp. 35, 36, relating to the American Bible Society's new standard English Bible, and to the best method of preserving, in its integrity, the common version of the English Bible, was specially referred to the consideration of the present General Assembly. During the year which has intervened, the attention of the Christian public has been diverted to this important subject in a very unusual degree ; and so far as this Assembly has the means of judging, it is apparent that the Presbyterian Church through- out the country is decidedly opposed to the line of conduct in the premises pursued by the late Committee on Versions of that Society, and to the circu- lation by that Society of their new standard English Bible. It is, therefore, matter of great satisfaction to this General Assembly, that the Directors of the American Bible Society have resolved to cease publishing and circulating the aforesaid new standard Bible, and to resume the publication and circula- tion of the standard English Bible in exclusive use by the Society before the late work of collation and change, commenced about the year 1847. We also cordially approve the further action of the Board of Directors, so far as it secures a niure vigilant oversight, in future, of the work of the Committee on Versions, an'l prevents any future change, either of the text or its acces- sories, without the careful consideration and special order of the Board of Directors. With regard to any change whatever, eitlier in the text of the English Version of the Bible, commonly called King James's Version, or in the accessories to that text as they were commonly printed at the formation of the American Bible Society : we do not admit tha.t the said Society has any power or authority to make any alteration in said acces.sories or said text, except such as appertain to a printer and not to an editor. By the text of 53 418 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. King James's Version, we do not mean a copy corrupted by errors and unau- thorized clianoes — no matter where tliat copy may have been printed, nor how those errors n)ay have occurred, nor who may have ventured to make those changes ; — but we mean the true text in English, produced and pub- lished after the labours of the ti'auslators appointed by King James the First of England, which for nearly two centuries and a half has been the standard Bible of all people speaking the English language, and which the Presbyte- rian Church in the United States of America is resolved to preserve in its integrity and purity, and to use and circulate. Along with the greater por- tion of the Christian public in this country, we have confided to the American Bible Society the great work of circulating the English Scriptures, in the version in common use, and while we deeply regret the serious error into which it was betrayed, its recent action, in the premises, demands a cordial response from all the earnest supporters of the great work in which it is en- gaged. In discharge, therefore, of our duty as the General Assembly of one branch of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, to which he has committed his most blessed Word for the guidance and salvation of men, we have made this deliverance. And upon the terms herein set forth, we reiterate our ap- proval of the principles upon which the American Bible Society was founded, our desire to co-operate with our brethren of all Christian denominations, in united efforts to furnish the whole world with the word of God, and our earnest recommendation to our people to give liberally to the support of this good cause. Title 3. — the board of publication. § 179. The Constitution of the Board. 1838, p. 23. Whereas, Sabbath-school and tract publications cannot fail to exert a very great influence upon the growth of our Church and country; and whereas, it is the duty of the highest judicatory of the Church to exer- cise such a supervision over this subject, as will secure the diffusion of sound and scriptural principles, for " the promotion of charity, truth, and holiness," through all the Churches under our care : therefore, Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly will superintend and conduct, by its own proper authority, the work of furnishing the Churches under its care with suitable tract and Sabbath-school publications, by a Board appointed for that purpose, and directly amenable to said Assembly. 2. The General Assembly shall, at its present meeting, oVioose forty Minis- ters and forty laymen, as members of the Tract and Sabbath-school Board, one fourth part of whom shall go out annually, in alphabetical order; and thereafter ten Ministers and ten laymen shall be annually elected as members of the tract and Sabbath-school Board, whose term of office shall be four years; and these /br/y Ministers and /b?'/// laymen so appointed shall consti- tute a Board, to be styled " The Board of Publication of Tracts and Sabbath- echool Books of the General Assembly in the United States of America," to which for the time being shall be entrusted, [with] such directions and in- structions as may from time to time be given by the General Assembly, the superintendence of all the operations of the Presbyterian Church, in rel.i- tion to the subject of tracts and Sabbath-school books. The Board sh;i!l make annually to the General Assembly a report of their proceedings, and submit for its approval such plans and measures as shall be deemed usctul and necessary. 3. The Board of Managers shall hold their first meeting at such time and place as may be directed by the present General Assembly, and shall hold a meeting annually, at some convenient time during the sessions of the General Assembly, at which time it shall appoint a President, Vice-President, a Cor- SEC. 178.] THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION. 419 responding Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Executive Committee, to serve for the ensuintr year. It shall belontr to the Board of Manacers to review and decide upon all the doings of the E.^ecutive Committee ; to receive and di.>t it be recommended to the Church Extension (Commit- tee, to report annually to the (ieneral Assembly, the names and localities of the Churches to which appropriations have been made, and the names and localities of Churches from which appropriations have been withdrawn, when the conditions on which the appropriations were made have nut been complied with. 54 426 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. PART II. THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS CHAPTER L MEASURES OF THE GENERAL SYNOD § 194. Efforts to secure a Professor of Theology. 1760, p. 303. An overture was brought in, that as a Professor of Divinity, to instruct youths for the sacred ministry, is much wanted, and highly ne- cessary, the Synod would try to fall upon some measures to obtain one. And the Synod, sensible of the need and importance of this, earnestly re- commend the consideration of it to every Presbytery, that they may consult together how this may be accomplished, and endeavour to make the people under their care, sensible of the importance of it ; also that they may be prepared and disposed to contribute to so good a design. § 195. A provisional arrangement. 1761, p. 309. The aifair of a Professor of Divinity came to be considered, and the Synod agree to promote this good purpose ; but as several use- ful desio-ns are at present under consideration, which may prevent our raising a sufficient fund for this end at this time, it is deferred till a more conve- nient season. But the Synod being deeply sensible that the Church suffers greatly for want of an opportunity to instruct students in the knowledge of divinity, it is hereby ao;reed, that every student, after he hns been admitted to liis first degree in the college, shall read carefully and closely on this subject, at least one year, under the care of some Minister of an approved character for his skill in theology; and under his direction shall discuss dithoult points in divinity, study the sacred Scriptures, form sermons, lectures, and such other useful exercises as he may be directed to in the course of hi-; studies. And it is enjoined likewise, that every preacher, for the first year after his licensure, shall show all his sermons to some Minister in our IVesbyte- ries, on whose friendship and candour he depends, written fairly to have them corrected and amended. And as they are but young preaeliers, we are persuaded that no better method can be taken in present circumstances to improve them in Christian knowledge and render them eminently useful in their stations. It is also enjoined that tliey preach as often as tliey can before stated Ministers, that they may correct their gesture, pronunciation, delivery, and the like. And it is further enjoined that nil our Ministers and probationers forbear reading their sermons Irom the pulpit, if they can conveniently. SiC. 194.] PRINCETON SEMINAKY. i27 CHAPTER II. PRINCETON SEMINARY. Title 1. — incipient measures. §196. Different plans 2>voposed. 1809, p. 417. The committee [of Bills and Overtures] laid before the As- ^seuibly an overture from the PresVtytery of Philadelphia, for the establish- ment of a theological school. The overture was read, and the Rev. Dr. I^wight, and the Rev. Messrs. Irwin, Hosack, Romeyn, Anderson, Lyle, Burch, Laeey, and Messrs. Bayard, Slaymaker, and Harrison, Elders, were appointed a committee to take the overture into consideration, and report upon it. 1809, p. 430. The committee to which was referred the overture in relation to the establishment of a theological school, brought in the following report, which being read, was adopted, viz : The committee appointed on the subject of a theological school overtuved from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, report, that three modes of compassing this important object have presented themselves to their consideration. The first is, to establish one great school in some convenient place, near the cen- tre of the bounds of our Church. The second is, to establish two schools, in such places as may best accommodate the northern and southern divisions of the Church. The third is, to establish such a school within the bounds of each of the Synods. In this case your committee suggest the propriety of leaving it to each Synod to direct the mode of forming the school, and the place where it shall be established. The advantages attending the first of the proposed modes are, that it would be furnished with larger funds, and therefore with a more extensive library, and a greater number of professors. The system of education pursued in it would, therefore, be more extensive and more perfect' ; the youths educated in it would also be more united in the same views, and contract an early and lasting friendship for each other; circumstances which could not fail of pro- moting harmony and prosperity in the Church. The disadvantages attend- ing this mode would be principally those derived from the distance of its po- sition from the extremities of the Presbyterian bounds. The advantages attending the second of the proposed modes, and the dis- advantages, will readily suggest themselves from a comparison of this with the other two. The advantages which would attend the third, to wit: the establishment of theological schools by the respective Synods, would be the following : The local situation of the respective schools would be peculiarly convenient for the several parts of a country so extensive as that for the benefit of which they were designed. The inhabitants having the seminaries brought near to them, would feel a peculiar interest in their prosperity, and may be rationally expected to contribute to it much more liberally and generally, 428 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [noo;; Y. than to a single school or even to two. The Synods also, having the innne- diate care of them, and directing, either in person or by delegation, all their concerns, would feel a similar interest, and would probably be better ple;ised with a system formed by themselves, and therefore peculiarly suited to the wishes and interests of the several parts of the Church immediately under their direction. Greater efibrts, therefore, may be expected from Ministers and people, to promote the prosperity of these schools, than of any other. The disadvantages of this mode would be the inferiority of the funds, a smaller number of professors, a smaller library, and a more limited system of education in each. The students also, would, as now, be strangers to each other. Should the last of these modes be adopted, your committee are of opinion, that everything pertaining to the erection and conduct of each school should be left to the direction of the respective Synods. If either of the first, the whole should be subject to the control of the General Assembly. Your com- mittee also suggest, that in the former of these cases, the funds for each school should be raised within the bounds of the Synod within which it was stationed. In the latter, they should be collected from the whole body of the Church. Your committee therefore submit the following resolution, to wit : Resolved, That the above plans be submitted to all the Presbyteries within the bounds of the General Assembly for their consideration, and that they be careful to send up to the next Assembly, at their sessions in May, 1810, their opinions on the subject. § 197. Responses of the Presbi/tcries. 1810, p. 439. The committee appointed to examine the reports of the several Presbyteries on the subject of theological schools, and to report to the Assembly the opinions expressed by them severally on the three different plans sent down for their consideration, reported, that after carefully ex- amining the reports of the several Presbyteries on this subject, they find the following result: Ten Presbyteries have expressed an opinion in favour of the first plan, viz : the establishment of a single school. One Presbytery has given an opinion in favour of the second plan, viz : the establishment of two schools. Ten Presbyteries have expressed a judgment in favour of the third plan, viz : the establishment of a school in each Synod. Six Presby- teries have expressed an opinion that it is not expedient, at present, to at- tempt the establishment of any school j and from the remaining Presbyteries no report has been received. § 198. Act establishing the Seminary. 1810, p. 453. The committee appointed farther to consider the subject of theological schools, reported, and the report being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : That after maturely deliberating on the subject committed to them, they submit to the Assembly the following results : 1. It is evident that not only a majority of the Presbyteries, which have reported on this subject, but also a majority of all the Presbyteries under the care of this Assembly, have expressed a decided opinion in favour of the es- tablishment of a theological school or schools in our Church. 2. It appears to the committee, that although, according to the statement already reported to the Assembly, there is an equal number of Presbyteries in favour of the first plan, which contemplates a single school for the whole Church ; and in ftwour of the third plan, which contemplates the erection of a school in each Synod; yet as several of the objections made to the first SEC. 19G.] PRINCETON SEMINARY. 429 plan are founded entirely on misconception, and will be completely obviated by developing the details of that plan, it seems fairly to follow, that there is a greater amount of Presbytcrial suifrage in favour of a single school, than of any other plan. 8. Under these circumstances the committee are of opinion, that as much light has been obtained from the reports of Presbyteries on this sub- ject, as would be likely to result from a renewal of the reference ; that no advantage will probably arise from farther delay in this important concern ; but, on the contrary, much serious inconvenience and evil ; that the pre- sent Assembly is bound to attempt to carry into execution some one of the plans proposed, and that the first plan, appearing to have, on the whole, the greatest share of public sentiment in its favour, ought of course to be adopted. 4. Your committee therefore recommend, that the present General As- sembly declare its approbation and adoption of this plan, and immediately commence a course of measures for carrying it into execution, as promptly and extensively as possible ; and for this purpose they recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the folloM'ing resolutions : 1. Ees(jlved, That the state of our Churches, the loud and affecting calls of destitute frontier settlements, and the laudable exertions of various Chris- tian denominations around us, all demand that the collected wisdom, piety, and zeal of the Presbyterian Church be, without delay, called into action, for furnishing the Church with a large supply of able and faithful Minis- ters. 2. That the General Assembly will, in the name of the great Head of the Church, immediately attempt to establish a seminary for securing to candi- dates for the ministry, more extensive and efficient theological instruction than they have heretofore enjoyed. The local situation of this seminary is herciifter to be determined. 3. That in this seminary, when completely organized, there shall be at least three Professors, who shall be elected by, and hold their offices during, the pleasure of the General Assembly, and who shall give a regular course of instruction in Divinity, Oriental and Biblical Literature, and in Ecclesiasti- cal History and Church Government, and on such other subjects as may he deemed necessary. It being however understood, that until sufficient funds can be obtained for the complete organization and support of the proposed seminary, a smaller number of Professors than three may be appointed to commence the system of instruction. 4. That exertion be made to provide such an amount of funds for this seminary, as will enable its conductors to afford gratuitous instruction, and when it is necessary, gratuitous support, to all such students as may nut themselves possess adequate pecuniary means. 5. That the Rev. Drs. Green, Woodhull, Eomeyn, and Miller, the Rev. Messrs. Archibald Alexander, James Richards, and Amzi Armstrong, be a committee to digest and prepare a plan of a theological seminary, embracing in detail the fundamental principles of the institution, together with regula- tions for guiding the conduct of the instructors and the students, and pre- scribing the best mode of visiting, of controlling, and supportina" the whole system. This plan is to be reported to the next General Assenildy. H. That the Rev. Messrs. Jede.liah Chapman, Jonas Coe, William Mor- rison, James Carnahan, and ^Ir. Isaac Hutton, of the Synod of Albany; Rev. Drs. Hamuel Miller, Philip Millcdoler, John B. Romeyn, and Aaron Wool- worth, the Rev. Messrs. James Richards, Comfort, and Isaac A^andoren, and Col. Henry Rutgers, of the Synod of New York and New Jersey; Rev. Drs. Ashbel Green, John McKnight, and James Muir, the Rev. Messrs. Nathaniel iZO INSTITUTIONS OF TIIK CTirROH. [eOOK V. Irwin, John Glendy, Archibald Alexander, John E. Latta, John B. Slem- uions, John B. Patterson, and James Inglis, and Mr. Robert Kalston, of the Synod of Philadelphia ; the llev. John D. Blair, William Williamson, Samuel Houston, Samuel Doake, and Benjamin Grigsby, of the Synod of Virginia; the llev. Samuel llalston, James Guthrie, William Speer, and James Hughes, of the Synod of Pittsburgh ; the Rev. Robert G. Wilson, James Blythe, Archibald Cameron, and Joshua L. Wilson, of the Synod of Kentucky; the Rev. Brs. James Hall, Henry Kollock,and the Rev. Messrs. Malcom, McNair, James Mcllhenny, and Andrew Flinn, of the Synod of the Carolinas, be, and they hereby are, appointed agents, to solicit donations in the course of the current year, within the bounds of their respective Synods, for the establishment and support of the proposed seminary ; and if any of said agents should be unable or unwilling to act in this case, it will be his or their duty to inform the Moderator of his or their Synod, for the time being, who is hereby authorized, if he think proper, to appoint a substitute or sub- stitutes, as the case may require. These agents are lo report to the next General Assembly. Rexolved, That the members of this Assembly generally, and all the clergy of our denomination within our bounds, do aid the exertions of those who shall go on this business. 7. That, as filling the Church with a learned and able ministry, without a corresponding portion of real piety, would be a curse to the world, and an offence to God and his people, so the Genei'al Assembly think it their duty to state that, in establishing a seminary for training up Ministers, it is their earnest desire to guard, as far as possible, against so great an evil; and they do hereby solemnly pledge themselves to the Churches under their care, that in forming and carrying into execution the plan of the proposed seminary, it will be their endeavour to make it, under the blessing of God, a nursery of vital piety, as well as of sound theological learning, and to train up per- sons for the ministry who shall be lovers as well as defenders of the truth as it is in Jesus, friends of revivals of reliiiion^ and a blessing to the Church of God. 8. That as the constitution of our Church guarantees to every Presbytery the right of judging of its own candidates for licensure and ordination ; so the Assembly think it proper to state most explicitly, that every Presbytery and Synod will, of course, be left at full liberty to countenance the proposed plan, or not, at pleasure; and to send their students to the projected semi- nary, or keep them as heretofore within their own bounds as they think most conducive to the prosperity of the Church. ^ 9. That the Professors in the Seminary shall not in any case be considered as having a right to license candidates to preach the gospel ; but that all such candidates shall be remitted to their respective Presbyteries, to be examined and licensed as heretofore. 10. RmAvnd finally. That Dr. Samuel Miller and Rev. James Richards be a committee to prepare a draught of an address from this Assembly to the Churches under our care, calling their attention to the subject of a theologi- cal school, and earnestly soliciting their patronage and support in the exe- cution of the plan now proposed. § 199. Pastoral Letter on the subject of the Theolor/iml School. 1810, p. 457. Dear Brethren — Among the various objects which have en- gaged our attention in the course of our present sessions, one of the mos important is the plan of a Theological Seminary, proposed to be established in some convenient spot within the bounds of our Church. This plan, so SEC. 198 ] PRINCETON SEMINARY. 431 far as it has been matured, accompanies the present address, and solicits your serious consideration. We trust, dear brethren, it is not necessary to employ much argument to convince you tliat the time ha.s arrived in which some new and vigorous ex- ertions are indispensable for increasing the number, and raising the qualifi- cations of candidates for the gospel ministry in our Church, when you are apprized that we have near four hundred vacant Congresrations within our bounds; that the frontier settlements, as well as many large and important districts in the interior of our country, are every year calling upon us for missionary labours which we are not able to supply ; and that there is no •prospect that any means of relief yet devised will be sufficient to preserve many parts of the Church from a most distressing famine of the word of life, we trust you will perceive the absolute necessity of using our utmost ex'ertions for sending forth more labourers into so great a harvest. We feel persuaded that, if the plan which we have adopted can be carried into vigorous execution, it will tend, under the divine blessing, to increase the number of candidates for the holy ministry. If we are enabled, by the possession of suitable funds, not only to afford a more complete and ample course of instruction in theology than has been heretofore, in ordinary cases, attainable, but also to afford this instruction gratultousli/ to those who are themselves destitute of adequate pecuniary resources, we cherish the hope that these facilities will be the means of drawing into public view many in- genuous and pious youth, who are at present either discouraged from making the attempt to gain an education for the ministry, or not properly awakened to the loud and important demands of the Church. But farther : such a i^eminary as that which is now proposed is not less calculated to improve the education than to increase the number of candi- dates for the sacred office. Without some provision of this kind, it is in most cases utterly impossible to bring forward candidates for the ministry, with that furniture and those qualificatioDS for their work which the state of society now renders, in a great measure, indispensable to their respecta- bility and usefulness. It is to be hoped that we shall never cease to con- sider vital and experimental religion as the first and most indispensable qualification in every candidate for the holy ministry. All attainments without this, would unquestionably be not only inadequate, but pernicious. Yet it must also be admitted, that piety alone cannot qualify a man to be a teacher of the gospel, especially in circumstances where the literary and scientific attainments of many avowed infidels, and the general improvement of almost all descriptions of people, will render it impossible for the religious teacher to maintain weight of character, and permanent influence, if his knowledge be scanty, and his literature circumscribed. The Minister him- self, in such a situation, will feel, and ba disconcerted by a sense of his infe- riority, and will neither speak with confidence in himself, nor in such a manner as to beget and preserve confidence in the minds of others. Influenced by these considerations, it has been the universal custom of the Protestant Churches in Europe, and of none more than of that Church ^om which we derive our origin, to encourage a learned and pious ministry, and to institute schools for the purpose. These schools, particularly in Scotland and Holland, have been cherislied with the greatest care ever since the time of the glorious Reformation, and have been attended with the hap- piest consequences; nor would it be difficult to prove that they have had a most important efficacy in preserving the influence of evangelical truth in those countries. Churches in this country derived from those of Scotland and Holland, and, still more recently, our Congregational brethren in Mas- sachusetts have undertaken similar institutions, and have already begun to 432 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. reap fruits of tlie most prouiisiDy- kind. Unless we imitate their laudable example, the consequences will probably be, that in a few years, while they rise and flourish, we shall decline, and fall into a state of discouraging weak- ness and inferiority. Impressed with these convictions, and placed in these solemn circum- stances, the Assembly have resolved, in the name, and as they trust, with an humble reliance on the aid of the great King of Zion, to go forward and attempt the execution of the plan, which will be herewith submitted to your consideration. They have preferred the establishment of a single school, to the erection of a great number, because after comparing the reports from the several Presbyteries, and the sentiments of commissioners to the Assem- bly from the various parts of the Church, there appeared every reason to believe that the former plan would be most acceptable and most generally approved; and also because they are of opinion, that this plan, by concen- trating the strength and resources of the whole Church, will furnish a more coiti'.iiete system of education, and tend more than any other to promote the puriiy, peace, harmony, and vigour of the Presbyterian body in the United States. And now, dear brethren, it depends, under God, on your patronage and liberality, whether the plan proposed shall be carried into execution • and if executed at all, whether with languor and comparative inutility, or with vigour and effect. To support several professors ; to provide an adequate library; and to furnish the means of gratuitous instruction and boarding to a large nuujber of poor and pious youth, will require large funds. For ob- taining these, we have no human dependence but your liberality. And ac- cordingly to solicit contributions in different poi'tions of the Church, we have appointed agents, who are directed to report the result of their solici- tations to the next General Assembly. We call upon you. Christian brethren, as the professed disciples of Christ, to consider the important crisis, and the momentous objects which are now brought to your view. You acknowledge that you are not your own, but that you are bought with a price, and are bound to glorify God in your bodies and spirits, which are his. If it be so, your silver and your gold are the Lord's ; and you are under obligations to employ them in such a manner, as will most effectually promote the glory of him, by whose bounty they were given you. With this great principle in view, consider the press- ing calls of large and flourishing Churches, who solicit in vain for Ministers to break to them the bread of life. Consider the loud and aflFecting cries of many destitute settlements, which know nothing of those precious privi- leges with which you are surrounded. Consider the honour of the Church, with which you are connected; the interests of religion, for which you pro- fess to feel ; the infinite value of immortal souls, who are perishing for lack of knowledge; the authority of that God who commands you to compassion- ate them; and the guilt which you will contract if the health of the Church should languish, or souls perish, by your negligence or parsimony. Consider these things, and then say whether you can consent to witlihold a portion of your substance when called upon to aid in one of the most important con- cerns ever presented to your consideration. Brethren, we leave this subject for your solemn and prayerful delibera- tion. Praying that He, who has the hearts of all flesh in his hands, may dispose you to do that which is well pleasing in his sight, and honourable to your Christian profession ; and that grace, mercy, and peace may be mul- tiplied unto you from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, we are, in the bonds of the gospel, your friends and brethren. Signed by order of the Assembly. John B. Rometn, Moderator. SEC. 199.] I'RixcinoN seminary. 433 § 200. Agreement ^pith the Trnsfec^ of New Jersey College. 1811, p. 466. An extract from the minutes of the Trustees of the college of New Jersey, statin. That tlie Trustees engage to endeavour to receive into the college all the youth whom the Assembly, or the Directors by tliem appointed, may send to it for the purpose of edu- cation, subject to such examination at entrance, and to such discipline during their resi- dence in college, as the other pupils of the college are subjected to ; the Trustees to receive for the expenses of board, tuition, and room-rent, the same as for others; and giving to the Assembly the assurance, that as pupils increase, and the funds of the college will per- mit, they will ' reduce as low as possible all the expenses of the pupils under their care. 6. That tlie Trustees agree to receive and hold, for the use of the Assembly, such sums 55 434 INSTITUTIONS OF THF CHURCH. [rOOK V. ofmonoy as ihey n>ay voluntarily choose to deposit in tlie hands of the Trustees for im- provement, so as to incur no inconvenience to sucli Trustees from the limitation of their charter; and that such sums of money be accordingly invested in such funds as the As- sembly shall direct; that the Trustees pay the interest thereof, when received, to the order of the Assembly ; keep it wholly separate from the funds of the college, and pay over or transfer to the order of the Assembly, the principal sum whenever they shall so direct. 7. That the Trustees grant to the Professors and pupils of the Theological Seminary tlie free use of the college library, subject to such rules as may be adopted for the preservation of the books, and the good order of the same. 8. That if the General Assembly shall wish to establislf at Princeton an elementary school, for the instruction of youth in such learning as usually precedes their entrance into college, the Trustees agree to aid them in this undertaking, by every accommodation, and all the patronage in their power ; so, however, as not to engage to make drafts on the funds of the college for that purpose. 9. That if, at any time, the General Assembly shall find that the connection between their Seminary and the college does not conduce sufficiently to the great purposes contem- plated to be answered by the said Seminary, they shall be at liberty to remove it to some other place. And the Trustees engage that, while the Theological Seminary shall remain at Princeton, no professorship of theology shall be established in the college. 10. That, whereas the Trustees of the college have in their hands a fund, the annual income of which is nearly eighteen hundred dollars, appropriated by the donors to the edu- cation of poor and pious youth for the gospel ministry of the Presbyterian denomination ; the Trustees give an assurance to the Assembly, that if the first of these articles take effect, they will pay a high regard to the recommendation of the Assembly, or of their Directors, as to the youth who shall receive the benefit of this fund. AsHBEL Green, John Woodhull, Richard Stockton, Committee of the Trustees of New Jersey College. Archibald Alexander, Robert Ralston, Jacob J. Janeway, John McDowell, Committee of the General Assembly. Princeton^ June 26, 1811. § 202. The location fixed at Prmceton. 1812, p. 497. The resolution for locating the Theological Seminary was again resumed, and after considerable discussion, and special prayer for di- rection on the important subject, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : Resolved, That Princeton be the site of the Theological Seminary, leav- ing the subject open as to its permanency, agreeably to the stipulations agreed upon by the joint committees of the last Assembly and the Trustees of the college of New Jersey. 1813, p. 533. Resolved, That the permanent location of the Theological Seminary be in the borough of Princeton, New Jersey, in conformity with the agreement with the Trustees of the college, signed at Princeton, June 26th, 1811, and ratified by the General Assembly at their sessions in May, 1812. Title 2. — constitution of the seminary. [The following are such provisions of the Plan of the Seminary as are of general in- terest. Such as relate to the mere internal management are omitted. The plan was drawn up by a committee, (above, § 198, Res. 5,) and adopted by the Assembly, {Minutes, 1811, p. 472,) and subsequently, by occasional amendments, modified to its jircsent form. In the following copy, those sections which have no reference affi.xed to them, statid as originally adopted. The other seminaries of our Church are organized upon the same o^; sential ulan.] § 203. Article I. — Of the General Assembly. Section 1. As this institution derives its origin from the General Assembly, so that body is to be considered nt all times as its patron, and the fountain of its powers. Tlio Assembly sh.ill, accordingly, ultimately sanction all its laws, direct its instructions, and appoint its principnl officers. Sect. 2. The General Assembly shall choose a Board of Directors, consisting of twenty- one Ministers, and nine Ruling Elders, by whom the Seminary shall be inspected and conducted. Of this number, one-third, or seven Ministers and three Elders, shall be SEC. 201.] PBTNCETO>f SEMINARY. 4o.') chosen annually, to continue in office three years. And if any vacancy shall occur in the Board, by death, resignation, or incapacity to serve, the Assembly may annually fill up such vacancies. — Minutes, 1815, j). 581. Sect. 3. All Professors of the Seminary shall be appointed by the Assembly. But in cases of necessit}', the Board of Directors may employ a suitable person to perform the duties of a professor, till a meeting of the Assembly shall take place. Sect. 4. The General Assembly shall, at all times, have the power of adding to the Con- stitutional Articles of the Seminary, and of abrogating, altering, or amending them; but, in the exercise of this power, the contemplated additions, abrogations, alterations, or amendments, shall, in every case, be proposed at one Assembly, and not adopted till the Assembly of the subsequent year, except by a unanimous vote. § 204. Artide II. — Of the Board of Directors. Sect. 1. The Board of Directors shall meet statedly, once in each year, at the close of tlie session ; and oftener on their own adjournments, if they shall judge it exf>e(lieiit Nine members of the Board shall be a quorum ; provided always, that of this number five at least be Ministers of the gospel. — Minutes, 18.58, p. 282. Sect. 2. The Board sliall choose, out of their own number, a President, two Vice-Presi- dents, and a Secretary. In the absence of the President and Vice-Presidents, the senior member present shall preside. Sect. 3. The President of the Board, or in the event of his death, absence, or inability to act, the first Vice-President, shall, at tlie request of any three members, expressed to him in writing, call a special meeting of the Board of Directors by a circular letter ad- dressed to each ; in which letter notice shall be given, not only of the place and time of meeting, but of the business intended to be transacted at the meeting notified ; and this letter shuU be sent at least twenty days before the time of said meeting. — Minutes, 1812, p. 508. Sect. 4. The Secretary of the Board shall keep accurate records of all the proceedings of the Directors ; and it sliall be his duty to lay these records, or a faithful transcript of the same, before the General Assembly, annually, for the unrestrained inspection of all the members. Sect. 7. The Board shall direct the Professors of the Seminary in regard to the subjects and topics on which they are severally to give instruction to the pupils, so far as the same shall not be prescribed by this plan, or by the orders of the General Assembly. Sect. 8. It sliall be the duty of the Board of Directors to inaugurate the Professors of the Seminary, and to direct what Ibrnis shall be used, and what services performed, on such occasions. Sect. 9. Every Director, previously to his taking his seat as a member of the Board, shall solemnly subscribe the following formula, viz: "Approving the plan of the Theo- logical Seminary of the Presbyterian Cimrch in tlie United States of America, I solemnly declare and promise, in the presence of God and of this Board, that I will taithtlilly en- deavour to carry into effect idl the articles and provisions of said ])lan, and to promote tlie great design of the Seminary." Sect. 10. The Board of Directors shall inspect the fidelity of the Professors, especially in regard to the doctrines actually taught; and if, alter due inquiry and examination, they shall judge that any Proti'ssor is either unsound in the fiiith, opposed to the funda- mental principles of Presbyterian Churcli Government, iminorril in iiis conduct, unfaith- ful to his trust, or incompetent to the discharge ot' his duties, tliey shall faitht'nlly report him as such to the Geaeral Asscmbl}'. Or if the longer continuance of a Professor be judged highly dangerous, the Directors may immediately suspend him, and appoint an- other in his place, till the whole business e.n be reported and submitted to the Assembly Sect. 11. It shall be tlie duty of the Board of Directors to watch over the conduct of the students; to redr.'ss grievances; to exnmine into tlie wliole course of instruction and study in tiie Seminary; and generally to superintend and endeavour to promote all its in- terests. Sect, 12. Tlie Board of Directors shall make, in writing, a detailed and faithful report of the state of the Seminary to every Gener.il Assembly ; and they may, at the same time, recommend sudi measures tor tlie advantage of the Seminary as to them may appear proper. § 205. Article III— Off he Professors. Sect. 1. The number of the Professors in ttie Seminary shall be increased or diminished, as the Assembly may from time to time direct. But when tiie Seminary shall be coin- p'otely organized, there sliall not be less than three Prufess.irs. Seel. 2. No person shall be inducted into the office of Professor of Divinity, but an or- dained Minister of the gospel. 436 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. Sect. 3. Every person elected to a professorship in this Seminary, shall, on being inau- gurated, solemnly subscribe tiie Contcssion of Faith, Catechisms, and Form of Govern- ment of the Presbyterian Church, agreeably to the following formula, viz : — " In the pre- sence of God and of the Directors of this Seminary, I do solemnly, and ex animo adopt, receive, and subscribe the Confession of Faith, and Catechismsof the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, as the confession of my faith; or, as a summary and just exhibition of that system of doctrine and religious belief which is contained in Holy Scripture, and therein revealed by God to man for his salvation : and I do solemnly ex animo profess to receive the Form of Government of said Cliurch, as agreeable to the in- spired oracles. And I do solemnly promise and engage, not to inculcate, teach, or insinu- ate anything which shall appear to me to contradict or contravene, either directly or im- pliedly, anything taught in the said Confession of Faith or Catechisms ; nor to oppose any of the fundamental principles of Presbyterian Church Government, while I shall continue a Professor in this Seminary.' Sect. 4. The salaries of the Professors shall be recommended by the Directors ; but they shall be fixed only by a vote of the General Assembly. Sect. 6. Each Professor shall lay before the Board of Directors, as soon as practicable after his appointment, a detailed exhibition of the system and nietliod which he proposes to pursue, and the subjects which he proposes to discuss, in conducting the studies of the youth that shall come under his care : and in this system he shall make such alterations or additions as the Board shall direct ; so that, eventually, the whole course through v^hich the pupils shall be carried, shall be no otb. r tiian that which the Board of Directors shall have approved and sanctioned, conformably to Sect. 8, Art. II. And as often as any Pro- fessor shall think that variations and additi ^ns of importance may be advantageously in- troduced into his course of teaching, he si: .11 submit the same to the Board of Directors, for their approbation or rejection. Sect. 8. Any Professor intending to resjna his office, shall give six months' notice of such intention to the Board of Directors. Sect. 9. The Professors of the institution shall be considered as a Faculty. They shall meet at such seasons as they may judge proper. In every meeting the senior Professor present shall preside. The Faculty shall choose a clerk, and keep accurate records of all their proceedings; which records shall be laid before the Directors at every meeting of the Board. The President of the Faculty shall call a meeting whenever he shall judge it ex- pedient, and whenever he shall be requested to do so by any other member. By the Faculty, regularly convened, shall be determined the hours and seasons at which the classes shall attend the Professors severally, so as to prevent interference and confusion, and to afford to the pupils the best opportunities of improvement. The Faculty shall at- tend to, and decide on all cases of discipline, and all questionsof order, as they shall arise. They shall agree on the rules of order, decorum, and duty, (not inconsistent with any provision in the Plan of the Seminary, nor with any order of the Board of Directors,) to which the students shall be subjected; and these they shall reduce to writing, and cause to be publicly and frequently read. They shall determine the hours at which the whole of the pupils shall, morning and evening, attend for social worship, and the manner in which, and the person or persons, of their own number, by whom the exercises of devo- tion shall be conducted. — Minutes, 1840, p. 293. Sect. 10. The Faculty shall be empowered to dismiss from the Seminary any student who shall prove unsound in his religious sentiments ; immoral or disorderly in his con- duct ; or who may be, in their opinion, on any account whatsoever, a dangerous, or un- profitable member of the institution. Sect. 12. It shall be the duty of the Professors, under the direction of the Board of Di- rectors, to supply the pupils of the institution with the preaching of the gospel, and the administration of the sacraments of the Christian Church; if tliis supply shall not, in the judgment of the Directors, be satisf ictorily furnished by a Church or Churches in the place where the institution shall be established. § 206. Article IV. — Of study and attainments. Sect. 1. Every student, at the close of his course, must have made the following attain, iiients, viz: — He must be well skilled in tiie original languages of the Holy Scriptures. He must be able to explain the princijjal difficulties which arise in the perusal of the Scrip, turcs, either from erroneous translations, apparent inconsistencies, real obscurities, or ob- jections arising from history, reason, or argument. He must be versed in Jewish and ('hristian antiquities, which serve to explain and illustrate scripture. He must have an cijuaintance with ancient geography, and with oriental customs, which throw light on 'lie sacred records. Thus he will have laid the foundation for becoming a sound biblical . ritic. He must have read and digested the principal arguments and writings relative to wha SEC. 205.] PRINCETON SEMINARY. -'37 has been called the deistical controversy. Thus will he be qualified to become a defender of the Christian fditli. He muHt be able to support the doctrines of the Confession of F.iith and Catechisms by a ready, pertinent, and abundant quotation of Scripture texts for tliat purpose. He must JKive studied, carefully and correctly, Natural, Didactic, Polemic, and Casuistic Tiieology. He must have a considerable acquaintance witli General History and Cliro- nology, and a particular acquaintance with the History of the Christian Church. Thus lie will be preparing to become an able and sound divine and casuist. He must have read a considerable nninbur of the best practical writers on the subject of religion. He must have learned to compose with correctness and readiness in his own language, and to deliver what he has composed to others in a natural and acceptable man- ner. He must be well acquainted with tlie several parts, and the proper structure of popular lectures and sermons. He must liave composed at least two lectures and four |)opulur sermons, that shall have been approved by the Professors. He must have care- fully studied the duties of the pastoral care. Thus he will be prepared to become a usetiil preaciier, and a faithful pastor. He mu.st have studied attentively the form of Church Government, authorized by the Scriptures, and he administration of it as it has taken place in Protestant Churches. Thus he will be qualified to exercise discipline, and to take part in the government of the Church in all its judicatories. Sect. 2. The period of continuance in the Theological Seminary shall, in no case, be less than three years, previously to an examination for a certificate of approbation. But students may enter the Seminar}', and enjoy the course of instruction for a shorter time than three years, provided they in all other respects submit to tlie laws of the Seminary, oi' which facts they may receive a written declaration from the Professors. Sect. 3. Tiiere shall be an examination of all the pupils in the Seminary at every stated meeting of the Board of Directors. Those pupils who shall have regularly and diligently studied for three years, shall be admitted to an examination on the subjects specified in this article. All examinations shall be conducted by the Professors, in the presence of the Directors, or a committee of tliein. Every Director present shall be at liberty, during the progress of any examination, or after the same shall have been closed by the Profes- sors, to put to any pupils sucii questions as he shall deem proper. Every pupil that shall have passed his final examination to the satisfaction of tiie Directors present, shall re- ceive a certificate of the same, signed by tlie Professors, with which he shall be remitted to the Presbytery, under whose care he is placed, to be disposed of as such Presbytery shall direct. Those who do not pass a satisfactory examination, shall remain a longer space in the Seminary. — Mmutes, 1819, p. 707. Sect. 4. It shall be the object of the Professors to make such arrangements in the in- struction of their pupils, as sliall be best adapted to enable them, in the space of three years, to be examined with advantage on tlie subjects specified in this article. Article V. — 0/ devotion and improvement in practical piet^. [Omitted.] § 207. Article VI.— Of the Students. Sect. 1. Every student, applying for admission to the Theological Seminary, shall pro- duce satisfactory testimonials that he possesses good natural talents, and is of a prudent and discreet deportment; that he is in full communion with some regular Cliurch; that he has passed through a regular course of academical study; or, wanting this, he shall submit himself to an examination in regard to the branches of literature taught in such a course. Sect. 2. The first six months of every student in the Seminar}' shall be considered as probationary; and if, at the end of this period, any student shall appear to the Professors not qualified to proceed in his studies, they shall so report him to tlie Board of Directors, who, if they are of the same opinion witli the Professors, shall dismiss him from the Semi- nary. Sect. 3. The hours of study and of recreation for the students shall be fixed by the Pro- fessors, with the concurrence of the Directors ; and every student shall pay a strict regard to tlie rules established relative to this subject. Sect. 4. Every student shall be obliged to write on such theological and other subjects, as may be prescribed to him by the Professors, once a month ; and shall also commit to memory a i)iece of his own composition, and pronounce it in public, before the Professors and students.— yiinuica, 1840, p. 2i)3. Sect. 9. Every student, before he tikes his standing in the Seminary, shall subscribe the following dccl iration, viz: " Deeply impressed with a sense of the iin])ortance of im- proving in knowledgi;, prudence, and piety, in my preparation for t!ie gospel ministry, I solemnly promise, in a reliance on divine grace, that I will faithfully and diligently attend 4oS INSTlTliXU/NS OF THE CliURCH [bOOK V on all the instructions of triis Seminary, ;ind that I will conscientiously and vigilantly ob. serve all the rules and rejrulations spLcified in the Pl.ui tor its instruction and government so far as the same relate to the students ; and tliat I will obey all the lawful requisitions, and readily yield to all the wholesome admonitions of tiie Professors and Directors of the Seminary, wliilc I shall continue a member of it." Sect. 10. The exercises of the Seminary shall be suspended during fourteen weeks in every year; the number of vacations, and tlie times at which they shall begin and end, to be determined by the Board of Directors. — Minutes, 18-40, p. 2J3. § 208. Article VII.— Of the Funds. Sect. 1. The funds of the Institution shall be kept, at all times, entirely distinct and separate from all other moneys or funds whatsoever ; and they shall be deposited in the hands of such corporation, or disposed of for safe keeping and improvement, in such otiier manner as the General Assembly shall direct Sect. 2. The Board of Directors sliall, from time to time, as they may see proper, l.^y be- fore the Assembly plans tor the improvement of the funds, and propositions for the appro- priation of such sums as they may think necessary for particular purposes. Sect. 3. No money shall, at any time, be drawn from the funds, but by an appropriation and order of tlic Assembly for the purpose. Sect. 4. A fair statement shall annually be laid before the Assembly, by the proper officer, of the amount of the funds belonging to the Seminary, of the items which consti- tute that amount, and of the expenditures in detail lor the preceding year. Sect. 5. Tile intention and directions of testators or donors, in regard to moneys or other pro- pe:-ly left or given to tlie Seminary, shall, at all times, be sacredly regarded. And if any in- dividual, or any number of individuals, not greater than three, sliall by will, or during his or their lives, found or endow a professorship or professorships, a scholarship or scholarships, or a fund or funds, destined tor special purposes, said professorships, scholarships, or funds shall forever afterwards be called and known by the name or names of those who founded or endowed them ; and if any Congregation, Presbytery, Synod, or Association, shall found a professorship or professorships, a scholarship or scliolarships, or a fund or funds, said protessorsliips, scholarships, or funds shall lor ever afterwards be called and known by such names as the body founding them shall give. Sect. 6. After supporting tlie Professors, and defraying the other necessary charges of tlie Seminary, the funds shall be applied, as far as circumstances will admit, to defray or diminish the expenses of those students who may need pecuniary aid, as well as to lessen, generally, the expense of a residence at the Seminary. Title 3. — rules relating to professors and directors. 209. Flection of Directors. 1 1812, p. 503. Resolved, 1. That when the Assembly shall proceed to the election of Directors of the Theological Seminary, the Clerk shall call ou the members severally to nominate any number of persons, not exceeding the number to be elected, if he shall think it expedient to make any nomina- tion. 2. That when the members have been severally called upon in the order of the roll to make a nomination agreeably to the above rule, the names of the persons nominated shall be immediately read by the Clerk for the infor- mation of the members, and that on the day following, the Assembly pro- ceed to elect by ballot the whole number of Directors to be chosen. 3. That two members be appointed to take an account of the votes given for the candidates nominated for Directors of said Theological Seminary, and to report to the Assembly the number of votes for each of the said can- didates who have a plurality of votes, who shall be declared duly elected ; but if the whole number to be elected should not be elected, and two or more of the candidates should have an equal number of votes, then in that case the house shall proceed to elect, from the nomination a sufficient num- ber to complete the Board, and shall continue to vote in this manner until the full number specitied by the co)istitution of the Theological Seminary be completed. 4. When the votes shall have been counted, and the requisite number of Directors shall have been elected in the manner above specified, the SKC. 207.] PRINCETON SK.MINARY. 439 Moderator shall announce to the Assembly the uuuies of those persons who shall appear to have the highest number of votes, and are thus elected. ( 6 ) Calling the roll discontinued, 1828, p. 230. Resolved, That the rule, requiring the roll to be called when nominations for Directors of the Theological Seminaries are made, be, and it is hereby repealed ; and that when this subject is taken up, any member shall have the right, without a call of his name, to nominate as many Direc- tors as are to be chosen. § 210. The Directors to report vacancies. 1815, p. 581. Resolved, That it be the duty of the Board of Directors every year, in their report to the Assembly, to give a list of the Directors whose term of service may have expired, as well as those whose seats may have become vacant by death, resignation, or incapacity to serve. § 211. Manner of electing Professors. 1812, p. 503. Whenever a Professor or Professors are to be elected, the Assembly by a vote shall determine the day when said election shall be held, which day shall be at least two days after the above determination has been made. Immediately after the vote fixing the day has passed, the Assembly shall .have a season for special prayer for direction in their choice. The election in all cases shall be made by ballot. The ballots having been counted by two members previously appointed, they shall report a statement of said votes to the Moderator, and in case there shall appear to be an equal number of votes for any two or more candidates, the Assembly shall proceed either immediately, or at some subsequent period of their sessions, to a new election. The choice being made, it shall be announced to the Assembly by the Moderator. § 212. Proposed precaution in electing Professors. 1821, p. 8. [The Synod of North Carolina] '' respectfully suggest to the General Assembly the propriety of adopting it as a standing rule of that body, that no Professor of the Theological Seminary be appointed, unless a resolu- tion specifying the time of such appointment be passed at a previous meeting of the General Assembly, and made known to the Churches through the printed ' Extracts' of the General Assembly." Resolved, That the General Assembly highly approve of the solicitude manifested by the Synod of North Carolina to prevent haste, partiality, or error in a concern so deeply interesting to the Church as the appointment of a Professor in the Theological Seminary, and recognize the high importance of using all practicable means to ensure, in every election of a theological Professor, the choice of a teacher who will not only be able to communicate knowledge, but be solicitous to preserve the purity of the Church, and a strict adherence to its standards in doctrine and in government ; yet that the Assembly judu'c that the measure suggested by the Synod of North Carolina would not, if adopted, be the best calculated to promote the design intended; and therefore, that it will remain for the Assembly to guard against the evil contemplated, by other provisions, more practicable in their nature, and effi- cient in their tendency. § 213. Appointment of instructors without authority of the Assembly. 1848, p. 51. It is currently reported and believed that regular instruction is given in the Hebrew language, in the Seminary, by one person, upon 440 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. whose character and qualifications the Assembly has not passed ; yet no allu- sion is made in the report [of the Board of Directors] to this important fact. The Assembly considers such an omission as improper, and such action in reference to the appointment of a Hebrew teacher, without the knowledge of this body, as inconsistent with the laws of the institution, and with the rela- tions in which it stands to the General Assembly. § 214. The Reports of the Board should he full and specific. Ibid. The committee appointed to examine the report of the Directors of Princeton Seminary, beg leave to say that this document appears to have been prepared after the manner of former reports. The whole report covers less than five small letter sheet pnges, openly written, of which nearly three are mere lists of names. It is impossible from the report to form any idea concerning the presence or absei i.ri of missionary .spirit amongst the students, of the general spirit of piety during the last year in the Seminary; or indeed to form any correct opinion whether the students now in the Seminary pro- mise usefulness in the pastoral ofiice, or the contrary. * * * * It is to be regretted that the Directors have not favoured the Assembly with more of that information in regard to the Seminary which ought to be expected and received. We are constrained to regard it as an exceedingly grave defect, when a report from such a source, and upon such a subject, leaves the Assembly so much in the dark, with regard to the vital matters of the trust ; nor does it seem to us to be expedient that the Church should be left, as in this instance, to general rumour for its knowledge of what is offi- cially done by the Directors of'^the Seminary. Title 4. — organization of the seminary. § 215. A Missionary Department proposed. 1829, p. 384. Resolved, That the Rev. Archibald Alexander, D. D., the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., the Rev. Charles Hodge, the Rev. James Carna- han, D. D., the Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., the Rev. Joseph Sanford, and the Rev. John Breckinridge, be a committee to consider the expediency of establishing a missionary institttdon, for the instruction and training of missionaries; which shall be under the care of the General Assembly, and in connection with the Theological Seminary at Princeton ; and that this com- mittee be instructed to mature and report a plan of the same to the next General Assembly, provided they, or a majority of them, shall approve of such an establishment. 1830, pp. 11, 17. [Their report was amended and adopted, as follows :] (a) That after repeated meetings, and mature deliberations on the subject committed to them, they are of the opinion that such an institution as this appointment seems to contemplate is much needed, and if wisely established and maintained, may be expected, under the divine blessing, to contribute much to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. The missionary cause is assuming an importance, and its operations an ex- tent, which must more and more interest the religious public. Everything, therefore, that is adapted to impart a new impulse to the missionary spirit ; to give it a wise and happy direction ; or to bring a larger number of individuals, and especially of candidates for the holy ministry, under its immediate influ- ence, cannot fail of proving both reasonable and useful. The committee are, therefore, persuaded that the General Assembly could scarcely adopt a mea- sure bettor adapted to aid the rai-sionary cause ; to drawdown the richest and most appropriate blessings on the students of the Theological Seminary; SEC. 213.] PRINCETON SEMINARY. 441 to meet and gratify public opinion ; and to furnish a centre of information, of intitruction, and of impulse, in reference to this great subject, from which invaluable results mij:;ht be expected. fb) The spirit of the religion of Jesus Christ is essentially a spirit of mis- sions J and undoubtedly one of the first and highest duties uf the Christian Church, lis to nurture and extend this spirit, and to make all her establish- ments tributary to its advancement. The importance therefore of connecting an institution of the kind proposed, with a seminary in which a large number of candidates for the holy ministry are assembled is obvious. Its native ten- dency, if properly conducted, will be to kindle among the rising ministry, a new and more fervent zeal on behalf of missions; to call forth, animate, and prepare larger numbers of missionaries, both for the foreign and domestic lield ; and eventually to diffuse throughout all our Churches more of that deep and practical sense of obligation in reference to this subject, of the want of which we have much reason to complain, and the increase of which is so earnestly to be desired. (c) In another view also, the committee believe that such an institution as that which is now contemplated, would be productive of incalculable benefit. The great importance of maintaining a spirit of deep and elevated piety in our theological seminaries, has been always acknowledged by the friends of vital religion, and is beginning, it is hoped, to attract more of the attention of those who are entrusted with their management. Unless such a spirit can be in some good degree maintained among assembled candidates for the holy ministry, theological seminaries will assuredly not prove a real blessing to the Church, but rather the reverse. Now, the committee are fully convinced that it would not be easy to suggest a plan better adapted to subserve this great object, than to connect with a theological institution a department of instruction, the primary purpose of which should be, to cherish fervent love for immortal souls ; large views and plans of evangelical usefulness ; and every species of knowledge, and of practical accomplishment adapted to prepare the sons of the Church for spreading the gospel throughout the world. Even those who never actually engage in missionary work, will be likely to be es- sentially benefited by such an appendage to the usual course of instruction ; to have their personal zeal for the salvation of men increased ; their prepara- tion for pastoral fidelity promoted; their knowledge of the wants and miseries of perishing souls extended ; and their ultimate capacity for actively favour- ing the missionary cause, wherever their lot may be cast, greatly enlarged. In this and in various other ways it is manifest, that in theological seminaries, as well as in the Church at large, every effectual step that is taken to ex- tend the missionary cause, tends no less surely to promote piety and pastoral fidelity at home ; and to render every new Minister that is added to the Church a new centre of influence and of action for the spread of the gospel. ((/) It would, moreover, be desirable to have some place provided where men destined to foreign missions, might profitably spend a year or a few months in such studies and exercises as would tend to prepare and qualify them for their arduous and interesting work. At present much time frequently elapses before the missionary can be conveniently sent to his field of labour; which time would be much more advantageously spent in retirement, study, and de- votion, than in travelling as an agent. It has also occurred to your committee, that if the proposed institution should be established, and adequately fostered by the favour of the Church, it might hereafter be expedient to have provision made for the comfortable support of aged and invalid missionaries on their return to their native country. It is due to men who have exhausted their health, their strength, 56 442 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. and their years in the service of the Church, to be furnished with a peaceful asylum for their latter days. (e) Indeed, so deeply convinced are the committee of the salutary ten- dency of such an appendage to an institution destined for training up Minis- ters, that they indulge the hope of seeing, before the lapse of many years, such an addition to every theological seminary in the land, which has a suffi- cient number of pupils to demand and warrant the enterprise. They firmly believe that the pecuniary resources of such institutions cannot be bestowed upon an object more likely to be productive of the richest blessings to them- selves, and to the whole Church. (/) The committee are of the opinion, however, that a large and expensive establishment ought not, in the outset, to be attempted. A small and humble beginning will, perhaps, be most likely to lead to the best results, by gradual enlargement, as experience may dictate. Some of the most extensive and important institutions now in existence, took their rise from small beginnings. Nothing more therefore, ought, in the opinion of the committee, to be con- templated, at present, than the commencement of a plan, which may be en- larged and strengthened, as the Assembly may hereafter think proper, and be able to command resources. And as the Constitution of the Seminary at Princeton admits, without alteration, of an indefinite addition to the number of its Professors, the committee, therefore, unanimously recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions, viz : 1. Resolved, That there be appointed an additional Professor in the Theo- logical Seminary at Princeton, to bear the name and title of the " Professor of Pastoral Theology, and Missionary Instruction." 2. Resolved, That the said Professor have committed to him the instruc- tion in everything which relates to the pastoral office, and that he be especi- ally charged with collecting and imparting instruction on the subject of mis- sions ; and with using all proper means, by public lectures, and private inter- views, to promote, among all the students, an enlarged spirit of pastoral fidelity, of missionary zeal, and of liberal preparation and active effort for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 3. Resolved, That the General Assembly will proceed to appoint a Pro- fessor in conformity with the recommendation contained in said report, as soon as a sufficient annual income can be secured to support the said Professor. 4. That the whole subject be referred back to the original committee. § 216. Organization, &c. (a) List of the Professors, [I. Rev. Archibald Alexander, D, D., LL.D., elected Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology. — Minutes, 1812, p. 512. Changed to Pastoral and Polemic Theology. —Minutes, 1840, p. 293. Died, October 22, 1851. See Book IV. § 175. II. Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., LL. D , elected Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Churcli Government — Minutes, 1813, p. 536. Tendered his resignation w^hich was declinrd, 184y. See below § ( 6 ). Died January 7, 1850. See Book IV. § 174. * III. Rev. Charles Hodge, D. D., appointed assistant teacher of the original hiiiguages of the Scriptures. — Minutes, 1821, p. 27. Elected Professor of Biblical and Oriental Lit- erature.— Minutes, 1822, p. 21. Transferred to the chair of Exegetical and Didactic Theology.— Minutes, 1840, p. 292. * IV. Rev. Joseph Addison Alexander, D. D., appointed assistant instructor in Orien- tal and Biblical Literature. — Minutes, 1833, p. 507. Elected Associate Professor of Ori- ental and Biblical Literature. — Minutes, 1835, p. 30. By tlie transfer of Dr. Hodge to the chair of Theology, became sole Professor of Oriental and Biblical Literature. — Uinutes, 1840, p. 2:(2. Transtlrr i to the chair of Biblical and Ecclesiastical History. — Minute^\ 1851, pp. 22, 27. V. Rev John Breckinridge, D. D., elected Professor of Pastoral Theology. — Minutes, 1835, p. 30. Resigned.— J/(«« to, 1839, p. 192. * [Now (1858) incumbent.] 8J'.C. 215.] PRINCKTON SEMINARY. 44^ VI. Rev. James W. Alexander. D. D., elected Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Ciuirch Govi;rnini.iit. — Minutes, 184^, p. 257. llesigmd, 1851, p. 21. * VII. Ill V. W. Henry Green, elected Prolessor of Biblical and Oriental Literature. — Minutes, 1851, p. 2i). * VIII. Rev. Ale.yander T. McGill, D. D., elected Professor of Church Government, Pastoral Theology, and the Composition and Delivery of Sermons. — Minutes, 1854, p. 31.] ( 6 ) Resolutions upon Dr. Miller's tender of resignation. 1849, p. 249. 1. Reaolved, That the Assembly unite with the Board of Di- rectors in expressions of thankfuhiess to God,* tliat he has spared the life% and health of the venerable Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church (lovernment for so many years, and that our beloved Church has enjoyed the benefit of his valued instructions and labours from the infancy of the Seminary to this time. 2. Resolved, That the Assembly unite with the Board in recording their grateful sense of the manifold faithful and most importunt services which the venerable Professor has rendered to our Church, and to the cause of truth and righteousness, and they beg to assure him of their cordial sympa- thy in the bodily infirmities which have led him to seek a release from the duties of his oifice. 8. Resolved, That the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. I)., be, and is hereby en- tirely released from all obligation to give instruction in each and all of the departments of his professorship. 4. Resolved, That Dr. Miller be requested to give such instructions and perform such services as on consultation with his fellow professors may be convenient and agreeable to himself. 5. Resolved, That the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., shall continue to enjoy intact the salary and all the other rights of his professorship during his natural life, under the title of Emeritus Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Government. ( c ) The Buildings. [1. The Main Building; an edifice of stone, erected in 1814: 150 feet in length, 50 in breadth, and four stories in height; on a spacious campus, adorned with shade trees. It contains Lecture Rooms, Oratory, Reading Room, Museum, and Dormitories. This valuable and venerable building has been refitted, from time to time, witli modern im- provements, such as gas fixtures, slate roof, &,c. 2. The Chapel, for public worship ; a beautiful Church edifice, of Grecian arcliitec- ture, with Ionic columns in front. 3. The Refectory ; an extensive and elegant building for the purpose ; containing be. sides Dining Room, &,c. the Steward's apartments, hospital rooms lor si::k students, and several dormitories. 4. The Gymnasium; a separate building for bodily e.^crcise, furnished appropriately. 5. The Library ; of large dimensions, and very beautiful and costly Gothic architec- ture; situated on separate ground of three acres, adorned with shrubbery and trees. It was a donation from James Lenox, Esq., of New York. 6. Three Professors' Houses ; with ample grounds attached to each.] {d) The Funds. [1. The Permanent Fund, for the support of Professors, yielding about $8,000 per an- num. 2. The Education Fund, for the aid of students, including scholarships, &,c., yielding nearly $5,000 per annum. 3. The Contingent Fund, for general expenses and repairs, amounting to nearly $2,000 pt'r annum. 4. The Sustentation Fund, establislied in 1837, by a donation of $10,000 from one who does not allow his name to be publisiicd. This fund yields $600 per annum at present, and will probably soon be increased. * [Now (1858) incumbent] 444 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHUROn. [BOOK V. The whole value of the property, in real estate, funds, and books, is estimated at about $300,000 The number of volumes in the Library is about 15,000. The whole number of matriculated students has been . . . 2151 The number who finished the whole course in this Seminary, remaining 3 years or more, .......... 824 Deceased, ....... . 344 Missionaries, ... .... 143 Number now in the Seminary (1857-8.) .... 132] CHAPTER III. WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT ALLEGHENY CITY, PA. § 217. Constitution of the Seminary. 1825, p. 261. The General Assembly taking into consideration the nu- merous and rapidly increasing population of that part of the United States and their territories situated in the great valley of the Mississippi, and be- lieving that the interests of the Presbyterian Church imperiously require it, and that the Redeemer's kingdom will be thereby promoted, do resolve, That it is expedient forthwith to establish a Theological Seminary in the West, under the supervision of the General Assembly. p. 267. Resolved, 1. That the style or name of the contemplated insti- tution shall be, The Western Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. 2. That in the opinion of your committee, the plan of the Theological Seminary at Princeton ought to be also the plan of the contemplated semi- nary in the West, with no other alterations whatever than those which are indispensably necessary to accommodate it to the local situation and circum- stances of the new institution, and a single provision of a temporary kind, which will be specified in the next particular. 3. That a Board of Directors, consisting of twenty-one Ministers and nine Ruling Elders, be appointed by ballot by the present General Assembly, who shall continue in office no longer than till they shall have had opportu- nity to report to the Assembly of the next year, and that Assembly shall have made provision for a future election, agreeably to an arrangement to be made for the purpose, by said Assembly. 4. That five commissioners be appointed by the present General Assembly to examine carefully the several sites which may be proposed for the con- templated seminary, as to the healthfulness of the places and regions where these sites may be found, as to the amount of pecuniary aid and other pro- perty which may be obtained from the inhabitants of the sites, and their vicinity severally, in establishing the contemplated seminary ; and as to all other circumstances or considerations which ought to have influence in deciding on the location of the seminary; and that these commissioners re- port the proposals that shal^ have been made to them, and their opinion on SEC. 216.] AT,LEGHENY SEMINARY. 445 the whole subject of the location, to the Board of Directors; aad that the Board of Directors, after considering the report of the commissioners, re- commend to the next General Assembly, the most suitable place in their judgment for the establishment of the Western Theological Seminary. These commissioners are first to meet at the time and place of meeting of the Board of Directors, specified in the next article. 5. That the first meeting of the Board of Directors appointed this year by the Assembly, shall be on the third Friday of July next, at '1 o'clock, P. M., at Chillicothe, in the State of Ohio, when they shall choose their otficers, and do whatever else shall be found necessary to their full organi- zation ; and that the Board afterwards meet on their own adjournments, as often as they shall think it expedient. And it shall be the duty of this Board to take under consideration the plan of the Seminary at Princeton, and point out and i*eport to the General Assembly of 1826, such alterations in said plan, as in their judgment may be necessary to accommodate it to the local situation of the Western Seminary. Nine members of the Board of Directors shall be a quorum, provided that at least five of this number be Ministers of the gospel. 6 That a suitable number of agents be appointed by the present Assem- bly to solicit donations in behalf of the Western Seminary, and report thereon to the Board of Directors of said seminary; and that said Board of Directors take such measures as they shall think most proper for the safe keeping of the moneys or other property which the agents shall obtain. 7. That it shall be considered as a principle fully understood in the es- tablishment of the Western Seminary, and to be regarded as fundamental in all time to come, that no part of the funds already obtained, or which shall hereafter be obtained for the Seminary at Princeton, shall, on any con- sideration whatever, be appropriated or employed, or loaned in aid of the Western Seminary ; and in like manner, that no part of the funds obtained for the Western Seminary, shall ever be employed or loaned in aid of the Seminary at Princeton. After the adoption of the above resolutions, the Assembly united in prayer, returning thanks to God, for the harmony and unanimity manifested on this subject; and imploring the divine blessing upon the seminary which the Assembly had just resolved to establish. {b) Location of the Seminary at Allegheny. 1^25, p. 271. The Assembly proceeded to elect commissioners, in regard to the location of the Western Seminary ; when the following persons were appointed, viz : Gen. Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee ; Hon. Benjamin Mills, of Paris, Kentucky; Hon. John Thompson, of Chillicothe, Ohio; Rev. Oba- diah Jennings, of Pennsylvania, and Rev. Andrew Wylie, of Pennsylvania. 1826, p. 13. The business of the Western Theological Seminary was taken up. A report from the Board, and their minutes were read. The report of the Board recommended by a vote of eight to five that Allegheny- town, opposite the city of Pittsburgh, should be the site of the Western Theological Seminary. p. 14. Resolved, That the Western Theological Seminary shall be located either in AUeghenytown, in the vicinity of Pittsburgh ; or at Walnut Hills, in the vicinity of Gincinnati ; or at Charleston, Indiana; as the General A.s- sombly of 1827 shall decide. 1827, p. 122. [After considerable discussion and various motions, it Wcis] Resolved, That the roll be now called, and each member be allowed to vote either for AUeghenytown or Walnut Hills. 446 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. The roll was called, when it was decided that Allegheny town V'p the site of the Western Theological Seminary. 1850, p. 4G4. ReaoJvcd, That the General Assembly consider the Western Theological Seminary as permanently fixed in its present location. ( c ) Plan of the Western Seminary. 1828, p. 231. Resolved, That the constitution or plan of the Theological Seminary of Princeton, be the constitution of the Western Seminary, with the following alterations, viz : In the second paragraph of the introduction, the sentence beginning with the words, " Influenced by the views and con- siderations now recited," &c., shall be altered so as to read as follows: "In- fluenced by the views and considerations now recited, the Assembly, after mature deliberation, have resolved, in reliance upon the patronage and bless- ing of the great Head of the Church, to establish an additional theological seminary in the town of Allegheny, opposite to the city of Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania, consecrated solely to the education of men for the gospel ministry, and to be denominated the Western Theological Seminary of the Presbyte- rian Church in the United States of America," &e. In the third paragraph of the said introduction, the phraseology shall be so changed as to read: "Believing that learning without religion in the Ministers of the gospel will prove injurious to the Church ; and religion without learning will leave the ministry exposed to the impositions of designing men, and insufficient in a high degree for the great purposes of the gospel ministry." In the tenth section of the second article, the word "Western" shall be inserted before " Theological Seminaiy;" and the word "is" shall be substituted for "shall be," in the last line of the 12th section of the third article. Resolved, That $20,000 be the sum for endowing a professorship, and $2000 for endowing a scholarship. Resolved, That the salary of the Professor of Theology be $1500 per annum. § 218. The Insfrucfors of the Wesfey^n Seminary. [I. Rev. E. P. Swift, D. D. Temporary Instructor in Theology, &c., by appointment of tlie BonTd.—Sfinutcs, 1828, p. 252. II. Rev. Joseph Stockton. Temporary Instructor in Hebrew, by appointment of the Board.— Ibid. III. Rev. J. J. Janeway, D. D. Elected Professor of Thcolocr j .—Minute.^, 1827, pp. 125, 130, 132. Entered upon his duties in 1828. Resigned.— Minutes, 182f», p. 374. IV. Rev. Luther Halsey, D. D. Elected Professor of Theology, — Minutes, 1829, p. 386. Transferred to the Chair of Ecclesiastical History, &c. — Minutes, 1836, p. 276. Resigned, 1837. V. Rev. Ezra Fisk,D. D. Elected Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Gov- ernment.— Minutes. 1833, p. 499. Died wlien on his way to assume tlie chair. VI. Rev. John W. Nevin, D. D. Appointed by the Board, Teacher of Biblical and Oriental Literature.— Mn? Tlieoiogical tii-mmary f' ' '^Ti Ti' Cincinnati^ John D. Ihorpe, J —Minute!!, 1853, p. 630 ( J'^ Overture from, Commijtsioners to the General Assembly from Presbyteries in the Synod of Kentucky. <■' Philadelphia, May 23, 1853. "Certam members of tlie present General Assembly, beinjr Commissioners to it from Presbyteries beiong-ing- to the Synod of Kentucky, desire to make the following statement to the General Assembly: "1. If the General Assembly will see fit to establish a Theological Seminary in the West, in accordance with tlie wishes of seven Synods, now officially laid before the As- sembly—and will pledge itself, with God's blessmg, to make a Seminary of the firs't class, the Synod and j)eople of Kentucky will contribute $20,000 towards the endowment of one of the chairs of said Seminary — let it be located where it may — upon condition that three other cliairs are endowed with a like sum. " 2. If the Assembly shall see fit to locate and sustain said seminary at or near the town of Danville, in the State of Kentucky, the Synod and people of that State will give towards the support of the said Seminary, 1. f60,00n towards the endowment of three chairs in said Seminary ; 2. Ten or more acres of land, in or near Danville, as a site for said Seminary ; 3. The ))erpetual and free use of two charters, one held by the Trustees of Centre College, of Kentucky, and the other by the Synod of Kentucky, by means of which the Seminary may be established, and its funds held ; 4. The most earnest co-ope- ration in domg whatever else is, or may be, needful, towards the full endowment and per- manent establishment of said Seminary. .John C. Young, Trios. J. Montgomkry, W. L. Breckinridge, F. Senour, Louis Marshall, F. W. Urey, J. Wood Wilson, John A. Lvle, Samuel Cassaday, James Matthews, W. C. Matthews, R. J. Breckinridge." — Minutes, 1853, p. 631 (c) Action of a meeting held in Philadelphia in relation to a new Theological Seminary for the ^Vest. " Philadelphia, May 23, 1853 " Agreeably to a notice announced by the Moderator of the General Assembly to that body wliile in session, delegates and others from within the bounds of eleven Synods, who felt interested in the cause of Theologic;)! Education in the West and Soutlnvest, met in the lecture-room of the Central Presbyterian Church of this city, and, on motion, the Rev. William C. Matthews, D. D., w. s called to the chair, and Rev. William P. Bui 11 appointed Secretary. " The Rev. R. J. Breckinridge, D. D., stated the object of the meeting to be, to affi^rd an opportunity to all tlie friends of this important cause, to confer together as to the best means of securing miited and harmonious views before submitting the whole subject to the General Assembly for its action and final adjudication. " During the several sittings of this meeting the following resolutions were submitted and unanimously adopted, to wit: " 1. Resolved, That we are of opinion that the General Assembly ought, at this time, to establish in the West, under its own care, a Theological Seminary of the first class, and that we will earnestly labour to have it done. " 2. Resolved, That the question of the location of the Seminary contemplated in the above resolution, ought to be le!l absolutely to the decision of the General Assembly. "3. Resolved, That if the Assembly should locate and sustain a Seminary in the West, according to the preceding resolutions, no attempt ought to be made in the same general region of the Church to set up, or to cnrry on, any Theological Seminary by our Synods or otherwise, at least until full opportunity has been given to the Assembly to try its pro- ject of a Seminary. SEC. 210.] DA.WILLE SEMINARY. 449 " 4. Resolved, That the result arrived at be properly atto.sted by the Chairman and Sec- retary of the meeting, and laid before the General A.sseiiibly. " AH of which is mo.st respectl'ully submitted. W, C. Matthews, Chairman. " Wm. p. Buell, Secretary." /ij<;. § 220, Resolve to estahlish a Seminary for the Went at Danville. 1853, p. 439. [The Committee on Seminaries made the following report, which was adopted:] There are in the hands of this committee, 1. Reports from the Theological Seminary at New Albany, Indiana; 2. Report from the Theological Seminary at Cincinnati, Ohio; 3. Papers containing extracts from the Minutes of the Synods of Nashville, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Indiana, Northern Indiana, Mis- souri ; 4. Resolutions adopted in this city during the sessions of this A.ssem- bly, by Commissioners and others, from eleven Synods in the west and south- west, met in convocation in this city ; 5. A written propo.sition concerning the endowment of the new Seminary, laid before this Assembly by all the Commissioners in it, from the bounds of the Synod of Keutucky. All these papers have been before the Assembly ; have been referred by it to this com- mittee, and the matters contained in them have been considered by the com- njittee. All these documents contemplate the establishment of a new Theological Seminary in the West, by the Assembly, and to be under its entire control and care. The most of them urge this upon the Assembly ; and all of them appear to desire to turn over to the Assembly all existing interests connected with this great subject, in the immense region represented. There seems to be no doubt that the entire region occupied by the seven Synods heretofore united in the control of the Seminary at New Albany, and also certain por- tions of the great valley of the West, which hitherto have not united in that enterprise, are desirous of the interposition of the Assembly, for the accom- plishment of the object they all seem to have at heart. Whether the greatness of the object aimed at be considered, or the impos- sibility of accomplishing it aright, except under the control of some perma- nent and common authority ; or the immense interest which our Church and our country have in the proper and effectual execution of the plan suggested ; or the settled and long-pursued policy and principles of our Church upon the whole subject; or the very favourable circumstances presented at the present moment and in the actual posture of affairs, the committee is of opinion that the Assembly should, at this time, enter with faith and zeal upon this great enterprise, which the Lord has, in a manner, brought and laid before us. The whole region interested in this enterprise — so far as it is Presbyterian at all — appears, before this Assembly, not only voluntarily, but emphatically pledged, 1. To the point that the Assembly ought to establish an additional Theological Seminary, of the first class, in the West; 2. That the Assembly itself ought to determine, by a vote of its members, at this time, the place where it should be built up; 3. That no other Theological Seminary shall be set up or carried on in the same general region by our judicatories or people, if the Assembly will now do what is desired of it in the premises, at least until the project of the Assembly shall have had a full trial. The committee is therefore of opinion, that the call of God's providence is clear to the Assembly, and that it should now go forward in dependence on divine strength and guidance in so great an enterprise. It therefore recom- mends the adoption of the following resolution, viz : That the Assembly will now decide, by a majority of votes of its members, at what point in the West a new Theological Seminary shall be established by it. 57 450 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [book v. p. 440. [New Albany, St. Louis, Peoria, Danville, Nashville, and Cincin- nati, were nominated.] p. 442. The unfinished business was taken up, viz : — a new Seminary in the West : — the question being on the location of said institution, after ex- tended discussion, the previous question was called and sustained ; and in proceeding to the vote, Peoria, Nashville, and Cincinnati, were withdrawn from the nomination. The roll was then called, and the vote resulted in 33 for New Albany, 78 for St. Louis, and 122 for Danville. Being thus chosen, on the first ballot, by a majority of all the votes given, Danville in the State of Kentucky was declared to be duly appointed as the location of this Seminary. On motion, the Moderator led the Assembly in oflfering thanks to God for the harmony of feeling in coming to this result, and imploring his blessing oa the enterprise, at this beginning. § 221. Constitution of the Danville Seminary. 1853, p. 444. An additional report from the Committee on Theological Seminaries was presented, which was accepted, and after filling the blanks, adopted, as follows, viz : The Committee on Seminaries, after considering the additional matters re- ferred to it, recommend the adoption of the following resolutions, as contain- ing provision, adequate for the present, for all the objects contemplated, as necessary to the organization of the new Theological Seminary, to be estab- lished in the West. 1. Resolved, That the new Seminary shall be called The Danville Theologi- cal Seminary, under the care of the G-eneral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Its first session shall be opened at Danville, Kentucky, on the 13th day of October, 1853, under the care of the Professors to be elected by the present Assembly, or as many of them as may accept the chairs tendered to them. 2. Resolved, That this Assembly will proceed, on Tuesday the 31st May, at 10 o'clock, A. M.,to elect four persons as Professors in the said Seminary, who, upon signifying their acceptance of their said offices, respectively, by a note in writing, addressed to the Moderator, for the time being, of the Gene- ral Assembly, shall he fully invested with the right of office; and shall thenceforth hold their respective chairs during the pleasure of the General Assembly; and they shall be inducted into office with such formalities as the Board of Directors to be appointed by this Assembly shall direct. The chairs to be thus filled, to be called by the same names, and to have attached to them the same subjects, studies, and duties, as are now provided for by the plan for the Theological Seminary at Princeton ; and the Professors of the new Seminary shall receive, as a compensation for their services, the sum of S1500 a year each, payable half yearly ; and also a house to reside in — which said houses shall be provided only when the state of the funds of the Seminary will conveniently allow of their purchase or erection ; and the said plan for Princeton, as now existing, shall be in force, in all respects, in the new Seminary, until the further order of the General Assembly — ex- cept so far as its provisions may conflict with any action of the present As- sembly. 3. Resolved, That the Board of Directors shall consist of twenty-soven Ministers and twenty-seven Ruling Elders, any nine of whom, met at the appointed time and place, shall be a quorum to do business. The whole of these shall be elected during the present sessions of the Assembly ; but they shall be so elected as that one-third of each class shall' go out of office annu- ally. The first meeting of the Board shall take place at Danville, Kentucky, SEC. 220.] DANVILLE SEMINARY. 451 on the first clay of September, 18.53, or as soon thereafter as may be possible, at which time they sliall provide for the organization of the Seminary, and the induction of the Fnjfcssors into office at that time, or as soon afterwards as may be convenient 4. Jieitofved, That William L. Breckinridge, Edward P. Humphrey, Wm. C. Matthews, Samuel Cassaday, Wm. Richardson, J. S. Berryman, or any three of them, shall be a committee to take charge of the whole matter of raising funds to endow the said Seminary, with power to appoint one or more agents to do the work. They shall report their proceedings to the General Assembly from year to year, and shall continue to act till the fur- ther order of the Assembly. 5. Me.tolved, That Robert J. Breckinridge, Thomas W. Bullock, Benja- min Warfield, Richard Pindell, James Matthews, J. Wood Wilson, John A. Lyle, and John J). Matthews, or any three of them, shall be a committee to arrange with the Synod of Kentucky and the Trustees of the ('entre College of Kentucky, the terms and conditions on which the General As- sembly can use and enjoy, on its own behalf, and for the purposes of the said Theological Seminary, the charters, franchises, and beneiits, held, and capable of being aflbrded, by said Synod and College. They shall also en- deavour to procure from the Legislature of Kentucky an act of incorpora- tion for a Board of Trustees for the General Assembly, similar in its general features to that granted by the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1799. The Trustees appointed under which act, when obtained, shall take charge of the funds collected for said Seminary ; and this committee shall report their doings to the next General Assembly. 6. Resolved, That John C. Young, John T. Edgar, Willis Lord, James Wood, Samuel Steele, James Smith, N. L. Rice, Z. Butler, James Hoge, J. J. Bullock, Robert J. Breckinridge, and E. D. MacM aster, or any three of them, shall be a committee to revise the plan of the Seminary, now pro- visionally adopted, and report to the next General Assembly, in detail, a complete plan for said Seminary, embracing every department thereof, and covering the whole matter of studies, professorships, students, terms, vaca- tions, scholarships, classes, course of studies, and whatever else may fall under the practical and interior operations of the Seminary. 7. Resolved, That whatever funds are now held, or may be hereafter raised, for the benefit of said Seminary, shall be liable, as to the income of all funds now vested, and, so for as may be needful, both principal and in- terest of funds yet to be raised, to meet the necessary current expenses of the Seminary of all kinds. And to this end, the Professors, who may be inducted into ofiice, shall, after their said induction, be a committee to receive said income and funds, as far as may be necessary, as aforesaid, from any agents, corporations, or others, having charge thereof; and they shall appropriate the moneys so received to the necessary current expenses of the Seminary, of all kinds — keeping a strict account thereof — and reporting in detail to the next General Assembly; this order to be in force only until a Board of Trustees for the Assembly, and a Treasurer for said Board shall be duly appointed under the laws of Kentucky. 8. Resolved, That the General. Assembly has gone forward in this pre- sent work, under the leadings of Divine l*rovidence, relying on the ability and willingness of God's people to furnish the large means necessary tc accomplish it in a proper manner, and upon (lod himself to bless it abun- dantly. They do therefore commend the subject to the prompt and efficient liberality of all the Churches under its care, and more especially thoso Dhurches which lie in the wide region which will be first and most largely blessed with the Institution. Deeply sensible that nothing can be done 452 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. without the blessing of Got., humbly and confidently relying on him, they see no reason to doubt, that what they have projected can be surely accom- plished, §222. Organization of the Seminary, Ihid. p. 450. The order of the day for ten o'clock was then taken up, an election of Professors for the Theological Seminary at Danville ; which rft.. suited in the choice of the Rev. R. J. Breckinridge, D. D., LL.D., Professor of Esegetic, Didactic, and Polemic Theology; The Rev. E. P. Humphrey, D. D., Professor of Biblical and Ecclesiastical History; The Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Professor of Oriental and Biblical Lit- erature; and The Rev. Phineas D. Grurley, D. D., Professor of Pastoral Theology, Church Government, and Composition and Delivery of Sermons. [Of these, Drs. Palmer and Gurley declined the chairs to which they were called. Th« institution was opened on the first day of September, 1853, Drs. Breckinridg'e and Hum. plircy, with the assistance of the Rev. Joseph G. Reasor, in the department of Orientai and Biblical Literature, performing the duties of instruction.] List of Instructors. [* I. Rev. R. J. Breckinridge, D. D., LL.D., Professor of Exegetic, Didactic, and Po- lemic Theology. * II. Rev. E. P. Humphrey, D. D., Professor of Biblical and Ecclesiastical History. III. Rev. J. G. Reasor, by appointment of the Board, Instructor in Oriental and Biblical Literature. Appointed, 1853; resigned, 1857. — Minutes, 1854, p. 231; 1857, p. 62. IV. Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., Professor of Pastoral Theology and Church Govern- ment. Elected, 1856, p. 530. Resigned, 1858, p. 321. * V. Rev. Stephen Yerkes, D. D., Professor of Oriental and Biblical Literature. Elected, 1857, p. 41.] Statistics of the Seminary. [Whole number of matriculated students for the first five sessions (1853-1857), 97. Number who have engaged in the work of the ministry, about 65. Students in the semi- nary the fifth annual session (1857-58), 40.] § 223. Undoicment, funds, &c. 1856, p. 527. Resolved, That the General Assembly now re-affirms its purpose in conformity with its action in 1853, and its stipulations, by way of covenant, in 1854, to proceed in good faith, and with the least practica- ble delay, to take measures for endowing and establishing this seminary, as one of the first class. To this end, it is earnestly recommended to all the Congregations under our care, especially those in the west and south-west, by liberal contributions, to aid in its complete endowment; and the Board of Trustees, as the agents of the Assembly, are renewedly invested with ample powers to institute the means necessary to the collection of funds, under this action of the Assembly. [The several Boards of Trustees connected with the Seminary, hold funds in public productive stocks, ....... $80,791 00 In individual bonds and notes, ...... 42,463 00 In real estate, --...... 7,000 00 $130,254 00 The library contains about 5000 volumes.] » [Now (1858) incumbent.] sec. 221.] danville seminary. 453 Title 2. — plan of danville theological seminary. [So much of the plan is here given as indicates tlie distinctive cliaractfrlstics of the In- stitution. It was prepared by a connnittee (above, § 2i21 : 6), and adopted by the As- sembly.— Minutes, 1854, p. 42.] § 224. Design of the Institution. — 3Iode of conducting it. 1. The design of this Seminary is to provide the means for the proper professional training of candidates for the ministry of the gospel. The standards of the Presbyterian Church — tiie acts of its General Assemblies, passed from time to time — this Plan — the orders of the Board of Directors of this Seminary — and tlie decisions of its faculty, and the several Professors who at any time compose it, nmst determine the proper course of that professional training, so far as this Seminary is concerned — and the proper mode of pursuing it. That professional training, in its appropriate sphere, must be understood, as extending to evcrytliing : — seeing that it contemplates a profession the most peculiar, the most dilfi. cult, and the most exalted. Not only that which is social and public, but also that which is private and personal ; not only study and instruction, but discipline and practice ; not only growth in knowledge, but growth in grace also; everything is to be embraced, ac- cording to its importance in the future career of a Minister of the blessed gospel. 3. The Seminary shall be conducted under the authority, oversight, and care of the General Assembly itself. Its innnediate interests, in their various aspects and departments, are committed, in part, to the control and discretion of the Board of Directors ; in part to that of the Faculty, made up of the Professors for the time being; and in part to that of the Board of Trustees under the charter of the Seminary. A chapter, in this Plan, is devoted to each of these subordinate authorities; and an ad- ditional one to the students of the Institution. Under those four heads, all the general principles, and all the detailed application of them, further necessary in a plan like this, will be stated. § 225. The Bocird of Directors. 1. The Board of Directors, as heretofore determined by the act creating the Seminary, shall consist of fifty-four members ; of whom one-half shall be Ministers of the gospel,- and the other half Ruling Elders, in good standing in the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. These Directors shall be divided into three sections of eigliteen persons each, one-half of each section being Ministers of the gospel, and the other half Ruling Elders ; and one of these sections of eigliteen persons shall be elected by the General Assembly — and ail vacancies filled in the other two sections — at each annual meeting of the Assembly, in such manner that each section shall serve three years, and until tiieir successors are elected — and the third part of the wliole Board shall be elected every year. The form of the election shall be as the Assembly shall, from time to time, prescribe. Every Director, before he takes his seat as sucii, sliull subscribe, in the presence of the Board, a written declaration, to be kept in a book for that purpose, fliat he sincerely and truly receives and adopts the standards of doctrine, government, discipline, and worshij) of our Presbyterian Church. And every Director who refuses, or who fails, without some suflicient excuse, for one whole year next aller his election, to appear and qualify and take his scat, shall thereby forfiit liis right to do so ; and liis place shall thereon be- come vacant, and be so reported to the next Assembly, whicli shall fill the vacancy. The Board of Directors shall meet on its own adjournment — or it may be convened by a call on due notice of any one of its permanent officers, or by any five members of the Board. Its ordinary place of meeting shall be Danville in Kentucky : but it may meet at any other place, wliere the convenience of the Board or tlic interests of the Seminary m;.y require it. Any nine members met together at the time and place previously appointed, shall be a q,uorum competent to transact any business. The annual meeting of tlie Board shall be at tlie Seminary, about the close of the Seminary year, and shortly before the annual meeting of the Assembly. 7'liey may appoint permanent committees, having all the powers of the Board, or any part thereoli to act during the recess of tlie Board. But all such committees must report at every meeting of the Board ; and all of them must be renewed at least once every year, or their powers cease. Tliey may also appoint such officers, agents, and servants, members of the Board, to exercise certain powers thereof; or, not members of the Board, to discharge certain func- tions on its behalf, as may be thought necessary, from time to time. And such compen- sation may be allowed to any such ])ersons as the Board may consider reasonable, out of any funds subject to the control of the Board. 454 IN.^TITUTIONS OF THE CLiURCH. [].(iOK V. 3. It appertuns especially to the Board of Directors to exercise a general supervision over the ])rotiKsors, teacliers, and pupils of the Seminary ; to take care of all tlie great in- terests tliereof ; and, standing between the Seminary and the General Assembly, to be the ordinary medium of communication between them. The sp.cial object of this arrangement is, that, on the one hand, the Assembly may have the assurance derived from tlie careful superintendence of the Board of Directors, that its acts and purposes are fairly and truly carried out in the Seminary, and with re gard to it; and, on tlie other hand, that, on the part of the Professors, teachers, students, and general interests of the Seminary, such representations may be statedly made to the Assembly, as will encourage and enable it to execcute the Lord's purposes of mercy by this means. The management of the funds and property, and the care and execution of the charter and franchises belonging to the Seminary, are duties and powers which do not appertain to the Board of Directors But tbr the furtherance of particular objects, which may be at any time specially important, and which may not fall under the particular duties of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors may collect, manage, and expend, temporarily or permanently, such funds as may be necessary : keeping a regular account, and making report thereof to the General Assembly. Whatever money may at any time be collected, managed, or expended by the Board of Directors, or under its authority, shall be kept perfectly distinct from the permanent funds of the Seminary. 4. They shall not be at liberty to nominate any person to the Assembly, as a Professor in the Seminnry ; nor shall they have power to add anything to the department of any Professor, atlter the schedule of the several departments is regularly made out, without the consent of the Professor in that department ; nor, to take anything away, witliout the like Consent. In case of clear and urgent necessity, the Board of Directors shall have power to sus- pend the functions of a Professor, till the next nieeting of the Assembly ; and then to proceed, temporarily, as in case of a vacancy. But this can only be done by the unani- mous vote of all the members of the Board then present; and being so done, a complete record of the facts, reasons, and votes, shall be laid before the Assembly at its next meet- ing, upon which the Assembly will act as it sees fit. 5. The exact period of each year at which the exercises of the Seminary will com- . inence, and that at which they will close; the number and the length of the terms and of the vacations ; everything relating to exhibitions, examinations, and public exercises ; to- gether with matters of a similar character, belong to the Board of Directors, and are to be determined, from time to time, after conference with the Professors, in such manner, as may seem most proper : the General Assembly hereby reserving to itself tlie power to make such further provision, touching all such matters, as it may at any time consider necessary. If it sliould so happen that less than nine members of the Board of Directors should convene at tlie time and place appointed for any regular meeting of the Board, that shall not absolutely defeat the meeting ; but as many Directors as may be present shall pro- ceed with such ordinary business as may require attention; and their actings and doings shall be valid, unless they are rescinded at the next regular meeting of a quorum of the Board. It sliall be the particular duty of the Board of Directors to take care that the periodical elections of the members of the Board are not omitted ; that vacancies in the office of Professor in tiie Seminary are duly brought to the notice of the Assembly ; that newly elected Directors and Professors are duly inducted into office; that all persons in any way connected with the Seminary, faithfully perform their respective duties ; and that all the interests of the institution are regularly organized, and faithfully advanced, according to the great design had in view, in its establishment and support. § 226. The Professors— the Faculty. 1. The Professors in this Seminary shall be elected by the General Assembly at any of its regular meetings, and in any manner it shall deem proper. No one can be a Pro- fessor in any other way. They shall hold their respective offices, during the pleasure of the General Assembly. But it shall require the votes of the absolute majority of all the Commissioners sent to the particular Assembly, to dismiss or supersede any Professor. And in all such cases, the vote, with tlie reasons for it, and tlie nataes of all the Commissioners voting, shall be en- tered at large on tlie minutes of tlie Gencr.il Assembly. No Professor shall ever be eU-cted, except to fill a chair actually existing and vacant ; nor shall any Professor ever receive merely honorary authority or compensation for past ser- vices, or otherwise. No one shall be competent to hold the office of Professor, who is not an ordained Min- SEC. 225.] DANVILLE SEMINARY. 455 ister, in good standing in tlic Prt'sbytcriaTi Churcli, and who shall not have been statedly engaged as such, in some eniploymuiit immediately connected with the cure of souls, for at least five years, pr.'6LdMig his election. 2. The number of Prolissors in this Seminary shall be increased or diminished at the pleasure of the General Assembly. But the Assembly will at all times feel obliged in this, as in all other r(«|)ects, to treat tliis Seminary as one of the first class. The Professors shall be inaugurated in such manner as tiie Board of Directors shall prescribe. As a part of that service, and before any Professor enters upon the duties of his office, he shall publicly profess, that llie standards of doctrine, government, discipline, and wor- ship of this Cliurch, are the standards of his own faith; and he shall subscribe a writing to be kept in a book lor that purposT', setting forth that he has made the said public pro- fession; and solemnly binding himseff diligently to teacli the system contained in said st.mdards, and lo teach nothing contrary to that system, so long as he shall continue a Proiessor in this Seminary. Every Professor who shall fail or refuse to be inauguratfed, in manner aforesaid, in a reasonable time (to be judged of by the Board of Directors) after his election, shall thereby forfeit all riglit to said office, which shall thenceforth be treated as vacant. No Professor after being inaugurated, shall be at lilierty to resign his office, except upon six montlis' written notice to the Faculty of the Seminary, unless by the consent of tlie Assembly, — or, if the Assembly is not in session, by the consent of the Board of Directors, in some lawful meeting. 3. Tiie Professors shall be of equal rank and authority, one with another. But when they meet as a Faculty — and when they act jointly upon any occasion — he who has been longest Professor, sliall preside; and he shall perform, in the name of the whole, all joint official acts. He who has been Professor tlie shortest time, shall be the Stated Clerk of the Faculty, and shall perform the duties proper to that office. Each Professor shall devote himself to the duties of the particular department of in- struction committed to him. And the Faculty, as a body, shall have a joint oversiglit of the conduct of each separate Professor, as to the manner in which his duties are dis- charged. 4. At present, and until a further order of the Assembly, there shall be four Professors in this Seminary; and, till the further order of the Assembly, the subjects of instruction distributed amongst them shall be as hereinafter provided : namely, there shall be A Professor of Excgetical, Didactic, and Polemic Theology ; A Professor of Biblical and Ecclesiastical History ; A Professor of Church Government and Pastoral Theology ; A Professor of Biblical and Oriental Literature. It shall be the duty of those Professors to give instruction in the various matters that fall appropriately to their respective professorships. And in the event of any difference of opinion amongst them on tliat matter, it shall be settled by the Faculty ; subject to the revision of the Board of Directors, In every department of instruction, under every professorship, it is the word of God that is to be kept as much as possible under the continual observation of the students. Nor is it either expected or desired, that the lines between subject and subject, or cvc-n chair and chair, should be drawn in any such manner as to exclude any Professor from teaching, according to the proportion of faith, on all subjects whatever. 6. The matter of text books in each particular department, is left to the Professor there- of; with a supervisory power, however, in the Faculty, in extraordinary cases, of which they arc the judges. It is not intended to intimate, that instruction by particular te.\t books and recitations is preferred, as the best method in professional training. On the contrary, let the Profes- sors, each in his own department, strive to gather from all quarters, all treasures of perti- nent knowledge, and connnunicate them to the students by way of lectures, discourses, prelections, and the like; striving by proper examinations of the students to ground these fruits in their minds ; enabling them by proper exercises on their part, to gain the habit of their use ; and making known to them carefully, where, in books, further researches jnay be made, and how. The method to be pursued in the actual imparting of instruction may be this : in the Hebrew language, let the whole number of students be divided into two sections ; one com- posed of those who are advanced considerably in the knowledge of that language ; the other of those who are beginners in it. In every other study, let the whole of the students attend every Professor at every public exercise. And let every student attend two or three of these exercises every day that is devoted to them. In the proper arrangement of the instructions given by the Professors, every one of tliem in every part of his course olight to touch, at every point, that divine truth, with which it should be the supreme object of all their endeavours to imbue their pupils — not 456 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [boqk V. only as a doctrine, but as a living- power — so that during the whole course oftlie student, the whole of his sacred profession as a Minister of Clirist will be always in view; nothing that concerns his proper training- for it being, at any tune, lost sight of; and nothing else being, at any time, intruded amongst his studies. Every Professor shall arrange the subjects and studies of his particular department, in such a manner as most effectually to present and develope the whole, once and thoroughly, within each period of three consecutive years. The payment of the salaries of the Professors is, in the order of importance, the first charge upon the permanent funds of tlie Seminary ; after that, the erection of suitable public buildings; then the enlargement of the library; then the erection or purchase of residences for the Professors ; then scholarships for students. § 227. Boards of Trustees — Funds. 1. There are three Boards of Trustees, more or less directly connected with the Theo- logical Seminary at Danville, and having charters of great value. First. The Board of Trustees of Centre College of Kentucky has an amended charter, granted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the year 1824, by means of which any amount of funds may be held by that Board of Trustees for the purposes of theological education on the terms stated therein. That Board of Trustees, and the Synod of Ken- tucky which elects them, have both agreed by way of covenant with the General Assem- bly, that the benefits of this ame-nded charter shall accrue to the Danville Theological Seminary; and by similar covenants, the annual income of a considerable fund now held by that Board under that charter, together with all future additions thereto, are to be tor the use and benefit oftlie said Seminary, upon the conditions agreed to by the Assembly in its acts creating tiie Seminary. Secondly. The Board of Trustees of the Theological Fund of the Synod of Kentucky, who are elected by the Synod of Kentucky, has a charter granted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the year 1850, by means of which they may hold property to the value of $.'50,000, with an income of $5000 a year; and they have in their hands a large sum of money contributed by a portion of the people of Kentucky, which is subject to the con- trol of the Synod of Kentucky, and is dedicated to the purposes of theological education. The v)se of this charter, and of the fund held under it, and of all future additions to it, has been vested in the General Assembly for the benefit of the Theological Seminary at D.mville, by covenant between the Synod of Kentucky and the General Assembly upon tlie same terms and conditions as the charter and fiinds alluded to in the last preceding paragraph. Thirdly. The Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary under the care of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, has a charter granted to them by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the year 1854, by means of which they may hold property to any amount whose net income does not exceed the sum of $20,000 a year ; the Trustees of which corporation are to be elected by the Gene- ral Assembly itself, and were created expressly to manage the funds of the Danville Semi- nary, and such other funds as the General Assembly may commit to them, for any other object designated by itself; and these Trustees have a large fund in their hands already accumulated ; the whole of it subscribed upon the conditions stated in the acts of Assem- bly, creating the Danville Theological Seminary. 2. Each of these Boards of Trustees may go on at its discretion, to collect additional funds for the benefit of the Danville Theological Seminary, according to the provisions of their respective charters, and upon the conditions stated in the acts of the Assembly, and all the covenants with the Assembly relating to said Seminary, and distinctly re- affirmed in this plan. For the purpose of avoiding confusion and a multiplicity of accounts, only the third named of the three Boards of Trustees, hereinbc«ore mentioned, need report from year to year to the General Assembly; but that Board is expected to do so, according to the pro- vision contained in the eleventh section of its charter. Both of the other Boards may, however, whenever either of them may consider it ne- cessary, report directly to the General Assembly. But it is also expected, and is hereby provided, tiiat both of tliem will communicate to tlie Board of Trustees of the Seminary, once in every year, tlie exact state of the fimds and property under their control, respec- tively, in time to enable that Board to embody the information thus communicated, in its yearly report to ,the General Assembly ; and that both of them will pay over to tlie said Board of Trustees of the Danville Theological Seminary the net income of all property and funds under tlicir control, as fast as it accrues, at least once every half year. Tlie Board of Trustees of the Seminary will take exclusive charge of the duty pro- viding for all expenditures incurred in the regular ordinary support of the Seminary, snd in the current expenses thereof; the other two Boards of Trustees, mentioned in this plan, limiting themselves in that respect, to the regular payment of their income, respectively, as herein before provided. SEC. 226.] DANVILLE SEMINARY. 457 § 228. Students — life in the Seminary. 6. It is earnestly recommended that the students should not fail to put themselves under the care of tiie Presbyteries as candidates for the ministry, at an early period of their professional studies. It is also reconnnended, that they should not, unless under special circumstances requiring such a course, leave their own proper Presbyteries to place tliemselves under those more convenient to the Seminary, but that, as far as possi- ble, they should apply to those Presbyteries to which they naturally bclonjT, and remain under their care. To facilitate this important result, the Board of Directors will have respect, as far as possible, to the periods of the ordinary sessions of Presbyteries, in all their arrangements of the terms of the Seminary year. ' § 229. General Provisions. 1. The General Assembly reserves to itself the most ample power to make amendments and alterations in this plan. Those parts of it that involve only matters of detail may be changfcd at any time by the Assembly, either on its own motion, or at the suggestion of the Board of Directors. No fundamental principle of the Plan shall be changed, unless it is proposed atone annual meeting of the Assembly, and carried at the next annual meeting thereof; unless sucli cjiange be proposed to the Assembly by the Board of Directors, and carried by a vote of two-tliirds of the members of the Assembly. Those principles and parts of the Plan which are founded on the covenants between the Synod of Kentucky, or tiie Board of Trustees of the Centre College of Kentucky, and the General Assembly, shall never be so changed as to affect the force or integrity of either of those covenants, without the previous consent of the opposite parties thereto. 2. Until the further order of the Assembly, or some different provision by the Board of Directors, under the powers vested in them by this Plan, there shall be one annual session of the Seminary, which shall begin on the 20th of September, unless that may be the Sabbath, and then on the following day, and terminate in the first week of May ; with a short recess, at the discretion of the Faculty, about Christmas. § 230. Broadnax and Laird Professorships. 1857, p. 31. Resolved, 4. That in the matter of the will and legacy of about $20,000 of the late Judge Henry P. Broadnax of Kentucky, the As- sembly judge that the proper disposition of the funds bequeathed by him to the Trustees of the Board of Education of the Presbyterian Church, and by a codicil to his will, directed to be used at Danville, in Kentucky, in con- nection with the Theological Seminary there, is, that the said funds ought to go into the hands of the Board of Trustees of said Seminary, to be ap- propriated by them, under the discretion granted in the said will, according to the intentions of the generous testator, and that the Trustees of the Board of Education ought to perform any legal act to which they are competent, that may be necessary in effecting this disposition of the said funds. If the Board of Trustees of the Danville Theological Seminary, in the exercise of their legal discretion, think proper to endow a Professorship with said funds, in that case, the Professorship so endowed, shall be the second orf the list, and shall be called the Broadnax Professorship of Biblical and Ecclesi- astical -Histori/. lii'solced, 5. That considering the great liberality of Samuel Laird, Esq., of Kentucky, who has generously contributed to the funds belonging to the said Danville Theological Seminary the sum of 820,000, it is hereby di- rected that the first Professorship on the list shall be called the Laird Pro- fessorship of Exrr/etic, Didactic, and Polemic Thcol/xjy. Resolved, 6. That considering these two instances of munificent charity by two members of the Church under their care, which have been reported during our present sessions, as bestowed on an Institution which this body is endeavouring to erect to the glory of God, this Assembly express their hearty thanks to God, and their satisfaction in such great proofs of the approbation of good men. And while we rejoice to be almoners of God's poor, in gratefully accepting, and carefully using their humble contributions towards promoting every good work upon which the Lord calls us to embark, 58 458 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. we call earnestly upon them whom he has specially blessed with this world's goods, to remember that their charity should bear an exact proportion to his beneficence. How immense might be the impulse given to every work of the Church, if the conduct of Samuel Laird and Henry P. Broadnax were the rule and not the exception in the bestowment of charity by the followers of the Lord of glory I § 231. Authority of the Assemhly over the Board of Trustees. 1857, p. S3. The Committee deem it proper to present, and place on re- cord for information and reference, Section 7 of the Charter of the Semi- nary, which defines certain rights of the Assembly regarding funds for the use of this Seminary. That section is as follows, viz : '' That the said Cor- poration (/. f., the Board of Trustees of the Danville Theological Semi- nary) and their successors shall have power and authority to manage and dispose of all moneys, goods, chattels, lands, tenements and hereditaments, and other estate whatsoever, committed to their care and trust by the said General Assembly ; and in such cases where special instructions for the management and disposal thereof, shall be given by the said General As- sembly in writing, under the hand of their Clerk, it shall be the duty of said Corporation to act according to such instructions, provided the said in- structions shall not be repugnant to the Constitution of the United States, or to the Constitution and laws of this State, or to this Act." CHAPTER V. SYNODICAL AND OTHER SEMINARIES Title 1. — introductory. § 232. Relation of the Synods to the subject. 1818, p. 686. An overture from the Synod of Geneva, requesting/the advice of the General Assembly relative to the establishment of an Acade- mical and Theological Seminary which the Synod propose instituting within their bounds, was brought in and read. After the subject had been dis- cussed for some time, the following resolution was adopted, viz : JirsoJved, That the Assembly are not prepared at present to give any opinion or advice on the subject of the overture from the Synod of Geneva, which contemplates the establishment of an academical and theological Seminary, believing the said Synod are the best judges of what may be their duty in this important business. § 233. Memorial from the Preshytcry of West Lexington. 1828, p. 240. The committee to whom was referred a memorial from the West Lexington Presbytery, on the subject of Theological Seminaries, in which is submitted a plan for the attainment — First, Of entire uniformity in the government and course of study in the theological schools of our SEC. 230.] SYNODICAL SEMINARIES. 459 Cliurch; and Second, The most unqualified dependence upon the General As- sembly as a bond of union between all the Churches and all her Seminaries, in order to secure, to the satisfaction of the memorialists, the future peace and purity of the Church, by securing unity of sentiment and consequently of effort, among all the Ministers of the Presbyterian (Jhurch in these Uni- ted States — made the following report, which was adopted, viz : The subject of t!iis memorial is too serious in its character, and too im- portant in its bi'aviug and its consequences, to be discussed at so late a period of the Assemldy's sessions, and inasmuch as it would materially affect the rights of individuals, of Presbyteries, and indeed of the whole Presbyte- rian Church, and would also call for important alterations in the constitu- tion, the committee deem it inexpedient for this Assembly to enter upon the consideration of the proposals submitted in the- document; and recom- mend that the memorial be referred to the consideration of the next General Assembly. 1829, p. 389. [The memorial] was committed to the Rev. Archibald Alexander, D..D., the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., and the Rev. Charles Hodge, to consider and report on the same to the next General Assembly. Report adopted on this memorial. 1830, p. 13. The said memorial sets forth the evils which in the opinion of the memorialists thi-eaten the Church from the operation of numerous Theological Seminaries existing independently of the General Assembly, and adopting different systems of government, and different courses of study. To counteract these evils it proposes, that the General Assembly should take all the Theological Seminaries throughout our bounds, under its immediate and absolute control, and prescribe a course of study which shall be uniform in them all. These are the prominent points of the memorial under con- sideration. Your committee are ready to acknowledge that there are evils of a very formidable character, which are likely to arise from the indefinite multiplication of Theological Seminaries under the care of a single Synod or Presbytery. They fear that the standard of theological education in the Presbyterian Church will ultimately fall far below that maintained in some other Christian deriominations, and thus the respectability and usefulness of our clergy be greatly impaired. They believe also that much good that might have resulted from having a larger portion of our young men brought into personal acquaintance with each other, and educated upon the same plan, must now be lost; and that we must content ourselves with less of harmony of feeling and unity of sentiment than might under other circum- stances have been secured. Believing, however, that it is perfectly compe- tent to every Presbytery or Synod to adopt what plan they may think best, not inconsistent with the constitution of the Church, for the education of their own young men, and finding that the Assembly has long sanctioned their so doing, your committee are of opinion that this subject is not within the rightful jurisdiction of the General Assembly; and that even if it were, it would, under existing circumstances, be highly inexpedient to adopt the course proposed by the memorialists. They therefore beg to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject. § 234. Proposal to transfer aU the Seminaries to the Synods. [Such a proposition was moved in the Assembly of 1853, and by a large majority laid oij the table. In 1854, the following report was adopted :] 1854, p. 42. The Committee [on Seminaries] also report, that two over- tures have been referred to them, one from the Synod of South Carolina, and one from the Presbytery of Oxlbrd, proposing that the several Scmina 460 INSTITUTIONS OF THE ciirRCH. [book y. ries under the care of the Greneral Assembly should be transferred to the Synods in whose bounds they are respectively located ; to which overtures this committee recommends that the General Assembly answer, that such transfer would be inconsistent with the legal and moral obligations which the Assembly has assumed, in relation to those institutions. [Adopted.] Title 2. — union theological seminary, Virginia. § 235. It is taken under the supervision of the Assevibli/. 1826, p. 14. A communication was received from the Presbytery of Han- over relative to the Theological Seminary under their care, which was com- mitted to Dr. Alexander, Dr. Laurie, Dr. Janeway, Mr. Sabine, and Mr. Gil- dersleeve. p. 30. The committee to whom was referred the proposal of i\\Q Presbytery of Hanover, respecting the Theological Seminary under the care of said Pres- bytery, reported the following resolutions, which were adopted, viz : Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly will agree to take the Theological Seminary of the Presbytery of Hanover under their care and control. The Plan of the Seminary has been examined by the committee, who are of opin- ion that it is such as merits the approbation of the General Assembly. 2. That the General Assembly will receive by their Trustees, and manage the permanent funds of the Theological Seminary of the Presbytery of Hanover, which may be put into their hands ; which funds shall be kept entirely distinct from all others belonging to the General Assembly. But the General Assembly will not be responsible for any loss or diminution of said funds which may occur from the change of stocks, or any other unavoid- able cause. 3. That the General Assembly will agree to permit the Presbytery of Hanover to draw annually, or quarter-yearly, the avails of their funds, and will give direction to their Trustees to pay any warrants for the same, which may be drawn by the President of the Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary of the Presbytery of Hanover, or by any other person named by the Presbytery. 4. That the General Assembly do also agree, that they will permit the Presbytery of Hanover to draw out, in part or in whole, the funds deposited in the hands of the Trustees of the General Assembly ; provided, however, that the proposal to withdraw shall lie before the Presbytery at least one year previously to its being acted upon. The General Assembly shall also be at liberty to resign all charge and superintendence of the sai^ Theologi- cal Seminary whenever they shall judge the interests of the Presbyterian Church to require it; in which case the General Assembly will direct their Trustees to return to the Presbytery of Hanover, all their funds which may have been deposited in the hands of said Trustees, or convey them in trust to such individuals as may be named Trustees by the Presbytery of Hanover. 5. That the General Assembly shall have the right to exercise a general control over the Theological Seminary of the Presbytery of Hanover; that is, they shall have a negative on all appointments to the offices of Professors and Trustees in said Seminary, and on all general laws or rules adopted by the Presbytery for its government. 6. That therefore the Presbytery of Hanover shall annually send up to the General Assembly, a detailed report of all their transactions relating to said Theological Seminary ; on which report a vote of approbation or of disappro- bation, shall be taken by the General Assembly, and all appointments or enact- ments of said Presbytery or of the Board of Trustees acting under their SEC. 234.] UNION SEMINARY, VA. 4G1 authority, which may be rejected by the General Assembly, shall be null and void. But the authority of the General Assembly over the Seminary shall be merely ne<2;;itive; they shall not originate any measures, or give any special directions for the government of the institution. 7. That if it shall appear to the General Assembly that doctrines contrary to the standards of the Presbyterian Church are inculcated in the said Semi- nary, or that in any other respect it is so managed as to be injurious to the interests of truth, piety, and good order, the General Assembly may appoint visitors to examine into the state of the said Seminary, and to make a full report to them thereon. 8. That if the General Assembly shall be convinced that any Professor in said Seminary inculcates doctrines repugnant to the word of God, and to our Confession of Faith, they shall require the Presbytery of Hanover to dismiss such Professor, and to appoint another in his place. And if said Presbytery neglect or refuse to comply with such requisition, the General Asseujbly will withdraw their patronage and superintendence from the Seminary, and will take such other steps as may be deemed necessary in the case. 9. That if the Presbytery of Hanover accede to these terms, then the Theological Seminary at Hampden Sidney College shall be denominated, The Theological Seminary of the Preshijterian Church under the care of the Presbytery of Hanover, and the aforesaid articles and conditions shall go into effect. 41 § 236. The Seminary is adopted by the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina. 1827, p. 126. From the communication of the Presbytery of Hanover, it appears that the arrangements proposed by the General Assembly of the last year, respecting the Theological Seminary under the said Presbytery, have been ratified on their part. It likewise appears, that for the purpose of enlarging the foundation, and extending the usefulness of the Seminary, the Presbytery of Hanover have made proposals to the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina to take the institution under their immediate care and joint direction ; which proposals have been adopted by the said Synods respectively; and a plan of govern- ment for the Seminary arranged on principles agreed on by the contracting parties. [In view of the whole subject, the committee recommend the following resolutions, which were adopted :] Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly approve and ratify the arrange- ments which have been made for placing the Theologic il Seminary hereto- fore confided to the care of the Presbytery of Hanover, under the immediate care and joint direction of the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina. 2. That the Assembly will sustain the same relation to the Seminary, and exercise the same species of control over it, under the recent arrange- ments, as they proposed to do by their act of the last year, in its state as then existing. 3. That hereafter the Seminary shall be denominated, The Union Semi- nary of the General Assembly, under the care of the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina. 4. That the General Assembly cordially recommend the high interests of this rising Seminary to the active patronage and support of the Churches at large; and especially of the Churches within the bounds of the Synods which have it under their management and care. 5. That the General Assembly request their Board of Trustees to consider -^^52 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. and determine on the expediency, under existing circumstances, of contin- uing the permanent funds of the Seminary, either in whole or in part, within the State in which they have been raised, in such manner as may be deemed safe and proper. § 237. Resumption of funds hy the Synods. 1836, p. 259. The following resolution was offered by Dr. Graham, viz : " Resolved, That if the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina should deem such a measure expedient and proper, the Assembly will consent to the withdrawal of the moneys now held by the Assembly's Board of Trustees, belonging to the Union Theological Seminary, at such time, and in such rannner as those Synods may direct." This resolution was committed to Dr. McElroy, Mr. "Wallace, of New York, and Mr. Nesbit. p. 264. The committee to whom was referred the resolution respecting the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina withdrawing, at such time and in such manner as they may deem proper, the moneys belonging to the Union Theological Seminary, now in the hands of the Board of Trustees of this Assembly, made the following report, which was adopted, viz : That whereas, the moneys in question were collected by the agency, and mainly within the bounds of those Synods ; and whereas, it is believed that they may be safely invested in the South at a much higher rate of interest than they now bear ; therefore, ^ Resolved, That whenever the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina shall indicate the desire above mentioned, to the Trustees of the General Assembly, the said Trustees be, and they hereby are, authorized, to transfer the funds referred to. § 238. Change in the mode of electing Professors. 1834, p. 30. A change in the mode of electing Professors in the Union Theological Seminary, adopted by the Synods of Virginia and North Caro- lina, was submitted to the Assembly for ratification, when it was aiureed by the Assembly to approve the plan of election now submitted by the said Synods. The amendment is as follows, viz : The fourth of the articles of union between the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina is by the Synods respectively hereby repealed, and as a sub- stitute therefor, the said Synods respectively have adopted the following article, viz : Each Synod shall, once in every four year.?, elect six Ministers, and six Kuling Elders, who, togeiher with the twenty-four Directors already provi- ded for, shall constitute a Board of Electors for Professors in said Seminary, consisting of forty-eight members, of whom not less than twenty-five shall be a quorum competent to proceed to an election; the Board of Electors shall convene for the purpose of choosing a Professor or Prol'essors, when- ever they may be duly notified by the Board of Directors ; and in case any person voted for shall receive the votes of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Electors, present at such meeting, he shall be declared to be duly elected; but if no person shall have two-thirds of the votes of the said Board, then the names of the two persons who have received the highest number of votes shall be reported to the next General Assembly, that out of these the Assembly may proceed to the appointment of a Professor, and if any vacancies shall occur in the Board of Electors, such vacancies may be filled up by the Synods at their next stated meetings after the occurrence of such vacancies. [The quorum of the electoral college is reduced to fifteen. —Minutes, 1850, p. 626.] SEC. 236.] COLUMBIA SEMINARY. 468 § 239. Other changes in the plan. 1856, p. 525. In consequence of the previous connection of the Presby- tery of Winchester witli the Synod of Virginia, and its continued interest in the Union Theological Seminary, Resolved, That the Presbytery of Winchester may hereafter appoint one Minister and one Ruling Elder, as Directors of the .said Seminary, it bein" understood that the Synod of Virginia relinquishes these two places to the said Presbytery. Besolvrd, That the change in the course of studies, and the establishment of a fourth professorship, to be called that of Biblical Introduction, be ap- proved by the Assembly, as a part of the Plan of this Seminary, and that the election of the llev. William J. Hoge, of Baltimore Presbytery, to this Professorship, be approved. § 240. Instructors in the Seminary. [I. Rev. John H. Rice, D. D., elected Professor of Christian Theoloffv, 1826. Died 1831. II. Rev. Hiram P. Goodrich, D. D., Teacherof Oriental Literature, 1828; elected Pro- fessor of Oriental Liternture, 1829. Resigned, 1837. III. Rev. Elisha Ballentine, Instructor in Biblical Literature, 1831 — 1833, and 1836.— 1839. ■ IV. Rev. B. F. Stanton, Instructor in Christian Theology, 1831. V. Rev. George A. Baxter, D. D., elected Professor of Christian Theology, 1831. Died, 1841. VI. Rev. B. M. Smith, Assistant Teacher of Oriental Literature, 1834—1836. VII. Rev. Stephen Taylor, elected Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Polity, 1835. Resigned, 1838. VIII. Rev. S. L. Graham, D. D., elected Professor of Biblical Literature, 1838. Trans, ferred to tlic ciiair of Tiiei)logy, 1848. Transferred to the chair of Ecclesiastical History and Polity, 1849. Died, 1851. IX. Rev. F. S. Sampson, Assistant Teacher of Oriental Literature, 1838; elected Pro. fessor, 1849. Died, 1854. See above. Book IV. § 178. *X. Rev. Samuel B. Wilson, D. D., elected Professor of Theology, 1841. *XI. Rev. Robert L. Dabney, D. D., elected Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Polity, 18.53. *XII. Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D., elected Professor of Oriental Literature, 1854. *XIII. Rev William J. HogE, elected Professor of Biblical Introduction, 1856.] § 241. Statistics, &c. [The sessions of the Seminary commence on the second Monday of September, and close on the second Monday of May. Whole number of alumni, ...... 288 Number of students during the year 1857-8, . - - 21 Funds available for professors' salaries, .... $84,632 Income of these funds, ..... 5,300 Scliolarships, &c., ....... 12,492 Total vested funds, ...... 97,125 Value of buildings, ...... 50,000 An agent is in the field ; the endowment is increasing under his exertions, and the Di- rectors propose to increase it to $125,000. "The salaries now paid tlic professors are $1,350 each, per annum. Tlie real estate of the Seminary consists of about thirty-five acres of land ; tlic Seminary building, capable of accommodating from si.xty to eiebty students, tour Professors' houses, and a large and convenient Steward's house. Tlie li- brary now consists of 4627 volumes." — Annual Report in Minutes, 1858, pp. 316, 317.] Title 3. — Columbia theological seminary. § 242. Constitution of the Institution. [In 1828, the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia established this institution, its title being "The Theological Seminary of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia." Upoi. the division of the Synod into the two Synods of South Carolina and Georgia, the Consti- tution of the Seminary was so modified as to continue to each of the Synods a share in * [Now (1858) incumbent.] 464 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. its control. The Synod of Alabama, at its sessions in the fall of 1857, received and ac- ceded to overtures otfering' it a joait interest in the Seminary, and control over it equally with the Synods of South Carolina and Georg-ia. So that the institution is under the joint control of these three Synods. The plan is essentially the same as that of Princeton. We g-ive from the Constitution so much as defines the relation sustained to it by the Sy- nods.] Section II. — The 'power of the Synods. " Art. 2. These Synods shall elect a Board of Directors, consisting of twenty- four Min- isters and eighteen laymen — each Synod electing one half the number : tliat is to say, each Synod shall annually elect four Ministers and three laymen, who shall hold their otfice for three years. And to complete the number needed, the Synods shall each supply their quota in such manner, that the term of service of one third of the whole number sliall ex- pire each and every year, fei cases of death, resignation, or otherwise, the Synod, within whose bounds these shall occur, shall annually supply the deficiency. " Art. 3. These Synods shall also elect all future Professors, and iix their salaries in the following manner: — that is to say, the Synod of South Carolina shall elect the first Pro- fessor and fix his salary, and the Synod of Georgia the second, and so alternately — the action of each Synod in the premises to be confirmed by the other Synod. And in order that no protracted vacancy in the professorships may occur, the Synod whose right it is to elect, shall uniformly meet earlier than the other Synod, that the election may be had and confirmed with the least possible delay. But in cases of vacancy during the recess of the Synods, the Board shall have the power of appointing temporary Assistant In- structors. " Art. 4. In the trial or impeachment of a Professor for immorality, error, unfaithful- ness, or incompetency, the trial or impeachment may be before either of the Synods ; and if the decision of the one body shall be confirmed by the other, there shall be no further appeal. "Art. 5. Alterations or amendments in this Constitution may originate in either of the Synods. But they can only be adopted by the concurrent vote of two-thirds of the mem- bers of each Synod. § 243. Professors. "Art. 1. The number of Professors in this Seminary, when fiilly organized, shall not be less than five, viz: A Professor of Biblical Literature, of Christian Theology, of Church History and Polity, of Pastoral Duties, and of Sacred Rhetoric. There may be also a Tutor of the Hebrew language, to be appointed by the Board, and his salary fixed by them. " Art. 2. Every Professor shall be an ordained Minister of the Presbyterian Church." [The following is the list of Instructors.] Accessus. Exitus. 1828. Thomas Goulding, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. 1834. 1831. * George Howe, D. D., Professor of Biblical Literature. 1833. A. W. Leland, D. D., Professor of Christian Theology. 1856. 1836. Charles Colcock Jones, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and . Church Polity. 1838. 1848. Charles Colcock Jones, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. 1850. 1852. Alex. T. McGill, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. 1853. 1851. Bazille Edward Lanneau, A. B., Tutor in Hebrew. 1855. 1853. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Provisional Instructor in Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. 1854. 1854. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. 1856. 1856. * A. W. Leland, D. D., Professor of Sacred Rhetoric and Pastoral The- ology. 1856. * J. H. Thornwell, D. D., LL. D., Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology. 1856. * Rev. James Cohen, A. M., Tutor in Hebrew. 1857. * J. B. Adger, D. D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity [Now (1858) incumbent.] SEC. 242.] NEW ALBANY SEMINARY. 466 § 244. Slate of Endovmient, &€., in 1858. Value of Buildings, ....... S40,166 » Proilssorsliips, ...... 123,680 " Scholarships, ...... 17,441 $181,287 LiBRART. The extensive and choice Library of Rev. Dr. Smyth has been purchased by the Seminary, and this added to the Library before possessed, makes the number of volumes 17,216 Whole number of Alumni, . . . , . . 241 Deceased Alumni, ........ 33 Foreign Missionaries, ....... U Now in the Seminary, ... . . . .40 Title 4. — new Albany theological seminary. § 245. Overture from the Board of Directors to the General Assemhhj. " Memorial of the Board of Directors of the New Albany Theological Seminary to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Churcii, to meet at Philadelphia, May 19, 1853, adopted April 27, 1853, and ordered to be forwarded to the General Assembly. " The Memorial of the Board of Directors of the New Albany Theological Seminary to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, respectfully showeth as tbllows : " The Seminary is under the control of Directors, appointed from time to time by the Synods of Cincinnati, Indiana, Northern Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Nash- ville. The plan of the Seminary provides that any change in its constitution, not incon- sistent with certain general principles, may be effected by the concurrence of a majority of all the Synods. In virtue of this provision, all the Synods aforesaid, at their sessions held in September and October last, consented to the transfer of the Seminary to the Gen- eral Assembly. Attested copies of the resolutions adopted by the Synods of Kentucky, Cincinnati, Missouri, and Northern Indiana, have been laid before this Board, and are now herewith submitted to the General Assembly. No official returns have been re- ceived from the Synods of Indiana, Nashville, and Illinois. We have, however, unofficial information, on which we rely, showing that these Synods have also consented to trans- fer the Seminary to the General Assembly. "Six of the Synods, viz: Indiana, Northern Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Nashville, and Cincinnati, adopted resolutions, agreeing to the proposed transfer, consenting that a new act of incorporation should be obtained from the proper authorities of the State of Indiana, that a Board of Directors, to be appointed by the General Assembly, shall nominate the Trustees to be named in the act of incorporation, and shall appoint their successors in office; and authorizing the present Board of Trustees of the Seminary to convey to the new Board of Trustees so constituted, all lands, tenements, funds, money, and other pro- perty, real and personal, now held, or which may hereafter be held by the present Board of Trustees, in trust for the sole use of said Seminary. The Synod of Kentucky also agreed in general terms to the transfer. " And now the Directors, in obedience to the wishes of all the Synods concerned, do hereby tender to the General Assembly all the riglit of property in, and control over the Seminary and its funds, which are now vested in the Synods aforesaid ; and the Directors respectfully request the Assembly, at its present sessions, to establish a plan or constitu- tion of the Seminary, which shall be adjusted to its new relations, appoint Directors and Professors, complete its endowment, and do whatever else is needful, in order to give effect to the wishes of the Synods. " For the purpose of affording to the Assembly the opportunity of appointing whom thry may prefer to the professoi»ships, the Directors state that the present Professors of the Seminary, acting upon th(!ir own sense of what is proper in the case, have several moiiths since resigned their professorships ; and the Directors having expressed their high sense of the qualifications and fidelity of tliese brethren, have accepted their resignations in the event of the proposed transfer being consummated by tlie action of tlie Assembly; and when the Assembly shall appoint its Board (jf Directors, the present Board will con- sider itself dissolved. And still further, this Board have by resolution requested tiie Board of Trustees to transfer tlie funds of the Seminary to the new Board of Trustees, which may be created, in conformity with the action of the various Synods concerned. "• But the Board desire it to be understood by the Assembly, that the proposed transfer is made upon condition that the Seminary be retained at its present location in New Albany, and that it be accepted by this Assembly. 59 466 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V " To the end that the General Assembly may be in possession of all the information material to the case, the Directors submit a brief statement oftiie affairs of the Seminary " In the year 1830, the Synod of Indiana commenced at South Hanover, Indiana, an institution called the ' Indiana Theological Seminary.' This institution received sueli tokens of the divine favour, as encouraged tiie Clmrches in this rcg-ion to attempt the es- tablishment of a Seminary upon a broader basis. In the year 1838, a meeting- of Minis- ters and Ruling Elders, present at the sessions of the General Assembly, vi^as held, and appointed a committee of five, the late Joshua L. Wilson, D. D., Chairman, to institute inquiries relating to the general subject, and lay the result of their deliberations before the Presbyteries in the Western States. This committee in due time issued an address to the Synods and Presbyteries of this region, inviting these judicatories to appoint delegates to meet in Convention at Louisville, Kentucky, for the purpose of adopting a plan, and choosing a place for the proposed Seminary. The Convention met in November, 1838, and was composed of delegates from the Synods of Indiana, Cincinnati, and Kentucky, and from seven Presbyteries. The Convention adopted a plan for the proposed Seminary. Wiien the question of the place was taken up, several towns were proposed, and their re- spective advantages freely canvassed. The minutes of the Convention state, that 'after considering the whole subject with great care, and at considerable length, the Convention determined to locate the Seminary at New Albany, Indiana ; and in this decision those who originally preferred some other place cordially acquiesced.' " Accordingly the Hanover school was removed to New Albany, and was opened in November, 1840, under the control of Directors appointed by the Synods of Indiana and Cincinnati. Five other Synods subsequently resolved to co-operate in the undertaking, and appointed Directors as follows: The Synod of Missouri in 1841; Illinois in 1842; Northern Indiana at its organization, in 1844; Kentucky and Tennessee in 1846. " During the whole period of its existence it has laboured under serious embarrass, ments from the want of a full corps of Professors, and of adequate pecuniary means, giving to it advantages in these respects equal to those of older and better endowed institutions. To these have been added many embarrassments incident to every enterprise of this kind in a country comparatively new. But notwithstanding these embarrassments, the Semi- nary has furnished, for the most part exclusively, the means of their professional educa- tion to about 150 candidates for the sacred office, nearly all of whom are now fulfilling, with usefulness and reputation, the work of the ministry. The Directors desire to bear, before the Assembly and the Churches, the highest testimony to the able, faithful, and self-denying labours of the various Professors — both those now among the dead and the living — who have served the Church in these relations. "The Directors, at a meeting held June, 1846, appointed a committee to visit the Synods of Kentucky and West Tennessee, and invite them to co-operate in the manage- ment of the Seminary. The same committee was authorized to request these Synods to furnish the endowment of a professorship ; with the stipulation that the right of nomina- ting the incumbent from time to time should be in the Synods. The Synod of Kentucky at its next meeting, resolved to co-operate in the management of the Seminary, and ap- pointed Directors. The proposed plan of endowing a professorship was declined. At the meeting of the same Synod in 1847, the plan of endowing a prolessorship was again considered, and finally adopted. The Synod proposed within five years to raise the sum of $20,000 for the endowment of a professorship ; the principal sum to be securely in- vested; the income to be used for the support of a Professor in the institution so long as the Synod shall judge such appropriation to be safe, wholesome, or for the good of the cause of Christ; and the incumbent to be always nominated by the Synod, and appointed by the Directors. At a meeting of the Directors in June, 1848, the plan proposed by the Synod was approved, and the Synod proceeded to raise the endowment. The action of tlie Synod in the premises for 1846, 1847, 1848, 1850, and 1851, is herewith submitted to the Assembly. "The Directors have information that the full sum of $20,000 has been raised; that it has been placed in the care of a Board of Trustees, incorporated by the Legislature of Kentucky, and appointed from time to time by the Synod of Kentucky ; that the Synod has determined that tlie income of the full sum of $20,000 at 6 per cent, shall be annu- ally appropriated to the support of a Professor in the Seminary ; that the Synod will con- tinue this appropriation so long as it shall judge such appropriation to be safe, whole- some, and for the good of the cause of Christ, and that by a special resolution adopted lu 1852, in consideration of. this transfer of tlie Seminary, the Synod relinquished to the General Assembly its right of nominating its Professor, should the Assembly agree to tlie proposed transfer. " Tlic following Report of the Trustees of the Seminary, submitted to the Board of Directors at its present meeting, April 27, 1853, will exhibit the financial condition of the institution : «EC. 245] NEW ALBANY SEMINARY. 467 '" To the Reverend the Board of Directors of the New Albany Theological Seminary: '"The Boiird ot'Tru-tccs nspictfuUy present the following^ report of tlie fiscal condition of the Seminary. Tlio institution i.s entirely tree of debt, except the one item of a deferred claim of $.500, payable at a future day, and the commutation of wliich, by present pay- ment, the Board has not been able to procure on satislactory terms. The Seminary pos- sesses, free of all incumbrance, the Ibllowing property and securities, viz : 1. Two full squares of ground in the city of New Albany, with the present Seminary buildings tlicreon, valued at - - - . . $23,000 2. Two flirms and town lots in the interior of Indiana, estimated at - gwO 3. Stock in the New Albany and Michigan Railroad, $1,800 worth, 663 per cent. ........ 1000 4. Bonds and Notes (except $280) with real security, - - - 3,7.30 5. A Legacy payable December, 1855, . . - . . 4,700 6. Bond payable at the decease of the maker, .... 15,000 7. A list of old outstanding Notes, subject to considerable loss and expense in collection, estimated to be worth ..... 3,770 8. Library, valued at . . ... 2,000 $54,000 " ' The most valuable portion of the above property is the grounds in New Albany, in which form it has been deemed best at present to keep it, as uniting safety, inexpensive, ness, and increase. On other portions of the property there isatpresi'nt an annual income of $560. If desired, after reservhig tlie Seminary buildings, witli the lots on wliich tliey stand, the remaining grounds, to the amount of $10,000, can readily be converted into productive form, yielding, with the above sum of $5()0, nn annual income of $1200. On the above Bond of $15,000 there is at present an annual income of $900, i):iyable only to a particular Professor. To this is to be added the income of a Tiieological Fund of $20,000, held by a separate Board of Trustees appointed by the Synod of Kentucky, and pledged to tlie support of a Professor in the New Albany Seminary, to be nominated by the said Synod — say $1200. From the above legacy and railroad stock there will prob- ably be, alter December, 1855, an annual income of from $500 to $600. " ' From the above statements it appears that the institution may have from its present resources, whenever desired, besides Seminary buildings, grounds, ami library worth $10,000, a clear annual income of $1200, which will, probably, within three years, be increased to $1800, and an additional income of $2100, subject to the above-mentioned conditions. "•Signed, Wm. A. Scn.\BSKR, Secretary.^ " All which is respectfully submitted to the General Assembly. Attest, James Wood, Secreton/ of the Board of Directors, "The Board appointed Messrs. Tliomas E.Thomas, D. D., Philip Lindsley, D. D., and S. R. Wilson, a committee to attend the next General Assembly, and present to that body the above Memorial in behalf of the Board. "A true extract from the Minutes of the Board. Attest, James Wood, Secretary .'" —Minutes, 1853, p. 627. § 246. Action of the Trustees on the transfer. " New Albany, Indiana, May 3, 1853. "The Board of Trustees of tlie New Albany Theological Seminary being assembled, pursuant to adjournment, in tlie lecture-room of tlie First Presbyterian Church, New Albany, Indiana, William Plumerin the ciiair, the Ibllowing resolution was presented from tlie Board of Directors, passed at their meeting upon the 27th of April last, to wit : " Wiiereas, a majority of the Synods iiaving tlie control of the Seminary, have con- sented that a new Act of Incorporation sliall be obtained Iroiii the projier authorities of the State of Iiidi;ina ; that a Board of Directors, to hi- elected by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United St.ites of America, shall nomin^ite tlie Trustees to be named in the Act of Incorporation, and shall ajipaiiit their successors in Pttice,and whenever the said Synods have authorized the present Board of Trustees of the Semi- nary to convey to the new Board of Trustees to be so constituted, all lands, tenements, funds, moneys, and other property real or personal now held, or which may hereafter be held, by the present Board of Trustees in trust for the sole use of the said Seminary. 'I'lu relbre, " Resolved, by the Board of Directors, That the present Board of Trustees be directed to comply witli flie order of the Synods as abnve expressed, and th;it the Trustees be di- rected to communicate to the General Assembly its purpose to c )mply witli the said order ol' the Synods. Whereupon it was ■468 INSTITUTIONS (iF THE f'lIURCH. [iSOOK V. " Rexuleffl. Th;it in cnsc the G'-ncrnl Asscii'.bly accrpt the direction of the New Albany Theolofrical S.nninary tliis Board will stand ready, in obedience to the order of the pre- sent Board of Directors, to transfer, wlicn legally authorized, tlie custody and manage- ment of the property to any other Board of Trustees ajipointed by the General Assembly, or its autiiority, and having power under the Constitution and laws of Indiana, to take arid hold the si; me for the sole use of said Seminary. " Ordered, That a copy of the above action, signed by the President and Secretary, be forwarded to the General Assembly. " By order of the Board. William Plumer, Pres. Board of Trustees. " Wm. a. Scribner, Sec. Board of Trustees.'' — Minutes, 1853, p. 630, § 247. Resolutions of the Si/nod of Kentucky., October, 1852. " 1st. Remlved, That the Trustees of the Theological Fund have managed that fund to the satisfaction of Synod, and that the Board be directed not to pay more than six per cent, interest per annum, on the amount of'$20,000, as the salary of the Professor, when appointed. " 2d. That this Synod, having two years ago suggested to its sister Synods in the West, the propriety of turning over the Theological Seminary at New Albany to tlie General Assembly of the Presbyterian Cliurch, now cordially unites witli them in requesting the General Assembly to take charge of the whole subject of erecting and endowing under its care, a great Seminary in the West, making such use of the present Institution at New Albany as may seem best for the great end in view. " 3d. In the meantime, this Synod does not deem it proper to proceed to the nomina- tion of a Professor, because it believes it will be best for the Seminary to be turned over to the Assembly with vacant chairs, which ought to be filled by the Assembly. It will, however, be higlily agreeable to this Synod, if the Board of Directors should engage the services of Rev. E. P: Humphrey, until the meeting of the next Assembly, in the chair of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity. If this cannot be done, then Synod refers to the Board the filling of the chair for the current year; and to this end, hereby directs the Trustees of the Theological Fund to pay the income of tlie Fund on the terms pre- scribed in the first resolution above, to the order of the Treasurer of the Board of Di- rectors, to such additional person as may be engaged to perform service in the New Albany Seminary, during the current year of that Seminary — in all of which, the Synod would be understood as entertaining a high sense of the qualifications of the pre- sent Professors. "4th. Tliis Synod has enjoyed the right of nomination to the Board of Directors of the Seminary, of the Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity, and now, in view of the transfer of the Institution to the General Assembly, agree to relinquish the right, should the General Assembly agree to the transfer proposed. "5th. That the Board of Directors be requested to make a tender of the Seminary to the next Assembly. " 6th. That tlie Synod, concurring with the Synods of Nashville, Missouri, Illinois, Indian:., Nortliern Indiana, and Cincinnati, or a majority of them, does hereby consent that a new act of incorporation be obtained from the proper authorities of the State of Indiana, whereby the whole property of the Institution may be transferred to the control of the Assembly — a Board of Directors, to be elected by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church aforesaid, shall nominate the Trustees, to be named in the act of incorporation, and shall appoint tlicir successors in office, and does hereby authorizethe present Board of Directors of said Seminary, to instruct the present Board of Trustees of the Seminary to convey to the new Board of Trustees, to be so constituted, all lands, tenements, funds, moneys, and other property, real and personal, now held, or which may herfofter be held, by the present Board of Trustees, in trust, for the sole use of said Semi- nary. "7th. That R. J. Breckinridge, W. L. Breckinridge, J. Montgomery, C. A.Wickliffe, and S. Casscday, be a committee, or as many of them as may attend, to urge the above resolutions before the Assembly, and in case of their absence, the Commissioners of the several Presbyteries who may he present and favourable to the proposed transfer, are requested to r.ct in behalf of the Synod on the subject. " 8th. That this committee be further instructed to inquire into tlie legal tenure by wiiich the property in New Albany and other places in Indiana is held, and how it may be transferred to the control of tlic Assembly, and to concur in whatever may be neces- sary to the transfer."— Prcsi. Herald, Oct. 28, 1852. § 248. Action of the Synod of Indiana. " At a meeting of the Synod of Indiana, at Vincenncs, in October, 1852, a communi- cation was received from the Board of Directors of the New Albany Theological Semi- SKC. 24G.] NEW AI-BANY SEMINARY. 469 nary, in regard to the transfer of said Seminary to the General Assembly, and the follow- ing' resolutions were unanimously adopted : "1. Nesolred, Tliat the Synod of Indiana, concurrinir with the Synods of Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, Illinois, Northern Indiana, and Cincinnati, in connection witli the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, or a ma- jority of said Synods, does hereby transfer to tiie said Assembly all the property in, and control over, the New Albany Theolojrical Seminary, possessed by the said Synod. "2. Resolved, That tliis Synod, concurring with the other Synods aforesaid, or a ma- jority of the same, does hereby consent that a new Act of Incorporation be obtained from the proper authorities of the State of Indiana; that a Board of Directors be elected by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Cliurch aforesaid, shall nominate the Trus- tees to be named in the Act of Incorporation, and shall appoint their successors in office; and does hereby autiiorize the present Board of Directors of said Seminary to instruct the present Board of Trustees of the Seminary to convey to the new Board of Trustees, to be so constituted, all lands, tenements, funds, moneys, and other property, real and per- sonal, now held, or which may hereafter be held by the present Board of Trustees, in trust for the sole use of said Seminary. " 3. Resolved, That the Board of Directors shall determine the time and manner in which this offer of the Seminary shall be made to the General Assembly. "4. Resolved, That a copj'^ of these resolutions, properly autiienticLited by the Mode- rator and Stated Clerk of the Synod, be sent to the President of the Board of Directors, and to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, to be laid before those bodies. " A true extract from the minutes of Synod. T. Alexander, Moderator. J. G. MoNFORT, Temporary Clerk. D. MoNFORT, Slated Clerk." —Minutes, 1853, p. 633. § 249. Action of other Synods. [The action of the Synods of Cincinnati, Northern Indiana, Illinois, Nashville, and Missouri, are slijrhtly modified copies of that of Indiana, {Minutes, 1853, pp. G32, 634, 635,) with the following exceptions. By the Synod of Illinois it was] " Resolved, Tiiat the General Assembly be requested to take into consideration the whole subject of Theological Education in the West, with a view to the institution of one Seminary at St. Louis, or some otiier eligible point, for the wants of this portion of the Church and country ; believing, as we do, that none of the institutions already established in their present locations answer the desired object." — Ibid. p. 635. [The Synod of ^lissouri resolved,] " That when the proposition is brought before the General Assembly, they be requested to review the whole subject of the location of a Western Seminary, and establish one that will meet the wants of the Churcli in the West, and of a character that will ensure the patronage of all the western Churches. And this Synod would suggest St. Loui.s as a suitible place for such institution." — Ihid. p. 635. [For the disposition made of these papers by the Assembly, see above, § 220.] § 250. The Assemhli/ dofS not interfere, with New Alhant/ Smilnari/. 1854, p. 28. Besohed, That this General Assembly has no intention in any way to interfere with the Theological Seminary at New Albany, nor with those Synods which shall continue to be united in the support and control of that institution, nor with any of the Churches under the care of such Synods. § 251. Instructors and statistics of N'ew Albany Seminan/. [I. Rev. John Matthews, D. D., inagurated June, 1831. Died May 18, 1848. See above. Book IV. ^77. II. Rev George Bishop, inagurated June, 18.34. Died 1837. Ill Rev. Lewis W Gree.n, D. D , elected in October, 1838, officiated till June, 183!), and resigned without being inaugurated. IV. Kev. Ja.mes Wood, D. D., inaugurated November, 1839. Resigned April, 1851, V. Rev. E. D. MacMaster, D. D., inaugurated September, 1849. 'Resigned, 1853. VI. Bcv. Da.mel Stewart, D. D., inaugurated October, 1849. Resigned April, 1853. VII. Rev. Philip Li.nd.sley, D. D., inaugurated November, 1851. Resion seal, with such device and inscription as they shall think fit and proper ; and the same to break, alter, and renew, at their pleasure. ''■Seel. 4. And he it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. That the said corporation and their successors, by the name, style, and title aforesaid, shall be able and capable in law, to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, in any court, or before any judge or jus- tice, in all and all manner of suits, complaints, pleas, matters and demands, of whatsoever nature, kind and form they may be ; and all and every matter and thing to do, in as full and effectual a manner, as any other person, bodies politic or corporate, within this Com- monwealth, may or can do. ''Sect. 5. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the said corporation and their successors, shall be, and hereby are authorized and empowered, to make, ordain, and establisli, by-laws and ordinances, and do everything incident and needfiil for tiie sup- port and due government of the said corporation, and managing the funds and revenues thereof; ProLmtod, the said by-laws be not repugnant to the Constitution and laws of the United States, to the Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth, or to this Act. " Sect. 6. And be it further enacted hi/ the authority aforesaid, That the said corporation phall not, at any time, consist of more than eighteen persons ; whereof the said General Assembly may, at their discretion, as often as they shall hold their sessions in the State of Pennsylvania, change one-third in such manner .is to the said General Assembly shall seem proj>er : And tiic corporation aforesaid, shall have power and authority, to manage hnd dispose of all moneys, goods, cha(tels, lands, tenements and hereditaments, and other estate whatsoever, connnitted to their care and trust, by the said General Assembly : but in cases where special instructions, for the management and disjjosal thereof, sliall be given hv the said General Assembly in writing, under the hand of their clerk, it shall be the duty of the said corporation, to act according to such instructions; Provided, \\\e Siv.d instructions shall not be repugnant to the Constitution and laws of the United States, or to SEC. 266.] TRUSTEES OF THE fiENERAL AS>EMi;r.Y. 483 i.M Hon.stitution and laws of this Coiiiiiioiiwc;iltli, or to the provisions and restrictions in this Act contained. "-Sec/. 7. And be it further enacted by the auOtority aforesaid, That six nicnibors of this corporation, wlicreofthe president, or in liis absence tlie vice-president, to be one, shall be a sufTicient number to transact the business thereof, and to make by-laws, rules and regu- lations; Provided, that previous to any meeting of tlie Board or corporation, for such pur- poses, not appointed by adjournment, ten days' notice shall be previously- given thereof, in at least one of the newspapers printed in the city of Philadelpliiu : And the said corpora- tion shall and may, as often as tliey shall sec proper, and according to tlie rules by them to be prescribed, choose out of their number, a president and vice-president, and sliall have authority to appoint a treasurer, and such other oflicers and servants as shall by them, the said corporation, be deemed necessary; to which officers the said corporation ifiay assign such a compensation for their services, and sucli duties to be perlbrmed by them, to con- tinue in office for such time, and to be succeeded by others, in such way and manner ,.s the .«aid corporation sliall direct. "Sect. 8. And be it further enacted bj/ the authority aforesaid. That all questions befiire the said corporation, shall be decided by a plurality of votes, whereof each meitiber pre- sent sliall have one, except the president, or vice-president, when acting as president, wlio shall have only the casting voice and vote, in case of an equality in the votes of the other ni!'mbers. " Sect. 9. Aiid be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid. That the said corporation shall keep regular and fair entries ol" their proceedings, and a just account of their receipts and disbursements, in a book or books to be provided lor that j)urpose ; and their treasurer shall, once in a year, exhibit to tlie General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, an exact state of the accounts of the corporation. " Sect. 10. And be it further enacte.d by the authority aforesaid. That the said corpora- tion may take, receive, purchase, possess, and enjoy, messuages, houses, lands, tenements, rents, ajinuities, and other hereditaments, real and personal estate of any amount, not exceeding ten thousand dollars a year value; but the said limitations not to be considered as including tlie annual collections, and voluntary contributions, made in the Churches under the care of the said General Assembly. Cadwalader Evans, Jr. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Robert Hare, Speaker of the Senate.. Approved ) March 28, 1799. \ Thomas Mifflin, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." —Minutes, 1799, p. 173. § 267. The Charter accepted. 1799, p. 173. The Comniittee appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, to endeavour to obtain from the Legislature of the kState of Pennsylvania an act of incorporation, authorizing certain Trustees to hold the property of the Assenil)ly, tVc, report, that on application to the Legislature, they obtained the act of incorporation for which they were directed to apply, a copy of which accompanies this report, corresponding exactly witli the draught wliich was last year submitted to the Assembly, excepting only the sum which the Trustees are authorized to hold, is some- what smaller than was inserted in that draught. p. 175. The above report, and act of incorporation accompanying it, were read and approved. Wliereujion on motion Retiolva/, 1. That the Trustees mentioned in said act be, and, (if their first meeting be not otherwise j)rovided for,) they are hereby rerjuested to meet in the Second Presbyterian Church in the city of I'hiladelphia, on Wednesday the 26th day of June, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon : and then and there proceed to the election of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and such other officers as the act of incorporation empowers thcTu to choose, and to such other matters and things as their duty as Trustees shall re()uire. And the Kev. Dr. 7\shbel (jireen, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, is hereby directed to advertise the above time and place of meeting, in one 484 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. of the daily papers of Philadelphia, and in one of the daily papers of the city of New York, at least two weeks before the time of meeting. § 268. Manner of elpction of Trustees. 1801, p. 217. 1. When this subject is called up annually, a vote shall first be taken whether for the current year the Assembly will or will not make any election of members in the Board of Trustees. 2. If an election be determined on, the day on which it shall take place shall be specified, and shall not be within less than two days of the time at which such election shall be decided on. 3. When the day of election arrives, the Assembly shall ascertain what Tacancies in the number of the eighteen Trustees incorporated, have taken place, by death or otherwise, and shall first proceed to choose other mem- bers in their places. When this is accomplished, they shall proceed to the trial whether they will elect any, and if any, how many of that third of the number of the Trustees which by law they are permitted to change, in the foflowing manner, viz : The list of the Trustees shall be taken, and a vote be had for a person to fill the place of him who is first on the list. In voting for a person to fill said place, the vote may be given either for the person who has before filled it, or for any other person. If the majority of votes shall be given for the person who has before filled it, he shall continue in oflSce. If the majority of votes shall be given for another person, this per- son is a Trustee, duly chosen in place of the former. In the same form the Assembly shall pi'oceed with the list, till they have either changed one- third of the Trustees, (always including in the third those who have been elected by the sitting Assembly to supply the places become vacant by death or otherwise,) or by going through the list, shall determine that no further alteration shall be made. § 269. Intercourse of the Trustees with the Assembly. 1801, p. 232. That the management and disposal of all moneys, goods, chat- tels, lands, tenements, hereditaments, and all other estate whatever, committed to their care and trust by the General Assembly, is invested in the said Trustees ; unless where special instructions for the management and disposal thereof shall be given by the General Assembly in writing under the hand of their Clerk ; in which case, the corporation is to act according to said in- structions. That an exact state of the accounts of the Trustees is to be ex- hibited by their Treasurer to the General Assembly, once in every year ; whereupon it is recommended, 1. That this state of the accounts be laid before the General Assembly as early in their sessions as possible, in order that the General Assembly may know what appropriations it may be in their power to make, or what in- structions to give to their Trustees, respecting the moneys in hand. 2. That when an}' appropriations are made by the General Assembly, a copy of their minute for that purpose, signed by the Clerk, shall be trans- mitted to the Trustees, and shall be their warrant for the payment of all moneys thus appropriated. 3. That when any measures are taken, or any resolutions adopted by the (Jeneral Assembly, or the Board of Trustees, which it concerns the other to be acquainted with, due information of the same shall be given, as soon as possible, to the other. [Adopted.] § 270. Tlie Trustees harmless in oheyivg orders of the Assembly. 1837, p. 467. Mr. [R. J.] Breckinridge ofi"ered the following preamble and resolutions, viz : SEC. 2G7.] FUNDS OF THE (iENKRAL ASSEMBLY. 485 Whereas, it has come to the knowledge of this (Jenural Assembly, that the persons who were appointed commissioners to this body from the Pres- byteries attached to the Synod of the Western Keserve, have served a notice upon the Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly, " not to regard any orders drawn, nor any resolutions passed by this Assembly, since the passage of the act which declared said Synod of the Western Reserve to be no longer in the connection of the body represented in this General Assem- bly ;" and whereas, said notice is no doubt to be considered as the commence- ment of a series of judicial investigations, growing out of the proceedings of this Assembly, in reforming the Church, during its present sessions; now, therefore, Be it Jirsolre>f, hy the General Assembly of the Pre.shyterian Church in the United States of America, 1. That this Assembly expects of its Trustees full compliance with all its acts as in past times, and relies confidently on their continued fidelity to the Church, in the discharge of all the important duties devolving on them. 2. That the Presbyterian Church is morally responsible, and will fully and cheerfully meet that responsibility, to sustain their Trustees in all their acts, in consequence of any resolution passed, or order given in virtue of such resolution, of the present or any other General Assembly — and to hold said Trustees harmless, by reason of any loss or damage they may personally sustain thereby. 3. That this Assembly, in virtue of the powers vested in it by the act in- corporating its Trustees, do hereby, in writing, direct their Trustees to con- tinue to pay as heretofore, and to have no manner of respect to the notice mentioned above, nor to any similar notice that may come to their knowledge. And these resolutions, duly signed and certified, shall be delivered to them on the part of this Assembly. Mr. Breckinridge read the notice referred to in the resolutions; and after debate, the resolutions were adopted. Title 2. — investment and condition of the funds. § 271. Manner of keeping the accounts. [In 1830, the Financial Committee called tlie attention of the Assembly to the confused state of the fiinds. — {Minutes, p. 15.) The Assembly ordered a detailed report. This was reiterated the next year. — {Minutes, p. 196.) A partial report was made in 1832, — {Minutes, p. 335,) — and the order repeated. It was also] 1832, p. 335. Resolved, That Messrs. Matthew L. Bevan, James Schott, and Solomon Allen be a committee to examine the state of the funds, be- longing to or under the control of this Assembly, or of its Trustees ; who are hereby authorized and requested to examine the whole subject of the funds, with full powers to examine all the books and ])apers relative thereto, to employ the necessary accountants, and to make report in detail, and lay it before the next Assembly on the second day of their sessions. [A full report was made the next year, but the same manner of keepintr accounts was contiimcd. In 1841, the Financial Committee made the following statement:] 1841, p. 440. The committee has been tiiriiished witii the cash book and Icdtfer kept by file Treasurer, but not with any of the vouchers for the charg-es, and from tlie be.st ex- amination given tlie subject, it docs appear tliat the accounts have been kept in a confused state, so as to render it imimssible to inveHtig..te them with that minuteness the subject demands. Accounts have been opened in the ledger, and balances struck, sometimes on tlie debit, and sometimes on the credit side, which accounts have been permitted to remain ill thifi situiition for several years, without entries, showing what disposition has been marie of those balances. Again, the accounts have been mixed, rendering it now almost impossible to trace the origiinl entries or timds, or at best in a manner not satisfactory. The books also show a mixing up of the ditTurent Iliads. 486 INSTITUTIONS UF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. The committee wish it to be distinctly understood that tiiis system of keeping- the ac- counts did not coninienco with the present Treasurer, but has been continued by liim. It eoninienced id tiie earliest period ot' the accounts, and wlien the books were handed to tlie present Treasurer, h^' found it more convenient to continue this course, than to open new accounts. It would have been perhaps almost impossible without great labour fiir him to have done so. He has stated, and jiis clerk 1ms also stated to the committee, that it is injpossible to understand the accounts, as they had been ke|)t by liis predecessors, and tliey did not feel at liberty to open new accounts upon a different principle. The conunittee wish it also to be distinctly understood, that it is not intended to cen- sure the Treasurer in this particular. Every member of the committee fully believes that the Treasurer has honestly accounted for every cent that has come to his hands, and they are well aware of t!ie arduous duty he had, and still has to perform. It being the intention of the comniitti.e in this particular, merely to point out the mode in which tlie a,ccounts have been kept. .... .... In conclusion, your committee are compelled to express their regret at the manner of investment; at the coinmingling' of funds, which in their character and design are dis- tinct and different; and at the employmentof funds to purposes, which although connected with the interests and operations of this Assembly, yet are purposes for which they were not specifically designed. The Treasurer has found himself involved, in the keeping' of his books, in difficulties not of his own creation, but transmitted to or imposed on him, and has, in the opinion of your committee, faithfully employed the funds under the direction of the Board of Trustees. p. 442. [Upon the recommendation of the committee, the Assembly] Rcwlvrd, 1. That the Treasurer be directed to close the old books, and to open new ones, based upon the present state of the funds. 2. That in these new books, the funds contributed for distinct and dif- ferent objects, be so entered and kept. 3. That at no time the funds be diverted from their original destination, nor any part of the principal used under any pretence whatsoever. § 272. A Committee, on the state, of the funds. 1851, p. 31. EesolrcrJ, That a special committee on the financial concerns of the Presbyterian Church be appointed, with instructions to investigate the whole subject in all its aspects and departments, and to report to the next General Assembly lull information in relation thereto, stating dis- tinctly, under appropriate heads, all the funds belonging to the General As- sembly, whether for the general purposes of the Church, or for the Theo- logical Seminary at Princeton, how they are invested, and what deficiencies are found in each. § 273. Repo7-t, in 1852, on the state of the funds. 1852, p. 375. "The Special Committee on the financial concerns of the Presbyterian Churcii, appointed by the last General Assembly, with instructions 'to report to the next General AssLinbly full information in relation thereto, stating distinctl)' under appropri- ate heads all the tunds belonging to the General Assembly, whether for the purposes of the Church or for the Theological Seminary at Princeton, how they are invested, and what deficiencies are found in each,' respectllilly report: "That they have examined the books of the Treasurer, the Reports of the Trustees of the Assembly and the printed Minutes for the last twenty years. They find that prior to the year 1830 the items of receipts and disbursements were entered promiscuously in a conunon day-book, and in that year the Assembly required a report of the state of the several funds to be reported. This order was not complied with until 1832, when a re- ]iort was made and ordered to be printed in the appendix to the minutes — by which it appeared that the wliok^ amount of funds was $145,482 invested in stocks and mortgages. " In May, 18.'i3, the Trustees made a detailed report to the General Assembly, exhibit- ing tiie st.:l(' of the funds, tiie difHeulties under which thiy labuured, and the deficiencies which had arisen, owing to the General Assembly having anticipated the means liirnished by the Churches, and tlieir having a])propriated annually for contingent expenses, and for the support of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, larger sums than were received for those objects; in consequence of which tiie Trustees had been compelled to borrow from the permanent funds sums sulhcient to meet tliose appropriations — and that the annual income of all the funds invested was insutRcient to meet the necessary expenses uf the Assembly and the Princeton Seminary — the whole amount of the funds then being SEC. 271.] FUNDS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 487 $161,fi20 80, of wliich $.3.3,500 was invested in mortgages, $124,129 80 in stocl^s, and $4,000 ill imimissory ncjU's, iind thereupon the General Assembly [Kissed a resolution tiiat ' tlic 'rrustces he re(iu(;stecl to consider wliether sale investments of the funds, or a jjart of them, may not be made so as to [irodnce a hij^her rate ol interest than tliey now yield, and if so, tliey are advised to endeavour to effect a chang-e of stocks.' " In conipliance with this resolution, and in tlie exercise of the discretion vested in them, the Trustees, between this period and the 2d of April, 1835, sold Pennsylvania fives, Pliiladelpliia Bank, and United States Bank stocks to the amount of $i)4,()06 21 — and purchased stocks of tlie Merchants' and Manufacturers' Bank of Pittsburirh, tiie Mer- cliaiits' and Mechanics' Bank of Wheidnig, tlic Bink of Louisville, flie Union B.ink of Tennessee, the Bank of Mobile, the Planters' Bank and the Agricultural Bank of Natchez, to the amount of $1)5,669 53 — a change which at the then rate of dividends paid by the last mentioned banks, increased the annual income $2,660 beyond that produced by the stocks sold. And in the course of the year 1835 they sold other stocks and property to the amount of $29,989, and invested $27,106 25 in stock of the Planters' Bank of Ten- nessee ; $8,000 in paying up instalments on stock already purchased, and $4,000 in mort- gage, securing a furtlier j)rcsent increase of income of $886 14. " The Trustees having reported tlie above financial transactions to the General Assem- bly in 1836, the Finance Committee of the Assembly reported among other things as follows : ' The subject of investment in stocks is mucli better understood by the Board of Trustees than by your committee, and the committee believe the Assembly may place the most implicit confidence as well in the judgment and skill as in the prudence of the Trustees in relation to this whole subject. They therefore only suggest to them, that while it is of importance to secure the increase of revenue, which the new investments in bank stock have yielded, and promise to yield in fiiture, yet a due regard is to be had to the safety and permanency of those investments ; and taking into consideration the highly important interests dependent upon such security, that greater risk ouglit not to be run than would be incurred by a prudent man, whose family with himself might be dependent upon tlie investments. The committee therefore recommend the following resolution : " Resolved, That the General Assembly approve of the proceedings of the Board of Trustees as detailed in their report of the 10th of May last, and direct the Stated Clerk to transmit a copy of this report and these resolutions to that Board as containing the opinion of the Assembly upon the subjects herein mentioned. " In 1837, the Trustees reported that they had made further investments in bank stocks to the amount of $11,008 78, to wit, the United States Bank, Grand Gulf Bank of Mis- sissippi, and the Bank of Vicksburg — and that the whole amount invested was. in mort- gages $33,500, in stocks $137,770 69, in notes $4,000. " 111 1838, they reported the investment of $3,931 44 more, in Vicksburg Bank Stock. "In 1837 that re-action commenced in the financial affairs of the countrv wliich, in its progress through the lew succeeding years, greatly depreciated the value of all kinds of stock, and swept away many of the banks, involving eventually in its consequences a very large loss to the funds of the General Assembly. That it was unanticipated by the Board ot' Trustees when they made their large investments, and unforeseen in time to escape its disasters, is only to say that, like other men, they could not look into futurity. " In 1842, the total loss sustained by depreciation of stocks was estimated at $83,089- 01, taking the stocks then held at their estimated value. " And it appears that, up to 1843, the amount borrowed from the permanent funds to meet expenses ordered by the General Asseiubl}' to be paid, for salaries of the Professors of the Princeton Seminary chiefly, over and above the funds in the hands of the Trustees •available for that purpose, had amounted tu the sum of $21,017 57, which sum was sub- sequently reduced by payments, to $19,320 51. " In 1848, the Trustees rejtorted that they had sold stock of the Merchants' and Manu- facturers' Bank of Pittsburgh to the amount of $12,023 87, and the General Assembly expressed an opinion ' that the Board shoiUd change the invi'stments from stocks to that of real securities, at as early a period as at all consistent with the interests they repre- sent'— which opinion was again expressed by the Assembly in 1849. " In 1850, the Trustees reported that they had sold a large amount of stocks, realizing from them the sum of $42,265 74; and in 1851 they further reported the sale of stocks to the amount of $12,571 46; leaving only on hand the stocks of the Planters' and Agri- cultural Banks of Natchez, and a few shares of the United States and the Grand Gulf Banks, of very little value, "The mode in which the books of the Treasurer have been kept, rendered it impossible for your cummittee to trace in detail the history of each particular fund, from its com- mencement For, although the amounts received from time to time are regularly en- tered, yet they were invested indiscriminately with the other funds, and carried to the eencral account of funds invested. The result of this was, that whatever losses occurred 488 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. by drafts for the purposes of Professors' salaries, &,c., and in the purchase and sale of se- curities, were liable to fall generally on all the funds without any designation. "In 1835, however, and subsequently, this was so far changed that the stocks and other securities held were apportioned among the several funds — and, although no dis- tinct and separate account is even yet kept in a ledger, regularly posted up of the amounts due, received, and paid, on account of each fund — yet your committee has been enabled from the books, and with the assistance of the Treasurer, to ascertain, they believe accu- rately, how each fund has been affected by past transactions, and what amount of the present investments belong specifically to each of tlie several accounts. The result of their labours will be Ibund in Schedules 1 to 49 inclusive, appended to this their report. " Schedule Ko. .50, contains the general account of assets reported by the Treasurer to the last General Assembly, amounting to the sum, nominally, of $194,.357.29 — the pre- sent real value of each item of these assets, being $108,406 65, and how the same is in- vested; and exhibit the loss or gain on each of said items. This account shows a total loss on the wiiole account of $85,950 64. Schedule No. 51, shows 1. The nominal amount of each specific fund as reported by the Treasurer to the last Assembly; 2. The real amount remaining to each fund after deducting the losses sustained ; and 3. Tiie losses each fund has sustained. Schedxde'No. 52, shows the actual amount of funds now held by the Trustees of the Assembly, the income of which is applicable to other purposes than those of the Theological Seminary at Princeton — being $22,805 55. Schedule No. 53, sliows the actual amount of funds now held by the Trustees of the General As- sembly, t!ie income of which is applicable to the payment of salaries, and the purposes of education in the Theological Seminary at Princeton — being $85,601 10. Schedule No. 54, shows the amount of funds held by tlie Trustees of the Tlieological Seminary at Princeton, the income of which is applicable to salaries of Professors and purposes of education — being $78,871 65. Schedule No, 55, sliows the wiiole amount of funds held by the two Boards of Trustees, the income of which is applicable to the payment of the salaries of Professors in the Theological Seminary at Princeton. " From these accounts the following results appear : The funds and good investments in the Treasury of the General Assem- bly amount to . . . • . . . . $108,406 65 The funds and good investments in the Treasury of the Seminary, . 78,871 65 Making in all ....... $187,278 30 Of the above sum there is applicable to Professors' salaries . . $109,038 65 And to purposes of education at the Theological Seminary as per Schedule No. 56 . . . . . . . 55,434 10 To missions and other purposes ..... 22,805 55 $187,278 30 "The General Assembly will perceive, that for the purpose of refunding to other Schol- arsliips sums which had been borrowed to meet the wants of the Seminary, they have ab- sorbed the funds belonging to the Scholarship, and have drawn $1,223 23 from the Students' Fund : these two funds being held generally for purposes of education at the Seminary, and not in trust for specific Scholarships, may be thus applied without ;iny im- propriety. For such particular remarks in relation to the several funds held by tlie Gen- era! Assonbly, as it was deemed necessary to submit, reference is made to the Schedules Nos. 1 to 49 inclusive. The Assembly will perceive some discrepancies between the original amounts of several of the funds, and the amounts of the same as reported to the last Assembly by the Treasurer, which is accounted for by the circumstance, that the Treasurer's statement is founded upon the balances remaining on the books after some of the early losses and overdrafts had been charged up and deducted. The committee believe the funds now in the h^lnds of the Trustees are securely invested. " The committee have to acknowledge their indebtedness to the Trustees of the Gene- ral Assembly and the Treasurer for all the assistance and facilities it was in tlieir power to afford in aid of the investig;:tion. The committee are deeply im]iressed with the im- portance of hereafter keeping the accounts of the several funds separate and distinct from each other. Many of the funds are held in strict trust, and ought to be managed accord- ingly as such. And to tliis end they recommend that the Trustees be advised to cause separate accounts for each of them to be opened — adopting this report as tlie basis — and crediting to each fund specifically its portion of the present securities on hand; so that if any losses should hereafter be sustained, they may be charged to the fund holding the security upon which it accrued. St.\cy G. Potts, Robert Carter, May 4, 1852, C. Van Rensselaer." SEC. 274.] FUNDS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY- 489 [Tlie following schedules exhibit the whole state of the funds at the date of this report.] —Minutes, 1852, pp. 397-400. § 274. Schedule No. 51. Showing the nominal amount of eacli specific fund, as stated in the Treasurer's Re. l)ort, May, 1851, the loss each fund has sustained, and the amount secured to each at pre- sent, upon the proposed marshalling of the assets. Amount as stated Real amouuts, Amount of in Treasurer's ac- deductinjt the os.SeS sug- Sche- count. ki.sses sustain- aiiied. dule No. ed. 1. Professorship Synods of N. Y. and N. J., $19,395 70 $12,174 37 $7 921 33 2. Do. do. of N.&, S.Carolina &,Ga., 17,282 52 13,342 11 3,940 41 3. Do. Synod of Philadelphia, 17,639 28 11,654 97 5,984 31 4. Do. Oriental and Bib. Literature, 3,185 06 1,962 38 1,222 68 5. Scholarship Colt, 2,500 00 2,500 00 6. Do. Whitehead, 2,500 00 2,489 50 10 50 7. Do. Charleston Female, 2,5';r) 00 2,500 00 8. Do. Wood hull, . 2,500 00 1,924 58 575 42 9. Do. Scott, 2,500 00 1,703 82 796 18 10. Do. Livingston, 2,643 00 1,319 50 1,323 50 11. Do. Augusta Female, . 2,500 00 2,073 06 426 94 12. Do. Jane Keith, 2,500 00 2,500 00 1.3. Do. Gorman, 2,500 00 1,168-24 1,331 76 14. Do. Wicks, 2,500 00 1,040 86 1,459 14 15. Do. Othnicl Smith, 2,500 00 346 74 2,153 26 16. Do. H. Smith, . 3,000 00 2,302 66 697 34 17. Do. Anderson, . 2,500 00 2,500 00 18. Do. Kennedy, 2,500 00 2,180 27 319 73 19. Do. Boudinot, 2,510 00 2,500 00 10 00 20. Do. ED, 2,500 00 2,386 67 113 33 21. Do. Kirkpatrick, 2,668 81 1,342 81 1,326 00 22. Do. King, 2,500 00 1,294 74 1,205 26 23. Do. Nephew, 2,5nO 00 2,500 00 24. Do. Holland, 2,500 00 2,500 00 25. Do. Ralston, 2,437 50 1,602 78 834 72 26. Do. Fayetteville, ,S01 71 901 71 27. Do. Harmony, . 1,810 46 1,183 07 627 39 28. 29. Do. Do. 2,186 79 2,282 63 2,186 79 253 63 Senior Class, 1819, . 2,029 00 30 Do. do. 1820 and '21, 1,603 27 745 43 857 84 31. Do. do. 1823, 1,117 23 640 86 476 37 32. Permanent Fund Theological Seminary 23,874 20 7,384 99 16,489 21 .13. Students' Fund, 6,580 15 405 98 6,174 17 34. Permanent Missionary Fund, 26,876 74 7,592 03 19,284 71 .35. Boudinot M issionary Fund, 5,0(10 00 .5,000 00 36. Do. C >ntingcnt Fund, 1,770 90 1,770 ;i0 37. Permanent Fund, Conversion of the Jev ITS, 294 34 223 49 70 85 3^. Contingent do. . . 66 56 66 56 31). Permanent Fund, N. A. Indians, 266 67 266 67 40. Contingent do. . 59 16 59 16 41. Tate Bcfjui St, . 33 33 33 33 42. Easthurn B •quest, 7,269 37 6,191 50 1,077 87 43. Fund for S iperannuated Ministers, &c. 999 80 999 80 44. Permanent Fund for do. 13 00 13 00 45. Pastors' Libraries, 156 50 156 50 46. Tlieological Seminary, 52 67 52 67 47. Connnissioi icrs' Fund, 109 17 109 17 48. Contingent Fund General Assembly, 116 81 116 81 49. Do. Trustees of General Assenil ly, 153 96 $194,357 29 153 96 $108,406 65 $85,950 64 62 ■190 INSTITUTIONS Oi' THE CllUKCH. [book V. § 275. Srhrdid" No. 52. Showings tlie amount of funds held by tlic Trustees of tlie General As^ plicablo to the purposes of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, (1852,^ Schedule. 34. Permanent Missionary Fund, 35. Boudinot Missionary Fund, 3G. do. Conting-ent do., 37. Permanent Fund for conversion of Jews, 38. Contingent do. do. do., 39. Permanent Fund North American Indians, 40. Contingent do. do. do., 41. Tate Bequest, .... 42. Eastburn Bequest, 43. Fund for Superannuated Ministers, 44. Permanent Fund for do. 4.5. Pastors' Libraries, 46. Theological Seminary, (since paid over,) 47. Commissioners' Fund, . 48. Contingent Fund General Assembly, 49. do. of Trustees, § 276. Schedule JVb. 53. Showing the actual amount of funds now held by tlie bly, the income of which is applicable to the account of Theological Seminary at Princeton, (1852.) Sfhedule No. 1. Professorships New York and New Jersey, 2. Do. Carolinas and Georgia, 3. Do. Philadelphia, 4. Do. Oriental and Biblical Literature, em bly not ip- $7,592 03 5,000 00 1,770 90 223 49 66 56 266 67 59 16 33 33 6,191 50 999 80 13 00 156 50 52 67 109 17 116 81 153 96 $22,805 55 Trustees of the General Assem- Salaries, Education, &c., in the n2,174 37 13,342 11 11,654 97 1,962 38 32. Permanent Fund for Thcologic 33. Students Fund, . 5. Scholars! lip — Colt, 6. Do. Whitehead, 8. Do. Woodhull, 9. Do. Scott, 10. Do. Livingston, 11. Do. Augusta Female, 1,3. Do. Gorman, 14. Do. Wicks, 15. Do. O. Smith, 16. Do. H. Smith, . 18. Do. Kennedy, . 19. Do. Boudinot, 20. Do. ED., . 21. Do. Kirkpatrick, 22. Do. King, 23. Do. Nephew, 24. Do. Holland, 25. Do. Ralston, 26. Do. Fayetteville, 27. Do. Harmony, . 29. Do. S. C. 1819, 30 Do. S. C. 1820-21, 31. Do. S. C. 1823, 2,500 00 2,489 50 1,924 58 1,703 82 1,319 50 2,073 06 1,168 24 1,040 86 346 74 2,302 66 2,180 27 2,500 00 2,386 67 1,342 81 1,294 74 2,500 00 2,500 00 1,602 78 901 71 1,183 07 2,029 on 745 43 640 86 $39,133 83 7,384 99 405 98 Total amount of Seminary Funds, $.38,676 30 $85,601 10 SEC, 275.] FUNDS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 491 § 277. Schedule No. 54. Showing- the amount of funds Iicld by the Trustees of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, from the Treasurer's statement. (1852.) Phoenix Rank Stock, New York city, ..... Merchants' Exchange Bank, do. Bank of CoLnmerce, do. Leather Manutiicturers' Bank, do. United States G per cent. Stock, Robert Mi rkle, bond and mortgage, George Kulile, John A. King, B. R. Winthn.p, Samuel Watkins, Lucretia Redmond, Henry Coirgiis, do. do. do. do. do. do. (P. Massie Scholarship,) Rev. Dr. J. J. Jancway, bond, ..... S.inie, do. (Rankin Scholarship,). Same, subscription to Permanent Fund, Society for Est.iblishing Useful Manufactures — note, . Capt DeGraw, bond and mortgage, .... Mercer Count}' Scrip, ...... R.v. Dr. Maclean — note, ....... «Legacy of Miss Nagle $372 13, and contribution Duane St. ch. $100. Orange Presbytry Scholarship bond and mortgage, . Elizibeth Huxani, do. do. . . . Benjamin Smith, do. do. John Keith Scholarship $2,500, and ) . „„ , Meclnnics' Buik Phila Jane Trimble Legacy $100, invested \ '" ^-^ ^""'"^'^^ Mechanics Kank, riiila, Bond and ^Mortgage of S, K. Sniitli, Washington city, (Students' Fund,) *.Ioim Galbraith Legacy, (Students' Fund,) .... Bond and Mortgage, ....... Mary De.in Scliolarsliip held by herself — yields $150 per annum, Banyer and Le Roy do. held by Ex'rs — yields $300 do. • 4 shares Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Stock, value not known, . $200 00 2,250 00 2,900 00 1,350 00 9,000 00 3,500 00 4,000 00 8,000 00 10,000 UO 4,500 00 2,500 00 2,000 00 4,000 00 2,500 00 1,500 00 3,000 on 2,500 00 100 00 100 00 472 13 2,327 40 2,410 54 2,500 00 3,318 00 1,080 00 433 88 2,429 70 $78,871 65 The Seminary has an interest in lands in New Hampshire and Vermont under Wheel- ock title, estimated at $3000. § 278. Schedule M. 55. Showing the amount of funds applicable to the payment of Professors' salaries. Theo- logical Seminary, Princeton. (1852.) Whole amount in hands of Trustees of Seminary as per Schedule 54, ..... . $78,871 65 Deduct amounts belonging to Scholarships, viz: 1. Peter Massie, ..... $2,500 00 2. Rankin, ....... 2,500 00 3. Orange Presbytery, ..... 2,327 40 4. Elizabeth Huxam, ..... 2,410 54 5. Benjaniin Smilh, ..... 2,500 00 6. John Keith. ...... 2,500 00 7. Students' Fund, $1080 and $433 88, . . 1,513 88 Jane Trimble's donation, .... 100 00 16,351 82 Balance applicable to salaries. The four Professorships — see Sch. 53, Permanent Fund Theol. Sem. — see Sch. 53, . Fund, interest of which applicable to salaries, $62,519 83 39,1.33 83 7,384 99 $109,038 65 * Livested in Camden and Amboy Railroad Bonds. 2,3iiO 00 2,500 00 2,327 40 2,410 54 2,500 00 2,500 00 100 00 405 98 1,513 88 $55,434 10 492 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. § 279. Schedule No. 56. Showing the amount of funds applicable to purposes of Education at Theologic.il Seminary, Princeton. (1852.) 23 Scliolarships as per Sclied. No. 53, Peter Massie Scholarship, .' , Rankin do. Oranjre Presbytery do. Elizabetli Hu.xani do. Benjamin Smitli do. John Keith do. Jane Trimble^ — to aid in endowing a Scholarship, Students' Fund from Schedule 33, do. do. from Schedule 55, § 280. Measures for rejyairing losses and protecting the Funds. 1854, p. 25. The whole financial affairs of the Board of Trustees have been thoroughly investigated twice within three years; first, by an able special committee, appointed by the General Assembly in 1851, who re- ported in 1852; and again by an able special committee of the Board of Trustees, whose report is presented to the present General Assembly. Both committees have thoroughly explored the sources of financial information, from the commencement of the funds and accounts; have expended months of faithful labour with untiring perseverance, to furnish all the intelligence it was possible to glean from books and papers, and have performed a work of exceeding value and importance to the interests of the General Assembly. It is but just that these labours, both of the special committee of 1852, and the committee of the Board, prompted by love to Zion and her interests, should be gratefully acknowledged by the General Assembly. Your committee recommend that the losses sustained heretofore by the trust funds, be repaired ; and that a special committee be appointed by the General Assembly for that purpose. The principle of averaging the losses that have heretofore occurred, between the several trusts represented in the common fund invested at the time the losses occurred, seems to your committee, under the circumstances set forth in the Report of the Board of Trustees, equitable ; but in future, this committee recommend that there be endorsed on each security held, a distinct designation of the particular trust or trusts to which it belongs, so that any future losses shall fall upon the trust or trusts interested ir^ the investment. The Report of the Board of Trustees is reported to the General Assem- bly, with the recommendation that the following resolutions be adopted : 1. Resolved, That the Report of the Board of Trustees is approved, and it is recommended by the General Assembly to the Board of Trustees to open a new set of books in accordance with the Report of the Board, and to cause hereafter a distinct account of each trust fund, to be kept therein. 2. Resoloed, That (unless the authors of the fund otherwise specially di- rect) any investment may cover more than one trust, at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, Provided, the amount of the interest of each trust in the investment shall be indorsed on the mortgage or ground-rent ; so that hereafter, in case of loss, the same may be charged to the account of the trust or trusts interested in the security. 3. Resolved, That so much of the direction of the General Assembly of 1852 to the Board of Trustees as implied that each trust must be separately invested, be rescinded. SEC. 279.] FUNDS OF TIIK (JKNKRAL ASSEMBLY. 493 § 281. Tlie acc'iunts fo he simplified. 1853, p. 450. The Financial Committee further report, that there are so many different funds entered separately on the books of the Trustees of the General Assembly, that the making investments, and keeping uf the ac- counts of the said investments separately, are very difficult; and yet the principles of law and equity in relation to many of these funds, render it necessary in many cases that they should be kept thus distinct, to a certain extent. But your committee believe that several of those funds are so nearly of the same character that they may be classified and invested together, and the income and losses of such common investment may be apportioned in proportion to the amount of each fund, which is permanent in its character. But such classification and arrangement cannot be made during the ordinary time of the continuance of any annual meeting of the OJeneral Assembly. Your committee, therefore, recommend that the Trustees of the General As- sembly be directed to examine the books and covenants in relation to the said several funds, and see which of such funds can be properly blended in making investments thereof, and to what extent; and recommend in what manner they shall hereafter be invested, and the accounts in relation to the same shall be kept so as to simplify, as far as practicable, the accounts of the Treasurer ; and if they shall deem it expedient, to review the statements of the special Finance Committee, made to the last General Assembly, in rela- tion to the present amount and value of each of the funds which is perma- nent in its character. That said Trustees also endeavour to recommend some plan for restoring the original capital of such of the scholarships under the control of the Trustees of the General Assembly as have sustained losses upon their capitals, or such of them as cannot properly be united and con- solidated with the assent of the donors or their representatives, and to re- commend such other measures as to the management of the finances under the control of said Trustees, as they shall deem expedient, and the Trustees shall present their report to the next General Assembly in printed form, on the first day of its meeting. [Adopted.] § 282. The Treasurer s report to he in detail. 1845, p. 34. Resolved, That it be required of the Treasurer, each year, to make a full report of the income received during the past fiscal year from each of the stocks owned by the Assembly. § 283. Trust funds may not he diverted or alienated. 1830, p. 27. The committee [of the Board of Trustees] to whom was re- ferred the memorial to the General Assembly, of John Colt, of Paterson, in the State of New Jersey, reported, " That after due consideration of the matters contained in said memorial, and of the nature of the trust created by the will of Dr. Boudinot, the com- mittee are of opinion that the Trustees cannot, with a becoming and indeed necessary regard to their duty in the trust, grant the relief requested by the memorialist. The testator has given to the Trustees no discretionary power over the fund; and the objects to which he has directed his bounty to be applied, being designated, the Trustees are clearly not at liberty, either to relinquish that which passes by the will, or to surromler any security connected with it. They, therefore, recommend the adoption of the follow- ing resolution; and that if adopted, it be communicated to the General As- semlily : " Rrsoln'd, That in the opinion of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Tresbyterian Church, the prayer of the memorial of John Colt, of Paterson, in the State of New Jersey, to the General Assembly, 494 INSTITUTIONS OF THK CHURCH. [BOOK V. cannot, consistently with the trust created by tlie will of the late Dr. Boudinot, be granted. "June 1, 1850. — Adopted by the Trustees and ordered to be communicated to the Assembly." [Adopted by the Assembly. See 1836, p. 261 ; 1840, p. 300, for similar decisions.] Title 3. — history of certain funds. § 285. The Commissioners^ Fund. — Original system. 1804, p. 311. The committee appointed to devise and recommend a phiii for affording pecuniary aid to the Commissioners from distant Presbyteries attending the General Assembly, reported. The report being read and con- sidered, was adopted, and is as follows : Your committee having taken the subject into consideration, were of opinion that the contemplated aid must, for the present, be derived from the voluntary contributions to be made by the more wealthy citizens, residents in other dis- tricts, and therefore submit the following resolution, viz : Resolved, That it be recommended to the Presbyteries belonging to the Sy- nod of New York and New Jersey, and to the Synod of Philadelphia, earnestly to advise the Churches under their care, to make an annual collection, to be specially appropriated to aid in the payment of the expenses of the Commis- sioners from the more distant parts of the country, to enable them to attend the General Assembly ; and that the money when collected, be put into the bands of the Treasurer of the Corporation, and paid to the persons who Tnay attend as Commissioners, under the direction of the General Assembly. [See 1806, p. 370, and 1807, p. 385.] § 286. Present plan of the Commissioners^ Fund. 1833, p. 496. Resolved, That it be, and hereby is earnestly recommended to the several Presbyteries and all the Ministers under thecareof the General Assembly, to urge upon the people under their care the equity, the impor- tance, and the absolute necessity of contributing to the Commissioners' Fund, in order to secure the attendance of Commissioners at the sessions of the Gene- ral Assembly, from those sections of the Church which are at the greatest distance from the place of the Assembly's meeting, and which in the divine providence are least able to sustain the burden of the expense, both of time and money, in giving such attendance. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly those Presbyteries that are wealthy, and that have judged it proper to pay the expenses of their own Commissioners, are bound in a peculiar manner to contribute liberally to the general fund, in order that they may bear their due proportion of the expenses of Commissioners who attend from distant Presbyteries, which Presbyteries and their (Commissioners, in the providence of God, are not able to pay their own expenses ; and this General Assembly would fain hope that the wealthy Presbyteries will esteem it both their privilege and their duty to make such contributions. [See 1822, p. 28.] 1847, p. 395. Whereas, there is great inequality in bearing the expenses of delegates in going to and returning from the Assembly, and whereas this burden rests chiefly on those who are the least able to bear it. therefore Resolved, That while the Assembly would not interfere with any arrange- ments that any Presbytery may choose to make to defray the expenses of its own delegates, we would enjoin on the weak Presbyteries to see to it that their Churches contribute as largely as possible; and that the more able ones, and especially such as are not very remote from the place where the Assembly SKC. 283 ] FUNDS OF TIIF. fiENF.RAL ASSEMBLY. 495 meets, be required to have collections taken up in thoir Churclies for a com- mon Commissiotiem' Faiul, to aid the weaker l^-esbjturies iu delVayiug the expenses of their delegates. § 287. The Contingent Fund. — Orujlnal jjlan. 1791, p. 40. Resolved, 1. That it be enjoined on the several Presbyteries subordinate to this Assembly, that they take effectual measures to collect money annually from all the Churches under their jurisdiction, and to forward the same yearly to the Treasurer of the General Assembly, with the name and state of the Churches settled and vacant, and the sum received from each. 2. That the several Synods use their endeavours to promote this collection ; and that, for this purpose, they annually call the Presbyteries of which they are composed to account, and inquire into their diligence herein. The Pres- byteries shall do the like with respect to their members, as often as occasion may require. 3. That the moneys so collected shall be placed in one fund, and appropri- ated to defraying the incidental expenses of the General Assembly, and the expenses of the Commissioners, at a reasonable allowance to each, according to the distance from which he conies ; provided that the sum allowed to each Commissioner shall not exceed one dollar for every forty miles, in coming to and returning from the Assembly, and half a dollar per day for his expenses during the time he shall attend his duty in the Assembly. § 288. Other plans for the Contingent Fund. 1880, p. 31. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Congregations under the care of this Assembly, to make, annually, a collection, for a contingent fund to defray the incidental expenses of the Assembly, such as recording and printing the Minutes, Clerks' salaries. Janitor's bill, stationery, and tlie ex- penses of delegates to corresponding bodies. Resolved, That this collection be reported annually by the Congregations, to their respective Presbyteries ; and by the Presbyteries be paid over to the Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly, and be reported in the annual report to the General Assembly. 1836, p. 247. Until within the last five or six years it was the practice to use so much of the permanent missionary fund as was needful to defray the contingent expenses of the Assembly. At that time it was decided to be in- compatible with the original design of that fund, since which time no such appropriation of it has been made, and in the opinion of this Assembly, no such appropriation should be made. § 289. Contingent Fund. — The present ride. 1836, p. 277. Each Presbytery shall forward to the Treasurer, for the Contingent Fund of the Assembly, at or before the meeting of the Assem- bly in each year, a sum equal to Jiftij cents for each membeT of the Presby- tery, and for any licentiate or other person who shall desire the 31inutes, and whose post-office address shall be given. And the Stated Clerk shall not forward the Miniites to the members of any Presbytery from whicli no such remittance shall be made; but only to the Stated Clerk of such Pres- bytery, and to such members as shall forward the sum above stated. § 290. Permanent Missionary Fund. — Its origin. 1800, p. 206. Resolved, That Dr. Green, Dr. Tennent, the Kev. Messrs Joseph Clark, William Hill, Robert Cathcart, and Mr. Woodhull, of New- 496 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. ton, or in case of liis failure, Mr. George Faitoute, be appointed to solicit donations in behalf of the Trustees of the General Assembly during the en suing year, and that their expenses be paid by the Trustees, and their com- pensation be made out of the moneys to be by them collected ; that each of the Presbyteries to which the said persons belong, take order to supply their pulpits in their absence ; that the members of this Assemlily generally, and all the clergy of our denomination within our bounds, do aid the exer- tions of those who shall go on this business; that these orders, however, be not considered as extending to the Synod of the Carolinas, nor to the Com- mission of the Synod of Virginia west of the Allegheny mountains ; but that the brethren comprehended in this exception be, and they are hereby di- rected, to bring those objects distinctly before the judicatures and individual ministers under their care, and take such measures to advance the purposes specified as to themselves shall appear best, and to make an accurate report to the next General Assembly. Rexolvcd, That the Presbyteries of Albany and Hudson take measures for appointing agents within their bounds respectively, for the purpose of taking subscriptions, and receiving money for the funds of the General Assembly. IhUl. The draught of a subscription to be proposed to the people of the different congregations within our bounds, for "the purpose of increasing the funds of the General Assembly, was brought in and read, and is as follows, viz : '* Whrrcns, The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church have it in contemplation to attempt more extensively than has heretofore been done, the christianizing of the Indians, the instruction of the black people, and the propagation of Christian knowledge generally, among those who are unin- structed in its principles, by the distribution among them of Bibles, religious books, and by other means ; and whereas, tlie said General Assembly have been for some years past, and now are, making exertions to send missiona- ries to preach the gospel on the frontiers of the country, which exertions have been crowned with much success — we, whose names are underwritten, do hereby engage and promise to pay to the incorporated Trustees of said Assembly, or to their order, the sums annexed to our names respectively, to enable said Assembly and Trustees to promote the objects above recited ; and our meaning and intention is, that where we do not specify the particu- lar object to which our subscriptions shall severally be applied, these sub- scriptions are to be disposed of at the discretion of the General Assembly, or of their Trustees." Approved. [The result of this effort was a collection of some #10,000, clear of expenses,] § 291. Investment and use of this Fund. 1801, p. 228. Resolved, 1. That the moneys obtained in consequence of the system adopted by the Assembly of the last year for soliciting contribu- tions for the support of missionaries, and for other objects specified in their act, and all such moneys as may be hereafter received for the same objects, (except the customary annual collections, which it is hoped will still con- tinue to be made as usual,) be regarded a capital stock, which shall at no time be broken in upon or diminished ; and that it be invested, agreeably to a recommendation hereinafter made, in secure and permanent funds. 2. That the interest only arising from this capital, together with the an- nual collections, and other donations made with the express design of their being expended within the year, be employed in supporting missionaries, in propagating the gospel among the Indians, in instructing the black people, and purchasing pious books to be distributed among the poor, or in main- taining, when the Assembly shall think themselves competent to the object, BEC. 290. J FUNDS OF TIIK GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 497 theological schools, and for such other pious and benevolent purposes as may hereai'ter be deemed expedient. 3. That for the farther augmenting the funds of the corporation, a foun- dation for which is already so happily laid, it is hereby earnestly recom- mended to the sevei*al Presbyteries under the care of the Assembly, except ■where'agents are appointed by the Assembly, to take effectual order, by ap- pointing agents, or otherwise, as to them shall seem most expedient, for ob- taining from all the congregations within their bounds, whether vacant or supplied with pastors, and as far as possible from each person belongin<'- to our communion, as well as from persons belonging to other denominations who may be disposed to favour the objects, (except those who have already contributed, ) such voluntary contributions as Grod may put into their hearts to make ; and of their fidelity and success herein, to render an account to the next Assembly. And in addition to the arrangement here speci- fied, this Assembly determine to appoint an agent or agents, tp solicit do- nations in places where the order of our Church is not fully established, or where there is a prospect of obtaining aid to funds appropriated to objects so important to the general interests of religion and good morals, as those to which the funds contemplated are destined; and that it be referred to the Synod of Virginia, and the Synod of the Carolinas, to consider whether it be most advisable that the missionary business, as it has fespect to the Synod of the Carolinas and the eastern Commission of the Synod of Vir- ginia, be conducted in future in the manner in which it has been for some time past ; or whether it would not be more advisable that their funds should be put into those of the Assembly, and the missionary business in those parts wholly managed by them ; and that the said Synods report on this sub- ject to the next Assembly. 4. That in order to encourage farther contributions for the pious ends heretofore mentioned, and to satisfy the public mind with regard to the wise and faithful application of the moneys already obtained, the Assembly will publish yearly, along with their printed extracts, a full and particular ac- count of all contributions received, and of all appropriations made. § 292. Onl^ the interest of the missionary fund to be used. 1827, p. 131. A part of what is called the Permanent Fund of the As- sembly, has arisen from legacies, and the remainder from donations received by agents appointed by the General Assembly to solicit contributions ; which donations, as appears from the early minutes of the Assembly, and from information given by some of the fathers, who acted as agents in col- lecting this fund, were given for the purpose of establishing a permanent fund, the interest of which only was to be used. § 293. Tlie income of the fund to he paid quarterly. 1829, p. 389. Resnlmd, That the Trustees of the General Assembly be, and they are hereby requested to direct their Treasurer to pay quarterly to the order of the Botird of Missions in favour of the Treasurer for the time being of said Board, all income of moneys which may from time to time ac- crue on the missionary funds or collections now or hereafter to be in his hands, that the same may be appropriated by the Board of Missions by drafts on their own Treasurer. § 294. Funds in New Jersey CoUege. 1755, p. 265. A paper was presented to the Synod containing an account of sundry generous and valuable donations from divers friends in England, for the education of pious indigent youth, for the gospel ministry, which 63 498 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [bOOK V. the Synod, in order to express their gratitude for, as well as for the security of the same for the purpose aforesaid, order to be recorded in their minutes, and are as follows : " To the Reverend Synod of New York. " The annual interest of the following donations was appropriated by the donors, for the education of such youth for the ministry of the gospel, in the college of New Jersey, as are unable to defray the expenses of their education, who appear, upon proper examina- tion, to be of promising genius, Calvinistic principles, and in the judgment of charity, experimentally acquainted with a work of saving grace, and to have a distinguished zeal for the glory of God, and salvation of men. [Here follows the list of donations.] " The above sum of two hundred and ninety-six pounds, seventeen shillings sterling, being given in trust to us, the subscribers, with design that the annual interest thereof for ever be applied for the use aforesaid : We do, by virtue of said trust, put tlie said sum into the hands of the Trustees of the college of New Jersey, in trust, to be applied to the education of such youth, of the character above-mentioned, as shall be examined and ap- proved of by the Synod of New York, (or by what name soever that body of men may be hereafter called,) and by them recommended to the Trustees of said college, and to be di- vided among such youth in such proportion as said Synod shall think fit. Witness our hands, Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Davies." [In the same place are noticed the additional sums of ten pounds seven shillings and six pence, and of fifty pounds sterling, received by the same persons for tlie same use ; making the total of this fiiiid three hundred and fifly-seven pounds, four shillings and six pence. Two hundred pounds given for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, were also reported. A committee was appointed to report a plan for investment and use.] § 295. Plan adopted for (heir ap2ylicatwn. Ibid. p. 269. The donor of the before-mentioned money, directs it to be put into the hands of the Trustees of the college of New Jersey and their successors in trust, for the uses and purposes hereafter mentioned, viz : '' Either towards the support of a pious and well qualified missionary in preaching the gospel among the Indians in North America, or the support- ing of a pious and well qualified schoolmaster in teaching the Indians the English language, and the principles of natural and revealed religion ; or for maintaining a pious and well qualified Indian youth at the college of New Jersey, while prosecuting his studies there, in order to his instructing his countrymen in the English language and the Christian religion, or preach- ing the gospel to them; or for maintaining a pious and well qualified youth of English or Scotch extract, at that college, during- his preparatory studies for teaching or preaching the gospel among the Indians, in case an Indian youth of suitable qualifications cannot at some particular time be obtained. With this express limitation, namely, that the Synod of New York, (or by whatever name that body shall, in time coming, be called,) shall direct and determine to which of the uses before-mentioned, the yearly interest of the aforesaid principal sum shall be from time to time applied; and which of the candi- dates for that particular use shall be preferred; and how the overplus above what may reasonably answer the particular use at any time pitched on, (if any such overplus be,) shall be employed in providing Bibles or other good books, conducive to promote the general design." The Synod agree to follow the directions of the generous donor, and to apply the donation for the purpose intended as soon as possible. § 296. Present amount of this fund. — Its appropriation. [Upon a settlement of accounts with the Trustees of the college, Oct. 1, 1758, these two funds were set down :is ctjuivalent severally to five hundred pounds, and three hundred and thirty-seven pounds, provincial currency.] — Minutes, 1759, p. 293. 1827, p. 133. The committee appointed by the General Assembly to act with a committee of the Trustees of New Jersey college to dispose of cer- SEC. 294.] FUNDS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 499 tain moneys in the hands of said Trustees, and to inquire into the tenure by which the General Assembly hold said funds, made the following report which was adopted, viz : That they met a committee appointed by said Board of Trustees, and that on investiu;ation it appeared, that in the year 1755, there was placed in the hands of the Board of Trust of said college five hundred pounds, which had been collected in Great Britain, by Messrs. Tenncnt and I)avics, for the education of pious 3'outh, which sum, probably owing to the depreciation of money during the revolutionary war, is now ecjual to ^400.19. And that in 1750, [1755,] the same Board received through Messrs. Tennent and Burr, from an unknown person in Scotland, three htxndred and thirty-seven pounds, fil'teen shillings, for the education of an Indian Missionary, itc., &c. ; and that owing to a like depreciation the sum is now equal to $_'7-. That the present amount of the above-mentioned sums is 8078.19, for which the Board of Trustees have paid since the year 1775, five per cent, interest. The appropriation or right of nominating the person or persons to whose use the interest of the above sum was to be applied, was vested originally in the Synod of New York, and the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. But at present, as j'our committee suppose, this right be- longs to the General Assembly as successor of those bodies. They further report, that on inquiry, they find that the above-mentioned sum of $678.19, is not, and cannot be distinguished in the Treasurer's accounts of said Trus- tees from other charitable funds under the control of said Board ; but forms with them one common principal, the interest of which is aj)plied to the support of indigent young men, while receiving their education in said col- lege. From the above considerations, it does not appear that a joint com- mittee should he annually appointed to appropriate the interest, amounting to $3*J.91, to any particular person, inasmuch as the same amount is deducted from the sum which would otherwise be allowed such a person by the Board of Trustees. Your committee would therefore recommend the adoption of the following, viz : Jiesolvex/, That the appropriation of the annual interest arising from moneys in the hands of the Trustees of New Jersey college, subject to the direction of the General Assembly, be, and it hereby is, for the present en- trusted to said Board. § 297. Azariah Horton Fund. — Extract of his will. 17J14, p. 90. A clause of the will of Mr. Aziriali Horton was laid before thr Assembly by Foster Horton, one of" his executors, reqaesting- to be directed where he should lodge the stock bcqueatlicd in the said clause, agree.ihly to tlie intention of tiic testator. The clause is in the words following', viz : '■^Item: I will and direct my said executors out of the moneys of my estate to purchase the amount of five iiundred and thirty-three dollars and thirty-three cents, in six per cent, stock of the United States, and that the unnual in- terest thereof be apj)ropriated for ever towards tlie education of pious ^-oiith, according to the discretion of a joint connnittce of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Ministers and Trustees of Princeton college in New Jersey, the said connnittec to autliorize and em|)Ower, from time to time, a person to draw and receive said interest tor the use and purpose aforesaid." Whereupon, Resolved, That the above stock be lodged in the hands of the Trustees of New Jersey College, in order to be applied in the manner and for the purpose contained in the fore- cited clause. § 298. James Lesly Fund. — Extract of his will. "Item: I give and bequeath all the residue of my estate, real and personal, to the Trustees of the college of New Jersey, calleii Nass;ni H.ill, and to tluir successors; to b.' by the said Trustees and their successors, const. mtly kept ;,t interest on good security. And it is my will tliat lh(; interest arising from the said residue of my estate shall be ap. propriated to the education of poor and pious youth of the Presbvterian denoM)iiiation for the work of the gospel ministry, and to no ot' vr purpose whatever. Provided, nevcrthe 500 INSTITUTIONS OF THL CHURCH. [BOOK V. less, that if it should so happen that the said interest should in nny year be more than sufficient to pay for tlic education of suc1i youth in that year actually educated on this fund, then and in tliat c::se the said Trustees may and shiill appropriate tlie surplus of such interest, for such year, towards the supjinrt of a missionary or missionnries to preach tlie gospel and administer its ordinances to the frontier inhabitants of the United States, if the General Assembly of tlie Presbyterian Church in these States shall judg^e it neces- cessiiry to send missionaries to the frontiers in the year in which such surj>lus shall arise; and provided that such surplus sliall not exceed thirty pounds; but if the snid surplus shall exceed thirty j)onnds New York currency, in that case my will is, th;.t thirty pounds of it only be appropri itcd to the support of missionaries as aforesaid, and that the residue of such surplus be added to the principal sum and put out at interest with it. And if if shall happen that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church aforesaid shall not judge it necessary to send missionaries to the frontiers, as aforesaid, in the year in which such surplus shall arise, then it is my will that the whole of such surplus shall be added to the capital or principal sum, and put out at interest with it. — Minutes, 1792, p. 51. § 299. Funrh with the Corporation of the Widows' Fund. [Upon a settlement with Dr. Alison in 1760, the amount of funds in his hands belong, lug to the Synod, for tlic relief of widows of Ministers, was five hundred and sixty-one pounds, besides insolvent bonds lor fifly-five pounds.] — Minutes, 1760, p. 296. 1761, p. 309. Dr. Alison represented, that there was some money in his hands belonging to the fund of the late Synod of Philadelphia, Avhich he thought himself uncjualified to lay out for the use of this body in a legal manner, and that other sums due to the Synod were in danger of being lost, as they were not a body corporate, invested with a power to sue and be sued ; and he requested that this Synod would be pleased to put this fund on a surer footing if possible. The Synod agree, that all money belonging to that fund be put into the hands of the corporation for the relief of poor and distressed Presbyterian Ministers, their widows and children, to be managed by them in trust, for the Synod, after the same manner that certain sums belonging to this body, appropriated to the education of poor and pious youths, are put into the hands of the Trustees of the college of New Jersey, to be managed in trust for us ; and that said sums be disposed of according to an agreement made between the members of the late Synod of Philadelphia, until the widows, who were under that Synod's care at the union of the two Synods, die, or be otherwise provided for. § 300. Funds from Scotland with the Corporation. The committee appointed to meet the corporation laid their minutes before the Synod, who highly approve of their proceedings in the business commit- ted to their care, and commend the settlement made respecting the money deposited in the hands of the corporation by the Church of Scotland, to be disposed of by said corporation in conjunction with the Synod's committee, in the disposal of "which they are concerned; and vote them their thanks for their fidelity and diligence. The settlement of the committee of Synod with the Corporation of the Widows' Fund, is as follows: "The corporation having laid their accounts respecting the money granted them by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland before the committee of the Synod, the com- mittee finding it ditficult to understand the propriety of allowing some articles in said ac- counts, and having conferred with the committee of the corporation, who, on the strictest examination, exhibited this account, they still declared that they were in some things not ihlly satisfied ; therefore to end all debates, and for the sake of peace, the corporation agreed to make them the following proposals, though they are persuaded that the accounts rxiiibited to them are just and reasonabl'', and such as they can on a just and sure fbun- liation exhibit to the world : " 1st. That thirty pounds free of all deductions shall be yearly paid by the Treasurer il" the cor|)oration to a committee of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, on the .'4!h day of May ; the first payment to commence on the 24th of May, 1772, to be applied V them, for the uses and purposes hereafter mentioned, and for none else; these uses, as ..e apprehend, being agreeable to the pious intentions of the donors. SEC. 298.] FUNDS OP THK OKN'K.RAL ASSEMBLY. 501 " 2d. That in consideration of the application of said sum of thirty pounds, the com- mittee of thf Synod, in the name of that reverend body, do acquiesce in and approve of sucli application of the money, entrusted by the Scotch Church for tlie use of the widows' lUnd, and all such other pious uses as have been hitherto made of it by the corporation. "3d. That this sum of thirty pounds shall be expended by the committee of the Svnod ill assisting poor and distressed Presbyterian Ministers, or llitir t'amilies ; or to pay Nlin- istrrs or probationers to preacii the gospel to weak or frontier Congrcg-ations in the bounds of Pennsylvania and the lower counties. New Jersey, and Maryland, and to assist them when weak and distressed, to erect places of worship, and to preach to and assist the In- dians who live among said inhabitants or contiguous to the frontiers of said provinces. "4th. The connnittee hereb)' covenant, agree, and engage to and with the corporation, th;>.t they shall never claim a riglit or power to break on the capital whence tiie said tiiirty pounds are to arise by way of interest, nor shall the connnittee of the Synod employ it for any otlier uses than those above specified, upon the pain of hav*iiig it withheld or e.mployed by tlie corporation in conjunction with the committee ; but if it be found neces- sary in the judgment of this corporation to employ the whole capital, which is considered by this Board as equal to six hundred pounds, or any part thereof in the support of the widows' fund, it is hereby agreed to use it for that purpose ; and if a part of it be so em- ployed, the committee of the Synod shall have the disposal of the interest of the sum re- maining at five per cent, clear of all deductions. The committee and corporation are by tills agreement bound, never to touch said capital of six hundred pounds, but only and in such case, as the annuities due from the corporation cannot be paid without breaking on the capital, as is stipulated in the thirteenth article of the agreement made between the contributors and this corporation. And it is hereby stipulated that tliis'agreement shall prevent and put an end to all debates between this corporation and tlie committee of the Synod respecting the money entrusted to our care by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. "Signed in behalf of the corporation, by their President, Secretarj% and Treasurer, viz: John Ewing, Francis Alison, William Humphreys." § 301. The Eastburn Seameii's Chapel Fund. 1828, p. 226. The General Assembly remember with lively interest the zealous and benevolent labours of the late Rev. Joseph Eastburn, among the seamen of this city ; and have with great pleasttre read a clause in his will, in which he intrusts the General Assembly with the residue of his es- tate estimated at between §8,000 and $9,000 ; the income of which it is to be applied to the support of preaching among that class of our fellow men ; therefore, Rcsolvrd, That the General Assembly approve of the acceptance of the trust, by their Trustees, and do direct them to receive and execute said trust, in conformity with the will of the testator. § 302. Colt Scholarship. — Terms of the Endowment. 1829, p. 419. The conditions on which this endowment is made are the following, viz: [The 1st and 2d conditions designate who shall nominate the beneficiary.] " That the future Professors and Directors of the Seminary shall continue to subscribe, on entering on the duties of their respective otfices, the same form of subscription which is now j)rescribed by the plan of the Seminary ; but on their failing to do so, or in case of any alteration of the present form of subscription, tlien the capital sum of $2,.500 sh:ill be forfeited to the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in Pat(Tson, for the jiurpose of estiiblisliing a free school in said town, under the control and direction of tlie Trustees of said Church, and tiieir successors. And the acceptance of tiiis gilt by the Trustees of the General Assembly shall be taken and deemed as a pledge that they and tlieir succes- sors will appropriate the said funds as occasion may require in manner set forth." § 303. The Ed Scholarship. [18.30, p. 44. Extract from the will of Robert Hall and his sister, Marion Hall, of New. burgh. New York.] "And wiiereas, after a life of nearly fourscore years, much of which has been spent in examining tlie word of God, we arc tiilly satisfied of tiie cr)rrectncss of the doctrines of religion, as laid down in the Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms 502 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK Y. drawn up by the Westminster Assembly of divines, and as held by the GJcnerul Assem- bly of the Presbyterian Cliurcli in the United States, we desire that the scholarship which is endowed by this our bequest of $2,500, shall be called the Ed* scliolarship, as a wit- ness between us and the Tlieolog;ical Seminary, that the Lord, he is God, agreeably to siiid Confession of Faith and Catechisms. " Further, it is our will, that tlie Professors in said Seminary be careful that no person holding- sentiments inconsistent with the Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms, be ever admitted to the benefit of said scholarship." § 304. Boudinot Pastors' Library Fund. 1S22, p. 64. The late Dr. Elias Boudinot bequeathed three brick houses in Phihidelphia to the Trustees of the General Assembly, " the rents, issues, and profits of which, with that of such stock or other securities into which the said Trustees may choose, in case of sale, to vest them," to be laid ou.t in useful books and distributed as directed. One of said houses he sold, but forgot to make provision for it ; it is therefore, a lapsed legacy as to that house. The Treasurer of the Trustees was put in possession of the other two. They have been put in good order and let to reputable tenants. § 305. Another Boudinot Fund. 184n, p. 253. The devise made by the testator was to the General Assembly, for the following purpo'ses, as expressed in his will, viz: "to be expended and paid out for the support of sucli of their members, of the Synod of New Jersey, and their successors, and whose salaries shall be in their strict and conscientious opinion too insufficient for their comfortal)le support; or it may be appropriated by them, at their option, towards contribu- ting in whole, or in part, towards the instruction of those who are without a preached gospel among them; or their Corporation or General Assembly may appropriate all or any part thereof to promoting the purposes of the two societies for the education of youth, as established under the said General Assembly, of one of which I am President, and of the other Vice-President. CHAPTER III. PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY. §306. Collection of tnateriak for the History of the Church. 1791, p. 38. Resolved, That Dr. Witherspoon, Dr McWhorter, Mr. Graham, Mr. Green, Mr. Hall, and Mr. Templeton, be a committee to de- vise measures for the collecting of materials necessary for a history of the Presbyterian Church in North America, and that they report the same to this house, as soon as possible. p. 39. The committee appointed to devise measures for the collecting mate- rials necessary for the history of the Presbyterian Church in America, made their report, as follows, viz: They approve of the design of collecting materials for a history of the Presbyteriiin Church; that they have little more to lay before the house, except what is contained in the following overture, viz : The object is to procure materials for a complete history of the Presbyterian (;hurch in the United States from the beginning. For this purpose the fol- lowing information will be necessary, viz : Who were the first Ministers in America, from whence they came, the internal and relative st:tte of the * [See Joshua xxii. 34.] SEC. 303.] PRESBYTi'.RIAN lIISTORiCAL SOCIETY. o03 Churches, where they fixed themselves, and when ; tlie situation of things, so far as it affected the furmatiuu and establishment of a Presbyterian Church; extracts from royal instructions to (xovernors in the colunies, relating to eccle- siastical matters; laws of the colonies affecting religious liberty; accounts of prosecutions in consequence of those laws ; yhen each Presbyterian congre- gation in the United States was first formed, and its particular history from that period to the present time ; what congregations have existed which are now extinct, the causes of their extinction ; when Presbyteries were first formed in the United States, when Synods, when the General Assembly. If the Gen- eral Assembly should enjoin upon each of their members to furnish, as partic- ularly as may be, the history of his own Church, it is probable that materials may be collected without much difficulty. The sooner it is done the better ; as time, accident, and the death of ancient people, will daily destroy some sources of information. The materials might be brought to the next meeting of the General Assembly, and deposited with their Clerk. Your committee would further subjoin, that the old records of Presbyteries and Synods should, as far as possible, be examined, and that Mr. Hazard should be applied to for leave to inspect his collection of state papers. [Adopted.] 1792, p. 50. The several Presbyteries were called upon for their reports, in regard to the order of the General Assembly, upon the subject of a collection of materials for a history of the Presbyterian Church in America; when it appeared that they were diligently engaged in the business referred to them, and that satisfactory communications respecting it might be ready for the next General Assembly. Whereupon, • Ordered, That the several Presbyteries be careful to continue their atten- tion to this subject, and be prepared to report upon it to the next General Assembly. [Similar action occurred during a series of years.] § 307. A committee appointed to write the history. 1804, p. 287. Whereas, the Assembly, for several years past, have been taking measures to obtain materials for a complete history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of iVmerica, which materials, as far as they have been obtained, are in the hands of the Stated Clerk, and it seems expedient that the history contemplated should be entered upon as soon as possible ; therefore. Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green and Mr. Ebenezer Hazard be, and they are hereby appointed to write the history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, under the care of the General Assembly, and lay a copy thereof, when completed, before the General Assembly; that they have the free use of the materials collected, and that the copyright of the history, when finished, shall belong to the said Dr. Green and Mr. Hazard. And whereas, there are certain Presbyteries and congregations under the care of the Assembly that have not yet furnished materials for their history, though long solicited, therefore, Resolved; That all such I'resbyteries and congregations be, and they are hereby strictly enjoined, to do all in their power to complete their histories as soon as possible, and to forward them without delay to the said Dr. Green and Mr. Hazard, resident in the city of Philadelphia ; who are hereby autho- rized, if they find it necessary, to write to any Presbyteries and congregations that may not forward to them the historical documents desired, and urge them to the performance of their duty, and to state to the yVssembly the names of those Presbyteries and congregations, if such there shall be, who shall not ulti- 504 INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH. [BOOK V. mately furnish the information necessary. And this Assembly do also herel>y recommend to all the people under their care, especially to gentlemen of litera- ture and leisure within their bounds, to furnish to the gentlemen appointed to this service, all the information in their power to give, relative to the his- tory in contemplation, that this important work may be completed in a man- ner as accurate and satisfactory as possible. § 308. Tlie Committee changed. 1813, p. 535. It was stated to the Assembly by Dr. Green, in behalf of himself and Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., that from a variety of circumstances they find it impracticable to go on with the history of the Presbyterian Church, which they were appointed to write, by an act of the General Assembly passed in the year 1804, and in the writing of which they have made considerable progress, and for its continuance have in their hands many materials. It was, at the same time, requested by these gentlemen, that the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., might, if it should seem good to the Assembly, be appointed to receive from them all the papers which they possess relative to the history in question, and that he be -nrh.u-ized and requested to complete the same. Whereupon, Resolved, That all the papers relative to the history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in the hands of Dr. Green and Mr. Hazard, be by them deposited with Dr. Miller, and that he be appointed and directed to continue and complete said history; and that the arrangement in regard to the copyright of this history, which right has heretofore been assured to Dr. Green and Mr. Hazard, be settled between them and Dr. Miller, as shall be mutually satisfactory to the parties severally. 1819, p. 718. Resolved, That Dr. Green be associated with Dr. Miller, in writing the history of the Presbyterian Church. § 309. Further measures adopted. [In 1825, the above committee requested to be discharged ; whereupon the following report of a committee on the subject was adopted :] 181^5, p. 258. The history of the Presbyterian Church in these United States, appears to your committee to be a subject too important to be aban- doned, and well worthy all the attention which can be bestowed upon it by this Assembly. Its importance will at once appear when it is considered how nearly it is connected with the propagation of the pure doctrines of the Bible, the progress of vital godliness, the spread of the gospel, and the rapid advance- ment of the interests of science. Your committee, therefore, are of opinion, that such measures ought to be adopted as will be calculated to ensure the continuation and completion of the history of the Presbyterian Cliurch, with the least possible delay. The difficulties which must be encountered in the execution of this undertaking, will not be diminished, but increased with time; and your cotTimittee are moreover happy to have it in their power to inform this Assembly that they have received information of the existence in diiferent and distant parts of our country, of several important documents and Presbyterial records, which it is hoped may in a good degree supply that lack of information that has heretofore existed. Your committee, therefore, recoujmend the adoption of the following resolutions, viz : 1. Resolved, That the request made by the Rev. Drs. Green and IMiUer, to be released from their appointment to write the history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, is received with unfeigned regret. But the As.sembly viewing the request, under existing circumstances, to be both rea- sonable and proper, do further resolve that the same be granted. SEC. 307.] PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 505 2. Resolved, That the thanks of the Assembly be, and they hereby are, given to the llcv. Dr. Green, for his gratuitous offer of the whole result and fruits of his arduous labour bestowed in writing in part, the desired history, as well as in collecting documents, and various information, and in form- ing annals in relation to that part of the same which yet remains to be ex- ecuted. 3. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, whose duty it shall be to receive from the Rev. Dr. Green, the documents and annals and infor- mation prepared by him to be furnished, and to collect such other documents as may be in their power, and may be necessary to the completion of the history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, with as little delay as possible ; and whose further duty it shall be to report from time to time their progress in the proposed undertaking to this Assembly. The Rev. Aslibel Green, D. D., Rev. Jacob J. Janeway, D. D., and Rev. Ezra S. Ely, D. D., were appointed a committee for the purposes mentioned in the last resolution. 4. Resolved, That all the Presbyteries under the care of this Assembly, which have been formed since the year 1797, be earnestly requested, with all convenient expedition, to compile the histories respectively of their seve- ral Presbyteries, and transmit the same to the committee above mentioned, resident in the city of Philadelphia; and that any Presbyteries which were formed anterior to the year 1797, and which have not as yet forwarded their histories severally, be careful to prepare and forward them with as little delay as possible. 5. Resolved, That an agent be appointed by this Assembly, in each Synod within our bounds, whose duty it shall be to collect and transmit to the said committee all such documents, printed and manuscript, as may tend, in their opinion, to throw any light on the history of any part of the Presbyterian Church. 1836, p. 293. Resolved, That the Rev. Luther Halsey, D. D., be appointed on the committee to prepare the history of the Presbyterian Church, in the place of the Rev. Ezra S. Ely, D. D., resigned. § 310. The collections deposited with the Historical Society. 1853, p. 456. A memorial from the Presbyterian Historical Society was read, requesting sundry favours from the Assembly ; whereupon the follow- ing resolutions were adopted, viz : 1. Resolved, That the General Assembly hereby testify their interest in the organization of the Presbyterian Historical Society, and deem the objects of sufficient importance to call the attention of the Synods and Presbyteries to such forms of co-operation in securing the materials of our church history as may seem to them expedient. 2. Resolved, That the General Assembly commit all the manuscript ma- terials, pertaining to the history of the Presbyterian Church, whitli have been collected in past years under their authority, to the custody of the Presbyterian Historical Society. 3. Resolved, That the General Assembly give to the Historical Society permission to select from the publications of their Board of Publication such volumes as belong to their department, for the purpose of an historical li- brary ; and the further permission to select, from time to time, whatever works may be necessary for the purposes of exchange with other historical societies, or agencies. 64 50ti RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI BOOK VI. RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES PART I. INTERCOURSE OF CHURCHES *• § 1. The regulation of intercourse belongs to the Assemble/. 1827, p. 134. [The records of the 8ynod of Tennessee approved,] with the exception of a proposal to establish a plan of intercourse, between said Synod and the Cumberland Presbyterians ; of which proposal the Assembly disapprove, on the ground that it belongs to the Assembly *' to correspond with foreign Churches on such terms as may be agreed upon, by the Assem- bly and the corresponding body." — Form of Gov., ch. xii. sec. 5. CHAPTER I. INTERCOURSE WITH THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. Title 1. — early correspondence. § 2. First occasion of intercourse. 1708, p. 13. Ordered, That Mr. Andrews and Mr. Hampton write to the Ministers of Connecticut, concerning the aifuir of Woodbridge. To Mr. Davenport, Mr. Shove, and Mr. Buckingham : Reverend Brethren, — Through the good providence of our Lord Jesus Christ assisting us, we, the Ministers of the gospel of the Presbyterian per- suasion, in this province and those adjacent, taking into our serious consid- eration the case and circumstances of our holy religion in these parts, have, to our great toil and labour, and great difficulty to divers of us, by renson of our great distance from one another, formed ourselves into a Presbytery, SEC. 1.] INTKROOUhSK WITH NEW ENfiLAND. 507 annually to be convened, for the furthering and promoting the true interests of religion and godliness. In which our undertaking, as we would not have anything should be advanced that may be justly disgustful to any pious soul, but the contrary; so it is our universal desire to walk in the nearest union and fellowship with the Churches in those ])arts where you inhabit, not knowing any difference in opinion so weighty as to inhibit such a pro- posal, not doubting of your cordial assent thereunto. And for a testimony of our sincerity and real intentions to act as has been mentioned, we con- clude it convenient to lay before you one difficult matter that has been (to our great trouble and exercise) laid before us, and also what has been our advice about it ; holding it proper so to do, because yourselves have been concerned in a transaction that has in some measure led into it. We find by divers letters that have passed between you and sundry persons in Wood- bridge, that you are not unacquainted with the confusions and distractions arising from the accession of jNIr. Wade to be the Minister of that town, and the aversion of a considerable part of the people to the accepting of him as such, and therefore need only mention what we, after mature deliberation and consultation, have advised for the healing the differences among them, upon the application of those that disagree with Mr. Wade made unto us, concluding that if their contentions and animosities continue, it may be of unhappy consequence. .... As you have been employed in Mr. Wade's fixing there, and we hope with sincere aims at the good of the place, so long groaning under the unhappiness of the want of a settled ministry, so we humbly conceive you are in duty bound in a s])ecial manner to put to your helping hand to rescue them from the mis- erable inconveniences that now they labour under, by all the ways that you can, to which we hope your advice for mutual forbearance may have much force, &C. [Mr. Nathaniel Wade was a Congregational Minister, but in 1710 was admitted a member of the Presbytery. The ditficulties however still continued, until tlie Presbytery adopted the following paper :] § 3. Final action in this case. 1712, p. 27. It was overtured, that whereas, for these several years, we have endeavoured to accommodate the differences between Mr. Wade and the people of Woodbridge, after some time, at his own proposal, we admitted him as a member of our Presbytery, and he submitted himself willingly to our Constitution, which we hoped would have been effectual for the taking away these unhappy divisions, but to our sad disappointment, we have found them continue and rather increase. The first year of his admission, we hoped that our Christian and ministe- rial advice, both to Mr. Wade and the disagreeing parties at Woodbridji-e, W(juld have been sufficient for reconciliation ; but herein also we were lament- ably frustrated, for the next Presbytery their mutual complaints were a^-ain renewed. And after inquiry and serious deliberation upon those complaints, some whereof brought by the people against Mr. Wade were of a scandalous na- ture, and of long standing, we came to an unanimous resolution, that really Mr. Wade has been all along, and continued to be, the woful bone of con- tention among that unhappy p(>ople, and that therefore the only effectual way of putting an end to these unchristian jars, was that ]Mr. Wade should demit all pastoral relation to the whole people of Woodbridge. and that they should be at full liberty to choose some other Minister; but in the meantime we were willing that 3Ir. Wade should su])ply their vacancy until another offered, not doubting but that Mr. Wade and the good people of 508 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VT. Woodbridge would use their unanimous endeavours with all convenient speed, to provide themselves with a qualified Minister in whuni they should agree. To all which Mr. Wade did, at our last Presbytery aforesaid, give his solemn and hearty consent, as fully appears from his own words, then spoken and upon record. Nevertheless, Mr. Wade, immediately on his re- turn to Woodbridge, did begin, and has continued ever since, to misconstrue our proceedings, and render ineffectual all our designs of peace and unity. 1. By pretending still to a pastoral relation to some of the people of Woodbridge, notwithstanding his own actual renunciation of all such charge as appears, and furthermore constituting new Church officers. — Vide letter, November 23, 1711. 2. By finding fault with some of our Presbytery for providing a supply according to the mind of the whole Presbytery, who always designed Mr. Wade to supply no longer than till another could be had. — Vide letter, September 16, 1712. 3. By opposing the settlement of Mr. Gillespie, a preacher from North Britain, though recommended heartily by Dr. Mather, as well as sufficiently from Glasgow, and at first generally liked by the people of Woodbridge. — Vide Dr. Mather's last letter to Woodbridge. 4. But most of all, and which indeed, includes all, by a shameful recan- tation which he, the said Mr. Wade, made, in a letter to three of our num- ber, dated November 23, 1711, of what he solemnly and frankly acknow- ledged, upon conviction of his conscience, as he said, viz : that he had been a bone of contention at Woodbridge, and therefore, that he might be so no longer, he demitted all pastoral relation to them, heartily wishing they might unite in calling another which the Presbytery might approve of, as our re- cords make appear ; this he now declares he recants, so that it seems he re- solves still upon being the wretched bone of contention, and therefore la- bours what he can, contrary both to the greatest part of the people, and the mind of the Presbytery, to plant himself there again, or if not, to keep up the contention. And though Mr. Wade has not attended this Presbytery, yet his own letters above cited, besides the personal knowledge of several members of this Presbytery concerning this affair, and the letters from the people, dated one of them, November 6, 1711, another September 13, 1712, besides one from Mr. Thomas Pike, of November 10, 1711, do sufficiently evidence the contentions about him to be as great as ever. — Vide letter, November 23, 1711. We therpfore, in the fear and name of otir great Master, do appoint and ordain, That the said Mr. Wade do no longer exercise his ministerial office at the town of Woodbridge, or among the people thereof, unless allowed by the Presbytery hereafter; but that he forthwith, and without resistance, directly or indirectly, give place to some other whom God in his providence may send, and the good people of Woodbridge, or the major part of them, call and agree about. [At the same time a letter of expostulation was written to Dr. Cotton Mather, in regfard to the unhappy effects of his interpositions in the matter, (Ibid. p. 29,) and thus this first occasion of correspondence disappears from the record.] § 4. Committee in relation to difficidties in New York. 1721, p. 67. A reference from the Presbytery of Long Island being made to this Synod, as to a further cognoscing on the affair of the Trustees of New Haven college their sending missionaries to erect a new separate Con- gregation in New York ; and we having inspected into the conduct of the said Presbytery in that affair, though we cannot see how their conduct can be disapproved ; yet considering that the gentlemen Trustees have, by a let- •SEC. 8.] INTEKCOURSK WITH NEW ENGLAND. 509 ter, desired a conference with some of our Synod upon that and other affairs, we now defer giving our Hynodical judgment thereon, that so we may not hinder their desired nmicable conference with us, in case any such confer- ence be appointed. A letter from the Trustees of the coHege uf New Haven being read, wherein they have desired that this Synod would send some of their number to meet and amicably treat with them about the great affairs of religion in general, and about the unhappy diiferenoes at Nf^w York in particular; the Synod, in answer to those great and good ends, do appoint the Pre-bytery of J^ong Island, or as many of their number as the said Pres- bytery shall nominate and appoint, to meet and christianly confer with the said Trustees upon the aforesaid articles, at Stanford, on the 25th day of October next, and that a letter be written in answer to theirs. § 5. Report of the Committee. 1722, p. 73. The Presbytery of Long Island gave in their report to the Synod, that a committee of their Presbytery met a number of the Trustees of New Haven college, according to the appointment of the Synod, and have given a large account in writing, of their proceedings with said Trus- tees, whereby the Synod is convinced that they, though without the desired success, have done what they could relating to the union with Connecticut Ministers, and removing those differences between thom and our Presbytery of Long Island, by the irregular division of the Congregation at New York, and the Trustees sending missionaries to preach there. LTpon the whole, the Synod approves of the conduct of the Presbytery of Long Island in the whole affair as it was managed by them, both since last Synod and formerly. § 6. Conference icith the Connecticut Ministers on the subject. 1723, p. 76. A letter from the Ministers of Connecticut to this Synod, desiring a conference with some of the Ministers of this Synod, in order to the healing of those divisions in the Presbyterian Congregation in New York, being read and maturely considered, it was ordered that a letter be writ to the Ministers of Connecticut in answer to theirs^ to thank them for their concern about the interest of religion in New York, and their propo- sing a conference with some of us in order tg heal the division in the Pres- byterian congregation there, and to signify our hearty concurrence with their proposal. And withal to signify our apprehensions that the place pro- posed for a conference is not so likely to answer the good intentions ex- pressed in their letter as New Y'^ork would be, and therefore to desire them to send some of their number to meet with some of ours there, on the twenty- third of October next. Messrs. Andrews, Dickinson, Morgan, Philips, Cross, and McGill, appointed to meet the said ministers at New Y'ork, at the time before mentioned, and are empowered to act in the name and with the full power of the Synod, in the affair proposed. But if the said Con- necticut -Ministers decline coming to New York at the time mentioned, the aforementioned members of the Synod are empowered to meet them at any other time and place for the said purpose as they shall think reasonable. And if the good ends proposed, relating to New York, be at the conference happily accomplished, the Synod recommends it to those of their members aforr* a)ipointed for said conference, to treat with said Ministers of Connec- ticut about an union with us, and empower them to concert ami conclude upon any methods that tnay conduce to that end. Mr. McCill and Mr. Conn a[iiiiiiiiti!d to write the abovesaid letter. 1724, p. 70. The Synod approves of the conduct of the committee ap- pointed to meet with the Ministers from Connecticut, to confer about the 510 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. affairs of t' "^resbyterian Congregation in New York, though their endeav- ours TpYu\ iiisuccessful. §7.-4 second Committee to vuit New York. 1727, p. 86. A letter was presented to the Synod from the Ministers in Boston, in New England, as also another from the Presbyterian Congrega- tion at New York, referring to the ordination of Mr. Pemberton, and his settle- ment at New York, and proposing his admission as a member of the Synod ; both which being read, the consideration of that whole affair was referred to the committee to bring in an overture upon it. p. 87. Overtui'ed, Upon the affair of the Congregation at New York, . . . As to the call and settlement of the Rev. Mr. Pemberton at New York, the Synod does declare that the rules of our Presbyterian Constitution were not observed in several respects by that Congregation in that matter. This passed by the Synod ncmine contra dicenfe. And it was put to the vote ; Receive, or delay the receiving of Mr. Pem- berton as a member of this Synod ; and it was carried for delaying ; which delay did not flow from any disrespect to Mr. Pemberton, or any fault ob- jected against him, but from other reasons. Masters Andrews, Morgan, Jonathan Dickinson, Pierson, and Webb, ap- pointed to be a Committee to meet at New York to accommodate matters of difference between that Congregation and the Presbytery of Long Island, and also any other differences that may be among themselves about their church settlement, and particularly, to receive Mr. Pemberton as a member of the Synod, or not, as they shall see cause. As to the time of the meet- ing of the said Committee, it is determined that it shall be at such time as the Congregation of New York shall agree upon, they giving reasonable notice to the members of the Committee, and the Presbytery of Long Island, that they may meet there together. [See Book IV. § 15.] § 8. Standing Committee of Correspondence appointed. 1758, p. 290. Agreed, That Messrs. Cross, Grilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, and Treat, be a committee to correspond in the name of the Synod, with the Churches of our persuasion in Britain and Ireland, and in these colonies and elsewhere, by means of proper persons in these Churches for the ensu- ing year. § 9. Emharraxiim,cnts of this intercourse. [See below, §§ 22, 29.] [Among others, the following queries were brought into the Greneral Synod :] 1760, p. 305. Fourth query. Whether any Minister, or Probationer, or- dained or licensed in Scotland, England, Ireland, Connecticut, or in any of the Reformed Churches, ought not to be admitted as a gospel Minister, or Probationer, if he produce sufficient certificates that he was orderly ordained or licensed, and has behaved according to his character, provided he adopts our Confession, and promises subjection in the Lord ? Fifth query. Whether it is regular for our students of divinity, who in- tend to return and officiate in the bounds of the Synod, to go into New England, or elsewhere, in order to be licensed ? 1764, p. 338. In answer to the fourth query we judge, that though every Christian society should maintain communion with others as far as they can with a good conscience; yet no society, in order to maintain communion, is obliged to adopt or imitate the irregularities and deficiencies of another, con- trary to its own established and approved rules of procedure. And if any 6EC. G.] INTERCOURSE WITH NEW ENGLAND. 5)1 society or body of men are known to be of erroneous principles, or to be lax or negligent as to the orthodoxy or piety of those they admit into the ministry, as we apprehend to be the case of the New J^ight, in Ireland, and of some other particular judicatures and individual Ministers who may, and in some places on this continent, do, convene together as a temporary judica- ture for the single purpose of licensing, or ordaining a candidate. In such cases, none of our Presbyteries are obliged to receive and employ in their bounds, as gospel Ministers or probationers, such persons, thuugli producing fair certificates, and professing to adopt our Confession. But if any ordained Minister, or candidate, comes well recommended bj^ those on whose testi- mony we can depend, such are to be gladly received upon their adopting our Confession, and promising subjection in the Lord. As to the fifth ((uery, though the Synod entertains a high regard for the Associated Churches of New England, yet we cannot but judge, that stu- dents who go to them, or to any other than our own Presbyteries to obtain license, in order to return and officiate among us, act very irregularly, and are not to be approved or employed by our Presbyteries, as hereby we are deprived of the right of trying and approving the qualifications of our own candidates ; yet, if any case may happen wherein such a conduct may, in some circumstances, be thought necessary for the greater good of any Con- gregation, it shall be laid before the Presbytery to which the Congregation belongs, and approved of by them. 1765, p. 344. The Synod finding some obscurity in the answer given last year to the fourth query, they have agreed to explain it further in the fol- low^ing words, viz : It is undoubtedly the right of Presbyteries to converse with any probationer, or Minister from foreign parts, as far as they may find it necessary to give them satisfaction, and not receive him implicitly on a certificate, however fiiir and regular, together with his general profession of adopting the Westminster Confession and Catechisms. But if such proba- tioner, or Minister, shall come from a Church or judicature generally sus- pected, or known to be erroneous, or lax and negligent with respect to the moral conduct or piety of their candidates, or members ; or if they shall come from any number of Ministers who may convene without any regular constitution, merely for the purpose of licensing or ordaining particular persons ; in that case a certificate from such a judicature, and such a gene- ral profession of the party's adopting the Confession of Faith, is still less satisfactory, and renders it highly necessary for the Presbytery to which ap- plication shall be made, to be more particular and exact in examining the principles of such a probationer, or Minister, before they admit him, or em- ploy him in their bounds. § 10. Annual convention with the Connecticut Churches. 1766, p. 364. An overture was brought in to endeavour to obtain some correspondence between this Synod and the Consociated Churches in Con- necticut. A copy of a letter from this Synod to them was also read and approved, and the Rev. Messrs. John Kwing, Patrick Alison, and the Moderator, are desired to present this letter and confer with our brethren on this affair. And in case it shall seem meet to our reverend brethren to attend to this our proposal, so far as to appoint Commissioners from their body to meet with Commissioners from ours ; we appoint the Kev. Dr. Alison, and the Rev. Messrs. Timothy Jones, William Tennent, John Rodgers, Elisha Kent, John Smith, John Blair, and Samuel Buel, to meet with them at such time and place as the reverend brethren of Connecticut shall agree. 1767, p. 374. The minutes of a convention held at Elizabethtown, the 512 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. 5th of Novciiilier kst, by delegates from the Coiiscfciated Churches in Con- necticut and from this 8_ynod, were read, and a plan of union proposed be- tween the t'ongregational Consociated, and Presbyterian Churches formed at that convention, was seriously considered and amended ; and the follow- ing gentlemen, with any other Ministers of this reverend body that please to attend, are appointed to meet with the delegates or commissioners from the Congregational and Consociated or any Presbyterial bodies, at New Haven, the lUth day of next September, and there finally, on the part of this body, to complete the plan of union, and transact all other business that shall be found necessifl-y in consequence thereof. [The miiin object of this convention was, to watch and counteract the strenuous exertions, wliich at tliis time were making-, to secure a parhamentary estabhshmcnt of tlie Church of England in tliis country. It had an annual session, alternately in Connecticut, and at Elizabctlitown, N. J., until the independence of the country removed the grounds of apprehension. The last meeting was held in 1776. For an account of the doings of the convention, and of the vi^hole controversy of the American Episcopate, in which it was involved, see Hodge's History of the Presbyterian Church, Part 2, p. 449.] Title 2. — intercourse after the revolution. § 11. Motion for a renewal of intercourse. 1790, p. 29. ^Y]iereas, there existed, before the late Revolution, an an- nual convention of the clergy of the Congregational Churches in New Eng- land, and of Ministers belonging to the Synod of New York and Philadel- phia, which was interrupted by the disorders occasioned by the war; this Assembly being peculiarly desirous to renew and strengthen every bond of union between brethren so nearlj' agreed in doctrine and forms of worship as the members of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches evidently are, and remembering with much satisfaction the mutual pleasure and ad- vantage produced and received by their former intercourse, did Hesolve, That the Ministers of the Congregational Churches of New Eng- land be invited to renew their annual convention with the clergy of the Presbyterian Church. And the Assembly did, for this purpose, appoint the Rev. ])r. Rodgers, of New York, and the Rev. Dr. McWhorter, of Newark, in New Jersey, to be a committee to take such measures for the obtaining of the proposed object as they may judge to be most effectual; and to report their proceedings to the Greneral Assembly at their next meeting. § 12. Proposals to the Association of Connecticut. 1791, p. 33. Dr. McWhorter reports : That some progress has been made in opening a plan of correspondence with said Churches. That three modes of corresyrondence are proposed for consideration, viz : (1.) By letter, from a committee of this body with a committee of the General Association of Connecticut. (2.) By reviving a convention similar to that which subsisted between those bodies before the late war. (3.) By sending delegates, re- ciprocally from each body, who shall sit in their respective meetings, to an- swer the important purpose designed by this corresj)ondence. Required, That to carry into effect the proposed i)lan for a correspondence with the Congregational Churches in New England, a committee, consisting of Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Dr. McWhorter, Mr. Chapman, Dr. Sam- uel S. Smith, Mr. Tennent, and Mr. Austin, or any three of them, be, and thoy are herel)y, appointed, to meet at New Haven on the second Wednesday in September next, to consult with such Ministers from the New England Churches as may be there present, on the subject in contemplation, and to detern)ine on such plan of correspondence and intercourse as shall appear eligible. And that the prospect of accomplishing the desire of the General SKC. 10.] INTERCOURSE WITH NEW ENGLAND. OL.! Assembly in this appointment may be the more favourable, Dr. McWhortcr is hereby directed to write immediately to Dr. Timothy Dwight, of Con- necticut, and inform him of this measure; requesting him, at the same time, to lay it before the General Association of Connecticut, that they may be prepared to meet at the time above mentioned, and do what they may think expedient in this concern. § 13. A plan of intercourse adopted. 1792, p. 52. The minutes of the Convention of the Committees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and of the General Association of the State of Connecticut, were taken into consid- eration, an extract of which is as follows, viz : '* Considering the importance of union and harmony in the Christian Church, and the duty incumbent on all its pastors and members to assist each other in promoting, as far as possible, the general interests of the lledeemer's kingdom; and considering, further, that divine Providence appears to be now opening the door for pursuing these valuable objects with a happy prospect of success ; this Convention are of opinion that it will be conducive to these important purposes that a standing Committee of Corres- pondence be appointed in each body, whose duty it shall be, by frequent letters, to communicate to each other whatever may be mutually useful to the Churches under their care, and to the general interest of the Redeemer's kingdom. That each body should from time to time appoint a committee consisting of three members, who shall have a right to sit in the other's general meeting, and make such communications as shall be directed by their respective constituents, and deliberate on sueh^natters as shall come before the body, but shall have no right to vote. That eifectual measures be mutually taken to prevent injuries to the respective Churches from irre- gular and unauthorized preachers. To promote this end, the Convention judge it expedient that every preacher travelling from the limits of one of these Churches into those of the other, shall be furnished with recent testi- monials of his regular standing and good character as a preacher, signed by the Moderator of the Presbytery or Association in which he received his license ; or, if a Minister, of his good standing and character, as such, from the Moderator of the Presbytery or Association where he last resided, and that he shall, previously to his travelling as a preacher into distant parts, further, receive a recommendation from one member at least of a standing committee to be hereafter appointed by each body, certifying his good quali- fications as a preacher. Also, that the names of this standing committee shall be mutually communicated. And also, that every preacher travelling and recommended as above, and submitting to the stated rules of the respective Churches, shall be received as an authorized preacher of the gospel, and cheerfully taken under the patronage of the Presbytery or Association within whose bounds he shall find employment as a preacher. And that the proceedings of the respective bodies on this report be communicated to our brethren of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churclies throughout the states." Upon mature deliberation, the Assembly unanimously and cordially ap- proved of the said plan; and to carry the same into eifect, appointed the Rov. Drs. John Rodgers, John Witherspoon, and Ashbel Green, to be a Com- mittee of Correspondence, agreeably to the said plan. And it is, moreover, agreed that this Assembly will send delegates to sit and consult with the General Association of Connecticut, and receive their delegates to sit in this Assembly, agreeably to another article of the plan, as soon as due informa- C5 614 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. tion shall be received that it is adopted on the part of the General Associa- tion of Connecticut. The Rev. Dr. McKnight, Dr. McWhorter, Mr. John WoodhuU, Dr. Samuel S. Smith, Dr. Alison, Dr. Nesbit, Mr. John B. Smith, Mr. Graham, Mr. Lacy, Mr. McCall, Mr. McDonald, and Dr. McCorkle, were appointed a standing committee, to certify the good qualifications of the preachers travelling to officiate in the bounds of the Association of the state of Con- necticut. And it was, moreover, agreed, that any preacher travelling as aforesaid, shall have at least the name of one of the committee who shall be- long to the Synod from whose bounds he came. 1793, p. 64. The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards and the Rev. Mr. Mat- thias Burnet from the General Association of the state of Connecticut, ap- peared in the Assembly, produced an extract from the records of that As- sociation, whereby it appeared that the convention between that Associa- tion and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America had been ratified on their part, and that these gentlemen, with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Dwight, were appointed, agreeably to an article of said convention, to sit in this Assembly. Whereupon, Dr. Edwards and Mr. Burnet were admitted as members, and took their seats accordingly. § 14. The delegates alloiced to vote. 1794, p. 80. Ordered, That the delegates appointed from the General As- sembly to the General Association of Connecticut, propose to the Associa- tion, as an amendment to the articles of intercourse agreed upon between the aforesaid bodies, that the delegates from these bodies respectively, shall have a right, not only to sit and deliberate, but also to vote in all questions which may be determined by either of them ; and to communicate the result of their proposal to the next General Assembly. [In the Association] " The motion of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, that the delegates from that Assembly to this Association, and the deleg-ates from this Association to that Assembly, be empowered to vote in all questions decided in those bo- dies respectively, was taken into consideration ; and after discussion, the General Asso- ciation voted a compliance with the said proposal." — Minutes, 1795, p. 96. § 15. Correspondence with the General Convention of Vermont. 1802, p. 238. A communication to this General Assembly from the Gen- eral Convention of the regular Ministers of the gospel in the state of Ver- mont, proposing the formation of a plan of ministerial intercourse between them and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, was brought in and read. [In reply, the Assembly requested information as to the doctrines and discipline of the Convention.] — Minutes, 1802, p. 249. 1803, p. 279. The committee appointed on the communication from the Convention of the regular Ministers of the gospel of the state of Vermont, reported. The report being considered and amended, was adopted, and is as follows : Your committee are of opinion that although this Assembly have not re- ceived any answer to the request of last Assembly proposed to the Conven- tion of Vermont, yet the 2\ssembly have received satisfactory information on the subjects alluded to, both from their own delegates to the General As- sociation of Connecticut of last year, and also from the representatives of that body in the present Assembly. The committee therefore submit tlie following plan of union and intercourse between the said Convention and the General Assembly, viz : 1. Each body shall send one or two delegates to meet and sit with the other, at the stated sessions of each body, respectively. SEC. 13.] INTERCOURSE AVITH NEW ENGLAND. 515 2. The delegate or delegates from each respectively, shall have the privi- lege of joining in the discussions and deliberations of the body as freely and fully as their own members. 3. That the union and intercourse may be full and complete between the said bodies, the delegate or delegates from each respectively, shall not only sit and deliberate, but also act and vote ; which articles comprise the great principles of the union between the General Assembly and the General As- sociation of Connecticut. [Ratified by tlie Convention, except that] "tlie Convention, considerino- the sniallness of tiieir number, and distance from the Assembly's usual place of meeting-, caimot pro niise to send an annual delegation to the Assembly." — Minutes, 1804, p. 297. 1809, p. 422. Resolved, That the delegate appointed to represent this Assembly at the next meeting of the Convention of Vermont be, and he hereby is authorized to propose and agree upon the same regulations which have been agreed to be observed by this Assembly and the General Associa- tion of Connecticut, in relation to the credentials requisite for such Minis- ters as may come within the bounds of the Assembly or the (Convention of Vermont for the purpose of preaching the gospel. 1810, p. 436. [The proposal "agreed to with great unanimity," by the Convention.] § 16. Correspondence with the General Association of New Hampshire. 1810, p. 435. A proposal from the General Association of New Hamp- shire, was made by the Kev. William F. Rowland and the Rev. John H. (!^hurch, commissioners appointed for that purpose, for a union between them and this Assembly, similar to that subsisting between the General As- sociation of Connecticut and this Assembly. The certificate of their ap- pointment and the papers accompanying it were read. Resolved, That said union be formed. § 17. Letter from the General Association of Massachusetts. 1794, p. 79. "To the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America : " Rev. Sir — We arc appointed a committee by the Convention of the Congregational Ministers in the Commonwealth of Massuchusetts, to inform you that at their last meet- ing they passed the following vote, viz : ' That it be proposed to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Aineric.i, and the General Association in Connecticut, not to receive or countenance any candidate from us who does not bring credentials from a regu- lar body among us known to them ; assuring them that we will observe the same rule witli respect to candidates from them, and informing them that we shall be glad to hear from them upon all subjects whicli relate to the interests of our common Christianity, and will communicate every information uj)on such subji-cts as may tend to promote the in- terests of religion ' " We are also directed to inform you, that measures are taking to collect information with respect to the j)resent state of our Cliurches, whicli we shall take tlic earliest oppor- tunity to tr.insmit to the General Assembly. " Yuu will please to communicate the above to the General Assembly, and we shall be liappv to receive an answer by the eirliest ojiportunity upon this interesting subject. "We are, Rev. Sir, in the name and behalf ol' the Congregational Ministers of Massa- ^chu.^etts, your brethren in the faitii and iillowship of" the gospel, JosKPii Wii.LARD, Joseph Ecklev, Pkter Thatcher, Jedediah Morse." David Tappan, § 18. The reply tf the General Assemhli/. Rt'i\ fUenthmen — Your communication of the 8th instant, in the name piid behalf of the Congregational iMinistcrs in the Commonwealth of Mas- .sachusetts, has been received, and we embrace the earliest opportunity to express our hearty approbation of your proposal to preserve the Churches ••ommitted to our care, respectively, from being visited, and consequently 516 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. injured, by deceivers, under the appearance of regular Ministers. To pre- vent the evil as much as possible, we would further propose, that no Minis- ter or preacher from either, be received or encouraged by the other, unless he produce, besides recent testimonials from regularly constituted authorities, private letters, or some corroborating testimony in his favour, not so capable of being forged. The form of the first being known, an artful man may, without much difficulty, fabricate a certificate in his own behalf, and have it apparently authenticated in due order, with the assistance of an accomplice or two, while he will hardly venture to pass his own contrivance for the last ; at least he will very seldom venture it with success. This method has been practised by us for a considerable time, in receiving clerical characters from Europe ; it has been found the most efiectual to prevent imposition, and now appears equally necessaiy to be observed in the admission of those who may come from distant parts of our own nation. And though no cor- respondence may have existed between any persons residing in the district from which, and to which, a regular minister or preacher proposes travelling, sufficient intercourse prevails between intermediate places, to admit of his being regularly handed, and sufficiently recommended, till he reach the object of his destination. — Minutes, 1794, p. 87. § 19. Agreement for mtercliange of delegates. 1811, p. 462. A proposal from the Greneral Association of Massachusetts proper, was made by the Rev. Joseph Lyman, D. D., and the Rev. Samuel Worcester, delegates appointed for that purpose, for the establishment of a union between them and this Assembly, similar to that subsisting between the Association of Massachusetts proper, and the Associations of Connecti- cut and New Hampshire. The certificate of their appointment, and the articles of union with said Association were read. The articles of said union are as follows : " 1. The General Association of Connecticut and the General Association of Massachusetts proper, shall annually appoint each two delegates to the other. 2. The delegates shall be admitted in each body to the same rights of sitting, debating, and voting with their own members respectively. 3. It shall be understood that the articles of agreement and connection between the two bodies, may be at any time varied by their own consent." The same articles were adopted in their connection with the Association of New Hampshire. The delegates stated that the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly was adopted as the basis of their union, and by answering several questions proposed to them, fully satisfied the Assembly relative to the standard of their faith, and the object of their Association ; whereupon, Resolved, wumhnously, That said union be formed. § 20. Treaty with the General Conference of Maine. 1828, p. 222. The Rev. Benjamin Tappan, and William Ladd, Esquiro, appeared in the Assembly, and produced commissions as delegates from the General Conference of Maine. The committee appointed to confer with the delegates from the General Conference of the State of Maine, made the following report, which was adopted, viz : That after obtaining all the information which they deemed requisite, respecting the body proposing this connection, they have agreed to recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following arti- cles of correspondence, which the above named delegates doubt not will be readily acceded to on the part of the General Conference : 1. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the General SEC. 18.] INTKRC.UR.se Willi NEW ENGLAND. 517 Conference of Maine, sliall each appoint one or two delegates to attend these bodies respectively — and in case two are appointed, one may be a layman — for the purpose of communicating- to each other whatever may be mutually useful to the Churches under their care, and conducive to Christian har- mony and co-operation, and to the general interest of the Iledeemer's king- dom. 2. These delegates shall have the privilege of proposing such measures as they may deem important or desirable, and of delivering their opinions on any questions under discussion, but shall have no vote in the decisions of the bodies respectively to which they shall be delegated. 3. It shall be deemed irregular for any Presbytery, Conference, or Asso- ciation, within the bounds of the corresponding Churches, to receive any candidate for licensure, licentiate,,,or ordained Minister, into connection with either, without regular testimonials, and a regular dismission from the Presbytery, Conference, or Association, from which the said candidate, li- centiate, or Minister may come. 4. Each of the bodies forming these articles of correspondence shall ap- point a committee for certifying the good standing of Ministers travelling" from the one to the other. The names of the persons composing these com- mittees respectively, shall be mutually communicated by the two bodies ; and it shall not be considered as a matter of offence if a Licentiate or ordained Minister, from either body, travelling without a certificate of regu- lar standing, from one or more members of said committee, shall not be received or treated as such. 5. It shall be understood that these articles of agreement and correspond- ence between the two bodies may be, at an}' time, modified by mutual eon- sent, or terminated, when either body shall decide and announce that they are no longer considered as answering the great purposes intended to be pro- moted by them, and that their termination is desired. 1829, p. 367. The delegate from the General Conference of Maine, re- ported that said Conference has adopted the articles of union and corres- pondence proposed by the last General Assembly, with the exception of the third article, in place of which, they propose the following, viz : While the Genei'al Conference of Maine has not, nor does it claim an ecclesiastical ju- risdiction over the particular Conferences, Associations, Councils, or Churches, in its connection, it cheerfully unites with the General Assembly in the ex- pression of the opinion, that it is irregular for any ordained Minister, licen- tiate, candidate for licensure, or church member, to be received into eccle- siastical connection within the limits of one of the corresponding bodies, from the other, without due testimonials. [Accepted.] § 21. Treaty with the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island. 1831, p. 160. The Ilev. Isaac Lewis appeared in the General Assembly, and made application on behalf of the Evangelical Consociation of Khode Island, for a correspondence with the General Assembly on the same terms with the other Congregational bodies of New England, in correspondence with this body. This subject was referred to Dr. Miller, Mr. Squier, and Mr. Armstrong. p. 171. The committee reported, that after making careful inquiry of the delegate concerning the faith, order, and present state of the Churches forming the body wliich he represents, they would respectfully recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions, viz : 1. That the proposal of the Evangelical Consociation of Ehode Island be complied with; and that a plan of correspondence between that body and the Gen ral Assembly be, and the same hereby is, adopted, on the same terms 518 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [ROOK VI which rc'ima facie claim to be honoured by this Church, whether emanating from Associations composed of a majority of adherents to the New Haven School, or of a ma- jority of the friends of the doctrines taught at East Windsor, (which is under the control of the Pastoral Union.) And by the very constitution of these Associations, they must necessarily give the usual certificate of good standing to all persons alike, without reference to the place of their theological educa- tion, or to the phases of their theological sentiments. There is no discrimi- nation between such ''shades of diiForence" as are known to prevail in Connec- ticut; and the documents thus granted contain no hint to enable us to conjecture whether the persons to whom they are given are of the orthodox faith, or of the doctrine taught at New Haven. The provision now existing among us, by which Presbyteries are enjoined to examine all persons applying for admission from other bodies, may be re- garded as affording at least a partial protection against the introduction of New Havenism through this channel. And this provision would be neither more nor less necessary nor serviceable, were the terms of correspondence abro- gated or continued. Although the " particular view" of the committee has been directed by the Asseuibly to this point, there is yet another involved in the terms of correspondence. That is, the interchange of delegates between the General Association and the General Assembly. The committee do not see it 66 522 RKLATIOXiJ i'U OTHKR CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. necessary to recoiuuiond the abrojjjation of this provision. They are assured that the interchange is desired by the friends of sound theolosry in Connec- ticut, and that they would resjret the interruption of it. They have uni- formly, in the General Association, recognized and even advocated the ecclesi;istieal rights and legitimacy of this Assembly; have urged the con- tinuance of this interchange ; and have succeeded, from year to year, in se- curing the appointment of delegates from the Association to this Assembly, notwithstanding the Assembly, for some years past, has omitted to make the reciprocal appointments. Moreover, the General Association did last year formally request the General Assembly to continue the correspondence, and have this year sent delegates to the Assembly, notwithstanding the As- se^mbly, thus far, has not taken any notice of that request. II. The Pastoral Union is not a body ecclesiastically organized for the purposes contemplated by the Assembly's resolution appointing this com- mittee. It is a voluntary Association of Ministers, who are members of the various particular Associations represented by the General Association ; and its organization is for a specific purpose, which is not only not inconsistent with their original relationship, to the General Association, but does not re- quire a separation from the General Association — which is the only recog- nized and distinct ecclesiastical representative of the Congregational Churches of Connecticut. The Pastoral Union, therefore, neither exercises the func- tions, nor deems it proper or necessary to do so, of licensing, ordaining, or judging Ministers, &c., and of course neither receives nor dismisses Minis- ters, &c., in the sense contemplated by the Assembly. Those functions are performed solely by the regularly established ecclesiastical bodies, viz : the particular Associations to which the individual members of the Pastoral Union respectively belong. And therefore the Pastoral Union is incapable of being a party to such a correspondence as that which exists between the General Assembly and various other regularly organized and distinct ecclesiastical denominations, without being ipso facto placed in such a posture as would involve the Union in the necessity of licensing candidates and ordaining Min- isters, which would be in effect to secede from the ecclesiastical establishment in Connecticut, and to assume the position of a distinct and independent denomination. [Adopted.] § 31. Correspondence grd.dually resumed. [The correspondence with the Churches of New England having experienced a partial interruption, in consequence of the transactions of 1837 and 1838, the Committee on Cor- respondence in 1841, made tlie following report, which was adopted :] 1841, p. 421. That in the year 1840, and again this year, the General As- sociation of Connecticut sent delegates to the General Assembly. The Com- mittee recommend that, agreeably to theoriginal terms of correspondence, this Assembly elect three delegates to attend the next meeting of the General Association of Connecticut ; and that the delegates so elected, propose to the General Association of Connecticut, to reduce the number of delegates from each body to the other, to two or one. The com iiittee further report, that on a request from the General Confer- ence of Maine, the correspondence with that body was formal I3' renewed by the General Assembly of 1840, which Assembly appointed a delegate to 3Iaine, and that there is a delegate from that body in this Assembly. The Commit- tee recommend to the Assembly to elect a delegate to the next General Con- ference of the State of Maine. The committee also report, that they have learned, that the General Synod of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, at their meeting in June last, appointed delegates to attend this Assembly; and they therefore SEC. 30.] INTERCOUHSE WITH NEW ENIJI.AND. 523 .recommend, that two delegates, a Minister and a Ruling Elder, be elected to attend the next General Synod of the Reformed I'rotestant Dutch Church. With respect to the other bodies formerly in correspondence with the General Assembly, inasmuch as they have not, since the year 1838, when a part of the Assembly seceded, and constituted a new body, sent any delegates to the General Assembly, or any communication on the subject of corres- pondence, the committee recommend that no delegates be sent to these bodies, and that the Assembly consider the correspondence with them as having de facto terminated. The delegates from Maine and Connecticut were introduced to the Assem- bly by the Moderator ; and they were invited to take part in the delibera- tions of the house. p. 428. The Moderator informed the Assembly that the Rev. Samuel Williams, a delegate from the General Association of Massachusetts, was present. Resolved, That the resolution adopted on Monday last, declaring the cor- respondence Avith certain other bodies in this country to be at an end, be reconsidered, in so far as it relates to the General Association of Massachu- setts. The Assembly then resolved to lay that part of the aforesaid resolution on the table ; and to invite Mr. Williams to sit, and to partake in the delibera- tions of the house. p. 429. The resolution declaring the correspondence with certain other bodies in this country to be at end, was reconsidered, and repealed in so far as relates to the General Association of JMassachusetts. p. 485. The Committee on Domestic Correspondence, to whom was com- mitted a copy of the printed minutes of the General Convention of V'er- mout, convened August, 1839, reported that they found in the minutes the following resolution, viz : " Voted, that the Convention invite a correspond- ence with the Assembly of which the Rev. Dr. Wilson was the last Mod- erator, and that the Register be directed to communicate this vote." The committee recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following reso- lution, viz : Resolved, That agreeably to the above invitation of the General Conven- tion of Vermont, the Assembly will correspond with that body by delegation as formerly. [Adopted.] § 32. Overture from the Genercd Association of New York. 1843, p. 170. The Committee [of Commissions] reported that the Rev. E. W. Andrews has presented a certificate from the General Association of New York, as a delegate; and an overture from that body for a correspond- ence with the General Assembly. [Committed.] p. 183. The committee made a report which was adopted as follows, viz : That the body in question is a respectable body of Congregationalists, agreeing in doctrine with the stricter Congregationalists of New England, and having a similar Form of Government. But as certain issues are now pending which are likely to eventuate in giving to said body a more fixed and uniform character, and as Mr. Andrews, the very respectable delegate from said body, is now in the city, any further action on the question at this meeting of the Assembly seems unnecessary. § 33. Interference with the slavery question. [In 1846, the General Assembly received a letter from the General Association of Con- necticut, on the subject of Slavery. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported 524 REI.ATKlNS TO OTHEK CHURCHES. [BOOK VI on it, recommending tliat it " be jihioed on file, mid that nothing- more be done in regard to it." Tiio report was adopted.] — Minutps, 184G, pp. 191, 207. 1850, p. 47o. Tlie ivcv. Mr. McCluve, delegate from the General Associ- ation of Massachusetts, took leave of the Assembly, and in doing so, laid before the Assembly the following paper, wliich he had been instructed to present, viz : " The Committee on the memorial of the Worcester North Association, reported tlie following resolution, which was adopted, viz: " Resolved, That in maintaining correspondence and connection with the two General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church, we look with deep and fraternal solicitude upon tiie position of those bodies witli respect to the sin of slavery: — that our strong sympa- thies are with such brethren, in those Assemblies, as are labouring in an earnest and Christian spirit, to put an end to this evil ; and that we desire our delegates to those iVs- semblies, in a decided but courteous manner, to express our deep conviction that the rights of tlie enslaved, tlie cause of true religion, and the honour of the great Head of the Church, require those ecclesiastical bodies to use all their legitimate power and influence for the speedy removal of slavery from the Churches under their supervision." p. 475. Resolved, That our delegate to the next General Association of Massachusetts be directed to inform that venerable body, that this General Assembly must consider itself the best judge of the action wliich it is neces- sary for it to take as to all subjects v^^ithin its jurisdiction; and that any interference on the part of that General Association with its action upon any subject upon which this General Assembly has taken order, is offensive, and must lead to an interruption of the correspondence which subsists be- tween that Association and this General Assembly. 1851, p. 16. A communication from the General Association of Massa- chusetts was read, and, on motion, referred to the Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence. p. 18. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted the follow- ing report, which was unanimously adopted, viz ; * * * * That as to the communication from the General Association of Massachu- setts, this Assembly, before receiving it, had appointed a delegate to that body for the present year ; but can by no means recede from the resolution adopted last year. § 34. Corresjiondence closed. 1855, p. 284. Whereas, The General Association of Connecticut, at their meeting in June, 1854, adopted and published to the world certain resolu- tions, wherein they charge that " the silence of the supreme judicatories of the Presbyterian Churches in correspondence with them," in regard to cer- tain legislation of our national government, " gives painful evidence of de- linquency in respect to principles and sympathies that are essential to Gliris- tian integritjj ;" and whereas, The said action was taken without any prelim- inary correspondence with us in regard to the alleged delinquency; And whereas. The said Association, by its steadfast refusal to investigate, or to procure the investigation of charges laid before it repeatedly and in various forms by large numbers of its own members or constituencies, has made itself liable to the charge of espousing or protecting flagrant heresies in regard to the Trinity, Incarnation, and Atonement, and has greatly weak- ened the confidence of the Presbyterian Church in the fidelity of said As- sociation to the "first principles of the doctrine of Christ." And irhereas, By this course, according to the testimony among themselves, the value of correspondence with them is greatly impaired, if not wholly destroyed, all which more fully appears from a certain complaint presented to that body in 1853, by more than fifty Ministers, whose zeal for sound doctrine this As- sembly delights to honour, and from the other documents therein mentioned; therefore, SEC. 33.] DUTCH AND ASSOCIATK REFORMED. 525 Resolved, That the interchange of delegates, between the General Assem- bly and the General Association of Connecticut, be for the present discon- tinued. Ib57, p. 43. Dr. McGill, from the Committee on Foreign Correspond- ence, presented the following report, which was adopted, with but one dis- senting vote ; that of the Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, who gave notice that he pro- tested. 1. In relation to the report of the Rev. Edwin Cater, from the Commit- tee appointed by the last General Assembly to open a correspondence and confer about a closer union with the Associated Reformed Synod of the South, they recommend that the same Committee be continued, with the assurance that this General Assembly is gratified with the progress already made in their good work ; and desires that even if a closer union with that evangelical body be not consummated, the interchange of delegates and ex- pressions of fraternal love so pleasantly begun, may be perpetuated. 2. The Committee recommend that no delegate be sent, for the present, to any of the congregational bodies of New England. One of them has expressly informed us that the correspondence is discontinued by its own act; others have so far entertained the same design, as to refer the question of discontinuance to their District Associations for ultimate decision, and none of them is in fact represented at this Assembly, except the Evangelical Consociation of Vermont. And although it is due to the Rev. P. Butler to record our great satisfaction with the eminent courtesy and fraternal spirit with which he has represented his brethren here, yet the Committee have been grieved to find in the published 3Iinutes of that Consociation at their last meeting, a very offensive resolution, as well as proceedings of a secular and political bearing, which the sense of our ecclesiastical assemblies seeks to avoid. CHAPTEE II. CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE REFORMED DUTCH AND THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCHES. Title 1. — early intercourse § 35. Early relations to the Dutch Church. 1744, p. 176. The Rev. Mr. Dorsius, Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Bucks county, laid a letter before us from the deputies of North and South Holland, wherein they desire of the Synod an account of the state of the lii«'h and Low Dutch Churches in this province, and also of the Churches bt'lono-ino- to the Presbyterian Synod of Philadelphia, and whether the I utch Churches may be joined in communion with said Synod, or if this may not be, that they would form themselves into a regular body and gov- ernment among themselves. In pursuance of which letter the Synod agree, that letters be wrote in the name of the Synod, to the deputies of these 520 BET.ATIONS TO OTHER CIIURrilES. [bOOK VI. Synods in Holland, in Latin, and to the Scotch Ministers in Rottcrdani, giving them an account of the Churches here, and declaring our willingness to join with the Calvinist Dutch Churches here, to assist each other as far as possible in promoting the common interests of religion among us, and signifying the present great want of Ministers among the High and Low Dutch, with desire that they may help in educating men for the work of the ministry. And the Synod ordered, that Messrs. Andrews, Cross, Evans, junior, and the Moderator, do write said letters. 1750, p. 242. (N. Y.) The High Dutch Congregation at Rockaway, iii the township of Lebanon, applied to the Synod that they may be taken under the care of this Synod, and that a certain person now preaching among them may be taken under examination, and if approved, ordained a jMinister to them. The Synod in order to clear their way to transact any- thing with said people, do appoint Mr. Pemberton to make inquiry of the Dutch Ministers in New York, whether said people do belong to their juris- diction ; and he is to acquaint a committee of the Synod how that matter is. 1756, p. 270. (N. Y.) Mr. Light, an approved Minister of the Dutch Churchy being present, is desired to sit with this Synod as a correspondent. § 36. Proposal for systematic correspondence. 1784, p. 505. The Rev. Dutch Classis, of New Brunswick having ex- pressed an uneasiness with regard to some members of the Presbyteries of New York and New Brunswick, it was moved that a committee of this Synod be appointed, conditionally, to meet with a committee expected to be appointed by the Dutch Synod, now meeting at New York, at a time and place to be fixed by them, in order to compromise, if possible, all subjects of diiFerence existing between them, and to determine a line for their future conduct with regard to each other, and to enter into an amicable correspon- dence with the Dutch committee, upon subjects of general utility, and friendship between the Churches. The Synod, upon the motion, Resolved, That Drs. Rodgcrs, McWhorter, Spencer, and Smith, and Messrs. Alexander Miller, J. Woodhull, and Israel Read, be a committee accordingly, to meet a committee of the Dutch Synod, for the above-men- tioned objects, at the time and place the said Synod may please to appoint; and that Dr. Rodgers be appointed to give tinielj'^ notice to the above mem- bers, of the time and place of the meeting of the committees, as appointed by the Dutch Synod. § 37. Further Overtures. 1785, p. 508. The committee appointed by the Synod last year, to meet with the committee of the Low Dutch Reformed Synod of New York and New Jersey, report, that they were disappointed of meeting by a mistake, and one of the members of the committee informing the Synod that some of the brethren of the Dutch Synod, and one of the members of the Associ- ate Reformed Synod, had expressed a desire of some measures being taken for promoting a friendly intercourse between the three S3niods, or laying a plan of some kind of union among them, whereby they might be enabled to unite their interests and combine their efforts, for promoting the great cause of truth and vital religion ; and at the same time giving it as their judgment, that such a plan was practicable. The Synod were happy in finding such a disposition in the brethren of the above Synods, and cheerfully concur with them in thinking that such a measure is both desirable and practicable, and therefore appoint Drs. Witherspoon, Jones, Rodgers, McWhorter, Smith, Messrs. Martin, Duffield, Alexander Miller, Israel Read, John Wood- hull, and Nathan Kerr, a committee to meet with such committees as may SEC. 35.] DUTCH AND ASSOCIATK REFORMED. 527 be appointed by the Low Dutch Synod now sitting in New York, and by the Associate lieformed Synod, to meet in that city next week, at such time and place as may be agreed upon, to confer with the brethren of said Synods on this important subject, and to concert such measures with them for the accomplishment of these great ends as they shall judge expedient, and re- port the same to the next meeting of this Synod. The above committee are also to do what may be necessary on the busi- ness for which the committee first mentioned in this minute were appointed. § 38. Convention of the three Synods. 1786, p. 518. The committee appointed by the Synod last year, to meet with the committees of the Low Dutch Reformed Synod of New York and New Jersey, and of the Associate Reformed Synod, made report of their proceedings, which is as follows, viz : (a) " Proceedings of the committees appointed by the Synod of the Low Dutch Re- formed Ciiurch of New York and New Jersey, of the Presbyterian Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and of the Associate Reformed Synod, met at New York the 5tli day of October, 1785. " The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. David Telfair. " Tlie members present: Of the committee appointed by the Dutch Reformed Synod : Dr. Jolm H. Liviiiorston, the Rev. Messrs. J. K. Hardenbergh, Romeyn, Solomon Freligli, and Dr. Westerlo. Elders : Messrs. Philip Nagle, Henry Kennedy, and Wil- liam Schermerhorn. Of the committee appointed by the Synod of New York and Phila- delphia: Drs. John Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, Samuel Smith, the Rev. Messrs. Nathan Kerr and John Woodhull. Of the committee of the Associate Reformed Synod: the Rev. Messrs. John Smith, David Teltair, John Mason, and Robert Annan. '•The Rev. David Telfair was chosen Moderator, and Dr. Samuel Smith and Mr. Solo- mon Frcligh were chosen Clerks. "A motion was made by Dr. Rodgers, and seconded by Mr. Hardenbergh, that the respective committees produce their commissions, which being produced and approved, were ordered to lie on the table. {b) "The respective committees commiinicated to each other in writing, or verbally, an explicit detail of the standards, both in regard of the doctrine and discipline observed in the respective Churches they represent. " On motion, a committee of two from each committee was appointed to meet this even- ing, to converse on, and digest the several subjects to be laid before the Convt^ntion. The gentlemen appointed were Messrs. John K. Hardenbergh, Dr. Westerlo, Dr. McWhorter, Dr. Samuel Smith, Robert Annan, and John Smith. " The Convention adjourned till to-morrow at five o'clock, P. M. Thursday/, five o'clock, P. M. " The Convention met according to adjournment, and was opened with prayer. " The Rev. Dr. Witherspoon appeared and took his seat. (c) "The committee of six made report of what had been digested and determined by them, in conformity with the spirit and intention of their commission, being as follows, viz : " '"The inquiries proposed by the committee of the Dutch Church were read. The first contained a request to know what the formulas of doctrine and worship are, to which each of the Synods respectively adhere, and the mode in which they testify that adherence, and prevent or punish any departure from them. The answer on the part of the Re- formed Dutch Synod, was contained in the representation given in by their committee in writing to the convention. id) " ' On the part of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia it is contained in the representation given in by their committee, articles first and fiflh, viz : " ' Article 1st : The Synod of New York and Philadi Iphia adopt, according to the known and established meaning of the terms, the Westminster Confession of Faith as the con- fession of their faith, save that every candidate for the gospel ministry is permitted to except against so much of the twcnty-third chapter as gives authority to tlic civil magis- trate in matters of religion. The Presbyterian Church in America considers the Clnirch of Christ as a spiritual society, entirely distinct from the civil government, having a ri^'lit to regulate their own ecclesiastical policy, independently of the interposition of the magis- trate. The Synod also receives the Directory for Public Worshi]) and the Form of Church Government recommended by the Westminster Assembly, as in substance agreeable to 528 RELATIONS TO OrHEH CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. the institutions of the New Testament. This mode of adoption we use, because we be- lieve the general platform of our government to be agreeable to the sacred Scriptures ; but wc do not believe tliat God lias been pleased so to reveal and enjoin every minute circumstance of ecclesiastic government and discipline, as not to leave room for orthodox Churches of Christ, in tiiese minutiEe, to differ with charity from one another. (/) "' Article 5th : The rules of our discipline, and the form of process in our Church judicatories, are contained in Pardovan's {alias Steuart's) Collections, in conjunction with the acts of our own Synod, the power of which, in matters purely ecclesiastical, we consider as equal to the power of any Synod or General Assembly in the world. Our Church judicatures, like those in the Church of Scotland, from which we derive our origin, arc Churcli Sessions, Presbyteries, and Synods, to which it is now in contempla- tion to add a National and General Assembly. {g) " ' On tlie part of the Associate Reformed Synod, the answer was given in a verbal representation by the Rev. Mr. Mason, and is, in substance, very analogous to that made by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. "''Eesolved, Tiiat the formulas and standards adopted by the respective representations, are mutually satisfactory, and lay a sufficient basis for the fraternal correspondence and concord of the several Synods. "' To the second inquiry, whether the corresponding Synods, in order to lay the foun- dation of entire confidence in each other, were willing to give solemn and mutual assu- rances of their vigilance and fidelity in requiring of their ecclesiastical officers an explicit and unequivocal assent to tlieir present formulas or standards of discipline and faith; and will take such measures as to them respectively shall seem most reasonable and effectual to secure the same fidelity and orthodoxy in all time to come ; the answer was unanimously given in the affirmative. '■'■^Resolved, That the nature of these assurances be left to be determined by the conven- tion. ( 7i ) " ' The third inquiry was, whether the Synods will agree mutually to watch over each other's purity in doctrine and discipline, and whether they will agree mutually to receive complaints that may be made by either of the others against particular members of their respective bodies, who may be supposed to be departing from the faith, or from the exactness of their cliurch discipline. x\greed in the affirmative, but that the mode shall be referred to the general convention. (z) "'The fourth inquiry was, whether the Synods would mutually promise to intro- duce and maintain in their Church the most exact discipline, according to their several standards, that the circumstances of the country and the spirit of the people will bear. '"■Resolved, Tliat this is an article of the utmost importance; and resolved, moreover, that it be recommended to the convention to consider of, and adopt, proper means for aid- ing the exercise of discipline by discouraging fugitives from it outof any of the churches ; and especially, by not receiving any persons to church membership without sufficient credentials of their good moral character and orderly behaviour, from the church to which they now immediately belong, or have lately belonged. (k) " ' The fifth inquiry relates to grievances or causes of complaint that may have arisen between the ministers or congregations of the respective Synods. "'Resolved, That they ought to be candidly heard, and the most speedy and effectual measures taken, as far as possible, to redress them. {I) " ' The sixth and last inquiry, or proposition, respects some mode of establishing a visible intercourse and permanent correspondence between the several Synods. " ' Resolved, That this subject be referred to the considcraticfn of the convention ; but that it be recommended to tlie convention to endeavour to establish an annual convention of the three Synods, by their delegates, which may consist of at least three Ministers and three elders from each, and that the general objects of this annual .convention be to strengthen each other's hands in the great work of the gospel ministry; to give, and to receive mutual information of the state of religion witliin tlieir respective Churches ; to con- sider of, and adopt, the most prudent means to preventer remedy any causes of dissension that may luippcn to arise between our respective Congregations, agreeably to the instruc- tions that may be given by the respective Synods ; and to concert measures for uniting our efforts to defiiul and promote the principles of the gospel, and oppose the progress of infidelity and ( rror ; and to adopt j)lans for eftectually assisting the exercise of discipline m our Churches, and encouraging each other in its execution, and for such other pur- poses as the Convention may think proper. "' Resolved, To recommend that the first meeting of the above convention shall beheld on the second Tuesday of October 1786, at New York, and afterwards at such time and place as shall be appointed at tlie preceding convention.' " Which report being read and ordered to a second reading, was thereupon ordered to be read by paragraphs. Whereupon SEC. 38.] DUTCH AND ASSOCIATE REFORMED. 529 " Resolved, That the report of the committee be approved and adopted. " With relation, liowcvcr, to those matters referred by said coiiiiuittee to this convention, as being by tlieiii Icll undetermined, " Resolved, 1st. On the second inquiry, that the manner in whicii the Synods shall give the solemn pledge to each other of the tbrmula of their faith which they have here openly professed, and oi' their strict attachment to the same, shall be by an act of each Synod, wherein an accurate recital of such fornmla shall be made, with a positive declaration that it is their sincere determination before God, always to abide by the same, for which pur- pose they honestly pledge themselves to the two other Synods ; which declaration and promise shall be signed by the President or Moderator of the Synod, and at the first con- vention to be formed by delegates from the res])ective Synods, be read and entert^d upon the records of the convention, and copies of all the declarations be transmitted to each Synod, and entered upon their respective records; which records shall remain a perpetual witness against either party who shall deviate therefrom. And also, that each Synod Bhall communicate by their respective delegates, the form of testimonials or credcntiala given to their candidates, and of those to ordained Ministers, which copies shall also be entered on the records of the respective Synods. "2d. On tiie third inquiry, that we will mutually watch over each other's purity in doc trine and discipline, and be ready to receive complaints against any of our Ministers upon these subjects, and that the mode in which such complaint shall be preferred and prose- cuted, shall be either by individuals, who may prosecute in their own name, cum periculo ; or by a Classis, Presbytery, or Synod of a sister Church; in which case it shall be taken up as a fama ciamosa, and prosecuted by the Classis, Presbytery, or Synod, to which the offender or offenders may belong ; and the whole proceedings on the subject shall be transmitted, properly authenticated by the Moderator, the Praeses, the Scribe or the Clerk, to the informing body, for their satisfaction. " .3d. On the fourth inquiry, Resolved, That in order to aid the exercise of discipline, and discourage fugitives from it, every Classis, Presbytery, or Synod, shall officially com- municate to its neighbouring Presbytery, Classis, or Synod, the name or names of every Minister or candidate subject to censure, either of a lesser or higher nature, after which such Presbytery, Classis, or Synod, shall be held to view, and treat such Ministers or candidates as lying under ecclesiastical censure, to all intents and purposes as if they be- longed to their own body, until such person or persons shall be regularly acquitted or re- stored by the judicatory who had inflicted such censure. " 4th. With reference to the fifth, relating to such grievances as may hereafter arise in Congregations under the jurisdiction of the different corresponding Sjmods, it is deter- mined that such differences shall be relerred to the consideration of a future convention. But as it is possible that some contingencies may arise, which will render a call of the convention before the stated time of meeting necessary, so it is Resolved, that a power be lodged in the Moderator of the convention, with the consent of one member of the conven- tion at least from each Synod, by circular letters to call an extraordinary convention, provided such a call be not more than once in one year. " 5th. The convention thought proper to amend the resolution of their committee, by agreeing to a biennial instead of an annual convention. " On motion to ascertain and limit the powers of the convention in all times to come, Resolved, That those powers shall be merely of counsel and advice, and that it shajl on no account possess judiciary or executive authority, and every subject that shall come regularly before the convention, shall, after being properly digested, be referred to the respective Synods, togetlier with the opinion of the convention, and the reasons on which it is founded, for tlieir judiciary and ultimate decision. " Agreed, That the convention shall, when met, set apart a certain portion of their time for social and fervent prayer to Almighty God, for his blessings on their counsels and the churches they represent ; and that said convention, whenever circumstances appear to them to require public and general humiliation or thanksgiving, shall recommend to the corresponding Synods to set apart the same day to be observed throughout all their churches. " Resolved, That Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Livingston, and Mr. Mason, be a committee to draw out three fair copies of the above minutes, in order that each of the corresponding Synods may be furnished with one. "Concluded with prayer," § 39. Action of Si/nod on the rcj)ort of this Convention. 1786, p. 521. [In General Synod] The consideration of the report of the Committee to meet with the Committees of the Low Dutch Reformed Synod of New York, and New Jersey, and of the Associate Reformed Synod, re- sumed. It appears by the report of said committee that they have conversed 67 530 RELATIONS TO OTHER CIIURCHrS [bOOK VI. fully and freely with the brethren of the above Synods on the subject of an union with them, and the Synod approves their diligence and fidelity in this matter, and agree to appoint a committee to meet such delegates as may be appointed by the above Synods on this business, in the city of New York, on the second Tuesday of October next. § 40. Instructions for a second Convention. lb. p. 524. The committee appointed to draw up instructions to regulate the conduct of the delegates, to meet with the delegates of the Low Dutch Reformed Synod of New York and New Jersey, and of the Associate Re- formed Synod in convention in the city of New York in October next, laid them before Synod, which with some amendments were approved, and are as follows, viz : The delegates on the part of this Synod are to inform the convention that this body is about to divide itself into four Synods, subordinate to a Gene- ral Assembly. That they have now under consideration a plan of church government and discipline, which it is hoped will, when completed, be suffi- cient to answer every query of the convention upon that head; and that the mutual assurances mentioned in the minutes of the last convention, may, as far as they respect this Synod, be made with much more propriety after the intended system is finished than at present. They are to assure the convention of the readiness and desire of this body in the meantime to unite, in a consistent manner, their influence with that of the other Synods, in order to promote the spiritual interest and best good of the whole. And the delegates from this Synod are to enter into a friend- ly conference with those of the other Synods, and in conjunction with them to concert such measures as shall appear best calculated to difi'use harmony and brotherly love through the several churches, and promote the interest of the Redeemer's kingdom, and to make report of the whole to this Synod at their meeting in May next. Resolved, That the Rev. Drs. John Witherspoon, John Rodgers, Alex- ander McWhorter, Messrs. Israel Reed, John Woodhull) Nathan Kerr, with the Moderator, [Mr. Telfair,] be appointed, and they are hereby appointed delegates on behalf of this Synod for the purposes above mentioned. [Such a committee was amnially appointed, until 1792, {Minutes, p. 50,) when the last report was received, and the subject passes from the minutes.] §41. Renewal of the Correspondence attempted. 1798, p. 144. A letter was received from the Secretary of the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, inclosing an extract from the re- cords of the said Synod, which was read, and is as follows : " Brethren, I am directed, as Secretary of the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church in the United States of America, to transmit to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, the inclosed extract from the minutes of their late session. I have the honour of being:, most affectionately. Yours, John Basset. Albany, May 8th, 1798. " Extract from the minutes of the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, in the United States of America. "The General Synod appointed a committee to report what is necessary to be done in respect to revivinsr the friendly correspondence with the Presbyterian and Associate Re- formed Churches, who reported as follows, viz : "That in their opinion, the most speedy and effectual measures ought to be pursued to revive the friendly correspondence wliich subsisted for several years between the Re- formed Dutch Church and the Presbyterian and Associate Reformed Churches, and to make provision for its improvement and permanency. To accomplisli this purpose, your committee recommend that a committee be appointed by the General Synod, to meet with committees from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and trom the SEC. 39.] DUTCH AND ASSOCIATE REFORMED. 531 Associate Reformed Synod, on tlie tliird Tupsdny in June, 17!)8, in New York, in order to forjTi some plan of mutual corn'spondtncc and intercourse, which plan shall be re- ported to tlie respective judicatories for final ratification. " Your conunittee recommend that tlie committee of the General Synod be instructed to propose or consent to no connection which would destroy the distinction and indepen- dence of this Church, or in the least interfere with its discipline and form of worship; und tliat the three Churches o^ive mutual eng^agements for tlieir adherence to the doctrines contained in th«ir respective confessions. Your committee are also of opinion that until the plan of correspondence be established, the Ministers of this Cimrch continue to in- vite into their pulpits the Ministers of the otlier Cliurch.es mentioned, of whose ])iety and orthodoxy tlicy arc well assured ; and that they continue to preach in their pulpits when invited. " Your committee further recommend that, in case tliis report be approved, an ; uth^^n- ticTted co|)y, with their approbation, be transmitted to the General Assembly of the Pres. bj-t-'rian Church, and the Associate Reformed .Synod. " Besoh'^d, That this Synod agree to the above report, and that a committee, consist- in? of the Rev. Dr. Linn, Rev. Mr. B.-nschoter, Rev. Mr. Stnddifiird, Rev, Mr. S. Frelisjh, Rev. Mr. Schoonmakcr, Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Turk, and Mr. Brinkerhooff, be appointed^^to meet with any committees which may be appointed by the Presbyterian and Associate Reformed Synods." " I testify the above to be a true extract from the minutes of the General Synod. JoH\ Basset, Secretary." § 42. Ddcgatcfi to (Jir jjrojwscd Convention. 1798. p. 146. RrsoJro?, Thnt the Rev. Dr. Rodders, Dr. Samuel S. Smith, Dr. Ashbel Green. Mr. Andrew Hunter, Mr. John Woodhnll, Ministers', Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Benjamin Smith, Mr. Joseph Broome, and Mr. Benjamio Coe. IJt(Iers,hen. conunittee to meet with a committee of the Reformed Dutch rhureh, and a committee of the Associate Reformed Synod, conformably to the request of the Reformed Dutfh Synod, at New iTork, on the third Thursday of June next, and to report the result to the next General Assem- bly. §48. Action of the Convention. 1799, p. 161. [In the convention] "the committee appointed to draught a Plan of Cor. respondence and Intercourse between the Churclies represented in the Convention, brought in ttieir report, which, atler discussion by paragraphs, and some amendments, was unan- imously adopted and is as follows: ■'The committee appoiiitee made, shall juilsre that tlie circumstances of the Church of wliich they have tlie ovcrsijirht, render it expedient, and for mutual edification, to admit the apjdicant to occasional communion with them. "Persons under censure or process of censure, in any pirticular Church concerned in this agreement, ahull not, be received to occasional or stated communion in any other Cimrch so concerned, wMlc such cenmirfc remains or sueli process is unfinished. But, on the other hand, when any member in one (if siid Clmrchcs desires to connect himself with another, he shall not be refused a certific.te of his jrnod standing, when such stand- ing is really good; nor shnll it he esteemed disorderly or unkind for the Church to which he may present said certificate to receive him. "2d, The friendly interchange of ministtri.il service.--. — If sii,,!! be jiennitted to the 532 EKLAXIONS TO OTHER CUURCUES. [BOOK VI. competent church officers in any Congfrcgfrition settled or vacant, under the care of the conferring' judicatories, to invito any Minister who is in good standing with the afore- said judicatories, to preach in the pnljiits of such congregations, if they shall judge it to be expedient. But here, as in the Ibrmer case, it shall bi: entirely optional to give or to withhold such invitation, nor shall it be esteemed offensive or unkind if the invitation be forborne. " In cases where the people residing within the limits suitable to a Congregation, shall be Composed of members from two or from all of the conferring Churchd?i, it shall be re- commended to the people thus circumstanced, to call and cause to be settled among them a regular licentiate or Minister in any of said Churches, as the majority shall by vote determine, and that such licentiate or Minister, when thus settled, shall attach himself to the judicatories of that Cliurch to which the majority so calling him did belong, unless said majority shall freely consent that the Minister called do choose tiie judicatory with which he will be connected ; in which case the Minister may, without any offence, make his choice among the judicatories of any of the Churches conferring ; and where there are any congregations or bodies of people in such situation that they cannot obtain ade- quate supplies of ministerial service from that particular Church to which they or a majority of them belong, it may and shall be lawful for them to make regular applications for supplies to any of the other judicatories concerned in this con- ference. " 3d. A correspondence of the several judicatories of the conferring Churches. — Any judicatory of the conferring Churches may invite the regular members of any other ju- dicatury concerned in this agreement to sit as corresponding members whenever it may be judged expedient so to do. But here, as in the former cases, a neglect to invite shall not be considered as offensive, inasmuch as each judicatory must always be best able to judge whether such a measure be expedient. " It is moreover recommended that delegates be appointed by the General Assembly, by the Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, and by the Associate Reformed Synod, to sit in these judicatories respectively, with the privilege of deliberating on all subjects that may come before them, and also of voting on all questions whicii the members of the judicatory in which they sit shall not deem constitutional, but without power to vote on •any question of this description. Provided, nevertheless, that the number of such dele- gates shall never exceed three, unless by a future agreement this number be increased. " It is further recommended, that the Churciies conferring mutuallj'^ watch over each other's purity in doctrine, discipline, and manners, and be ready to receive complaints against any of their Ministers or members upon these subjects, which complaints maybe preferred and prosecuted either by individuals in their own name cum periculo, or by a judicatory which shall communicate the necessary information to the judicatory to which the offender is subject; in which latter case it shall be taken up as a fama clainosa, and prosecuted by said judicatory, and the whole proceedings thereon shall be transmitted to tlie informing- body for their satisfaction. " It is understood that certificates or recommendations shall be esteemed authentic and sufficient where they are made agreeably to the rules of that Church by which they are granted. It is also understood that all Congregations in making applications for supplies shall obtain leave for so doing from the judicatory to which they statedly and regularly belong. And that in making application, whether for supplies or for the settlement of a minister, they shall conform to the rules of that judicatory to which the application shall be made. " Ordered, That a copy of the proceedings of this Convention, authenticated by the Mode- rator and Clerk, be transmitted to each of the superior judicatories of the Churches con- cerned. Concluded with prayer." John Rodgers, Moderator. John M. Mason, Clerk." [Approved by the Assembly.] — Minutes, 1799, p. 164. § 44. The Flan declined by the Associate Reformed Synod. "The Co;nmittce appointed at the last meeting of Synod to confer with Committees from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and from the General Synod of the Refjrmed Dutch Church, on the subject of reviewing and extending the friendly cor- respondence between the three Churches, being required to give in their report, Mr. Mason informed the Synod, that he and his Elder had attended t!ie Convention of the aforesaid Committees, the other members being providentially hindered, and laid on the table an authenticated copy of the minutes of the proceedings of the Convention. " Ordered, That they be read, which being done, the Synod entered on the consideration if the plan of correspondence and intercourse preferred by the Convention. " After discussion tliereof by |)aragraphs, the vote was taken upon each separately, when some parts were adopted and others rejected. Whereupon, on motion, SEC. 43.] DUTCH AND ASSOCIATE REFORMED. 533 '^Resolved, Tliat this Synod, ever inclin(?d to listen with respect to propositions from tlieir brethren of the General Assembly oi'tlie Presbyterian C'iiurch, anil of" the Rctormed Dutcli Church, took under their serious deliberation the plan of correspondence and intercourse prelerred by the Convention of Delegates from the three C'hurches, held at New York, on the 19th and 2Utli days of June last, and having maturely and candidly examined the same, are of unanimous judgment, that under existing circumstances the ratification thereof would be highly inexpedient, and destructive of edificatiun ; that they nevertheless adopt, and will co-operate with the conferring Churches to carry into effect the following particulars of that plan, viz: "' Persons under censure or process of censure in any particular Church concerned in tliis agreement, shall not be received to occasional or stated communion in an)' other (^-hm-ch so concerned, while such censure remains, or such process is unfinished. But on the other hand, when any member in one of said Churches desires to connect himself with another, he shall not be refused a certificate ol"his good standing, when such stand- ing is really good ; nor shall it bo esteemed disordcrlj' or unkind for the Churcli to which he may present said certificate to receive him. " ' It is further recommended that the Churches conferring, mutually watch over each other's purity in doctrine, discipline, and manners, and be ready to receive complaints against any of their Ministers or members u])on tliese subjects; which complaints may be preferred and prosecuted either by individuals in their owii name, cum penciiio, or by a judicatory which shall communicate the necessary information to the judicatory to which the offender is subject, in wiiich latter case it shall be taken up as a fama clamoaa, and prosecuted by said judicatory, and the whole proceedings thereon shall be transmitted to the informing body for their satisfaction.' " The Synod, however, explicitly assure the other conferring Churches, that their refusal to accede to the remaining parts of the aforesaid plan would be injuriously construed, if considered as an indication of indifference or disrespect for these C'hurches, lor which they entertain and desire to express an affectionate regard ; and that they will at all times rejoice to concur with them in promoting the interests of the connnon salvation, and the honour of the common Redeemer." " Extracted from the minutes of the As.sociatc Rcfurmed Synod, met at Grcencastle, May 30th, 1799. Ebenezer Dickey, Clerk pro tc7n." —Minutes, 1800, p. 203. § 45. Declined hy the Dutch Synod. "■Resolutions of the General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church, held in the city of Albany on the third and followiny days of June, 1800. " 1. Resolved, That the General Synod entertain an affectionate regard and sincere esteem for the conferring Churches, and have manifested these sentiments in the most un- equivocal manner, in proposing a friendly corres{)ondcnce, and maintaining the same, until the withholding of corresponding delegates rendered it no longer practicuble. " 2. Resolved, That the correspondence organized in the year of our Lord, 1785, con- templated nothing more than a meeting of ri^])resentatives from the respective Churches, for the sole purpose of fraternal consultiition, commimicating and receiving mutual advice in matters of discipline, and strengthening and encouraging each other to abide faithful in the doctrines of grace. The General Synod judged a correspondence instituted upon these principles would combine the cfibrts of sister Churches in resisting the prevalence of infidelity and error, and maintain the bond of charity and communion without disturb- ing the internal peace of the respective Churchcfi, or introducing innovations. "3. Resolved, That the General Synod have persevered in the same sentiment, and notwithstanding the disagreeable interruption ol" the correspondence, have continued wil- ling to revive and confirm the same upon the jjrinciples first adopted, as appears by their repeated resolutions upon this subject in the years 1794 and 1797. " 4. Resolved, That as nothing more than a revival of the former correspondence with both the conferring Churches was intended, and as any further intercourse than was first agreed upon with either of them, would be highly inexpedient, and in the circumstances of this Cimrch wholly inadmissible; therefore the General Synod finds it necessary to de- cline ratilying the plan, which embraces objects not anticipated by the Dutch Church, w!iich is not a revival of the former correspondence, but a new and different system of intercourse, and which, if carried into effect, would not be for edification. " 5. Resolued, That the Dutch Reformed Churches will cheerfully co-operate with the other conferring Churches in mutually w.itciiing over purity in h unanimously agreed to by this body: and we do not deem it our duty in this case to send them a letter in reply, especially as the position of our Church, on the subject referred to, needs no further explanation. But we fully reciprocrate the exjiressions of fraternal regard, and of con- fidence in our order and the steadfastness of our faith which the letter 543 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. conveys, and would rejoice to have the bonds of Christian fellowship with that body made closer, if it could be done consistently with the claims of truth and peace. CHAPTER VI. RELATIONS WITH THE INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIANS. [This body was organized by the adherents of W. C. Davis. See Book VII. § 68.] § 60. Intercommunion allowed. IS'IS, p. 177. The committee having had the Commissioner from the Bethel Presbytery before them, and being informed that the body of Inde- pendent Presbyterians, referred to, consist only of about twenty churches and a small number of Ministers, mostly within the bounds of the Bethel Presbytery, who are the best judges of their soundness in the faith; and it being further represented that the errors for which in the year 1833 the General Assembly prohibited intercommunication, have been abandoned by the aforesaid Independent Presbyterians ; the committee do therefore recom- mend that the Bethel Presbytery have leave to establish such friendly rela- tions as they may deem proper under the present circumstances, notwith- standing the resolutions of the General Assembly of 1833, which were passed at the request and upon the representation of the Bethel Presbytery, as appears from the printed Minutes of the General Assembly, Vol. 7, p. 493. [See Book III. § 36. The above report was adopted.] § 61. Conditions of timon. 1857, p. 42. Overture No. 21, from the Presbytery of Bethel, relative to a union with the Independent Presbyterian Church, the Committee reported the following minute : [which was adopted :] While the General Assembly is greatly gratified with the spirit of charity and brotherly love which the Overture indicates as subsisting between the Presbytery of Bethel and the Independent Church, and would sincerely re- joice at the consummation of the proposed union, it yet cannot sanction the precise terms of the covenant which has actually been made. The privilege claimed by the Independent ministers of holding and teaching doctrines not in harmony with the Confession of Faith, is a privilege which, even if harm- less in this particular case, might be abused as a precedent and lead, in other quarters and in other relations, to serious mischief. The Assembly ex- presses the desire that these ministers may soon be able to embrace our standards without reservation, and in that case the Presbytery of Bethel is hereby authorized to ratify the union without further application to this body; but in the event that the Independent ministers and Churches cannot relinquish their peculiarities with a good conscience, this Assembly will cherish them in the bonds of Christian love, but it cannot see its way clear to embrace them in the same denomination. SEC. 69.J CONFERENCE OF REFORMED CHURCHES. 543 CHAPTER VII. CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODISTS. § 62. Assent to Correspondence. 1845, p. 38. A letter from the "Welsh Calvinistic Methodists in the United States, proposing a correspondence with this Assembly, and accompanied with their Constitution and Confession of Faith, was read, whereupon it was, on motion, Rcsolced, That this Assembly assent to the proposal ; and that the Stated Clerk be directed to inform the body of the vote of this Assembly, and re- quest them to commence the correspondence with us, either by letter or the appointment of delegates to this body, as they may prefer. CHAPTER YIII. CONFERENCE OF REFORMED CHURCHES § 63. Plan of the Conference. [Thjfcynods of Pittsburgh, Wheeling, and Virginia, having memorialized the Assem- bly on the subject of Christian union, the following report was adopted :] 1847, p. 392. It is well known that the manifestation of unity among evangelical Christians, occupies a distinguished place in the public mind at the present time. Nor can it be alleged that it deserves not the considera- tion which it has received. The convention held last year in London* has greatly increased the atten- tion given to this subject among Protestants, and it is hoped the results of that meeting may be extensively and permanently beneficial. If real Chris- tians, who hold fast the form of sound words, and feel the purifying and elevating power of truth, shall perceive more clearly their substantial agree- ment, love one another more fervently, and co-operate in the work of faith *" A resolution from the Presbytery of Montgomery, advising the appointment by the General Assembly of delegates to the convention to be held in London with a view to form a Christian union. Resolved, That it is inexpedient for the General Assembly to appoint delegates to said Convention." — Minutes, 1846, p. 194. 544 RELATIONS TO OTUER CUURCHES. [BOOK VI. and labour of love, more extensively and zealously, the advantage to the common cause of Christianity will be real and great. We would by no means call in question the organization or operation of that branch of the " Christian Alliance" which has been constituted in our country; but would rather bid those bi'ethren God speed in their legitimate efibrts, and pray that the blessing of the God of peace may abide with them always. Still it may be inquired whether some plan of intercourse and combined effort may not be adopted, which may specifically include those denominations who hold the same faith, and the same form of ecclesiastical government and discipline, substantially and truly, which we hold, that may greatly contribute to more intimate and complete unity in sentiment, affec- tion, and practice. If this can be accomplished in a considerable degree, in a way which will be safe, and will not interfere at all with denominational peculiarities and interests, it will be much gain to the cause of truth and charity ; and thus not only entire apostasy from true Christianity in its va- rious forms, but errors of a dangerous tendency will be more effectually resisted, and the system of salvation by free and sovereign grace may be more favourably exhibited before the Christian public. It is to be particularly observed, however, that such a plan should bear no relation whatever to the amalgamation of those denominations who may be willing to enter into such an arrangement. This must be left to each in its own ecclesiastical capacity. Only that unity which is consistent with denominational distinction, should be embraced in the plan. It is therefore respectfully recommended that the General Assembly offer for consideration to the supreme judicatories of those denominations in the United States, who are of the description above mentioned, the following propositions : 1. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the Synods of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Associate Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Dutch Protest- ant Church, and the Gorman Reformed Church, will appoint both ministe- rial and lay delegates in such numbers as they shall deem proper, to meet in conference at such time and place as shall be hereafter designated, and consult and decide respecting a suitable plan of intercourse as may be deemed profitable and safe. 2. The results of this conference shall be reported to the several bodies, and shall be regarded as adopted only so far as they shall be approved by each body. 3. This Assembly will appoint a committee who shall have clarge of pre- vious arrangements, so far as we are concerned, and shall be authorized to communicate with the bodies above named, and confer with any committees by them appointed. § 64. Rej^ort of the Committee of Covference. 1848, p. 14. The Committee on Christian Union, appointed by the last General Assembly, beg leave to report, That they have not been unmindful of the duty assigned them, and have proceeded as far as, in their judgment, the circumstances of the case would permit. Theobjectof their appointment was to communicate with the Synods of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, the Reformed Presbyterian, the Associate Presbyterian, the Reformed Dutch, and the German Keformed Churches ; and to confer with any committees which might be appointed by them respecting a suitable plan of intercourse. It was too late, after the rising of the Assembly, to confer with most of these bodies at their meetings last year. In anticipation of their annual se.s.-ious this year; the Committee have sent to the presiding officers of each, a copy SEC. 64.] CONFERENCE OF REFORMED CHURCHES. 545 of the report and resolution of the Assembly on Christian Union, and have invited such committees as they may see fit to appoint, to a conference to be held at the Mission House in the city of New York, on the first Monday of October next. The report was approved, and the committee continued. § 65. Second report of the Committee. 1849, p. 231. The Committee on Christian Union presented a report,* which was read, and is as follows, viz : " In that memorable prayer, whicli our Lord addressed to the Father immediately pre- vious to the consummation of his sufFering-s, we find this petition in behalf of his follow- ers, " That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, tliat tlicy may be one in us, that the world may know that thou hast sent me." The union of all the members of the household of faith, in the truth and fellowship of the j^ospcl, should be not only the desire, but the aim of all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. It is indeed the fact, that among all true believers there does exist a spiritual union. They are all constituent members of that one body of which Christ is the living' Head, and they are all partakers of the same Spirit. In the present world, however, they are imperfect in knowledge and in sanctification, and consequently that spiritual union which exists among all the mem- bers of the body of Christ, is but imperfectly manifested. Their views ofdivine truth, so long as they see through a glass darkly, and know only in part, may be expected in a greater or less degree to differ; and consequently difficulties will arise, in the way of manifesting their union before the view of the world. Both the prayers and the active efforts of the followers of Christ, should therefore be directed to the object of bringing into the unity of the faith the different portions of the Christian Church, so that they may not only be, but appear in the view of the world, one body in Christ. "Unhappily, the Church of Christ is at present divided into a great variety of distinct organizations. From this state of things it results, that instead of marching forward with a united front against the common foe, much of the time and strength of the different denominations of the Christian Church is wasted in opposing each other. And notunfre- quently has the world beheld the strange spectacle of different portions of the Church opposing each other with virulence in proportion to the nearness of their approximation to each other. Over this state of things the Church has long had occasion to mourn ; and it seems to be high time that some more systematic efforts should be made to bring into Christian fellowship the different portions of the household of faith. And in so far as some of the distinct portions of the Church are concerned, there is the greater encouragement to labour for the accomplishment of this object, since they already approximate so nearly to each other. " In our country, therfe now exist some six or eight distinct portions of the Presbyterian family, whose views of evangelical truth, as exhibited in their different standards, are sub- stantially the same, and whose form of ecclesiastical order is the same. Could these bodies be brought more closely together, so as to act in concert, it is easy to see that much more might be accomplished in advancing the interests of the common Christianity, and in promoting the universal diffusion of the gospel, than is practicable incur present divided state. With a view to prepare the way in some degree for the consummalionof an object so desirable, your Committee beg leave to submit for the consideration of the convention, the f()Ilowing resolutions : " Whereax, The Church of Jesus Christ constitutes one body, of which he is the divine Head, and consequently should be so organized as to exhibit to the view of the world the appearance, as well as the reality of unity ; and whereas, the present divided condition of the Church is, in appearance at least, inconsistent witli her unity ; therefore, " Rfsolved. 1. That it is the imperative duty of the followers of Christ to aim at bring- ing about a union of all the different portions of the household of faith upon a scriptural basis. " Rpnolved. 2. That in the judgment of this Convention, it is not only desirable, but prac- ticable, to effect a closer union than that which now exists among tiie bodies which are 'here represented, whereby they might more successfully accomplish the great work for wliich the Church was established. " And u'hi'reas, the views of the great system of evangelical truth, as exhibited in the standards of these different Churches, namely, in the Westminster Confession and Cate- * This report was originally made to a Convention composed of the committees from the various Presbyterian bodies appointed to confer together on the subject of Christian Union. It was presented to the General Assembly as showing the result, thus far, of the labours of that Convention. 69 546 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. chism, the Article i of the Synod of Dordrecht, and in the Heidelberg Catechism, are sub- stantially the same, therefore, " Resolved, 3. That it is the duty of these churches to cultivate towards each other the spirit of fraternal affection, to exercise Christian forbearance, and to co-operate in all scriptural efforts to promote the common Christianity. " Resolved, 4. That in the judgment of this Convention, while the singing of God's praise is an interesting part of religious worship, and while, for the present, it is left to the different churches to employ whichever of the authorized versions now in use may be most acceptable to them, the sacred songs contained in the book of Psalms are every way suitable and proper for that purpose, and any intimation that they breathe a spirit incon- sistent with the gospel, is to be regarded as a reflection upon their Divine Author. "Resolved, 5. That where it is practicable, without any surrender of principle, an inter- change of ministerial services be recommended, and that the different churches pay respect to each other's acts of discipline, and sustain each other in all scriptural efforts to promote tlie good order and to preserve the purity of the Church. "Resolved, 6. That in the prosecution of the work of Missions, it is desirable that these different churches, as far as practicable, should act in concert ; the Missionaries in the exercise of their ministry being accountable to the particular body with which they are ecclesiastically connected. "Resolved, 7. That for the promotion of a better understanding and more intimate in- tercourse between these different churches, it is desirable that a correspondence be main- tained, either by letter or by delegation, as may be judged most expedient. " Resolved, 8. That these resolutions be recommended to the consideration of the different churches represented in this Convention, that they may report their judgment in the pre- mises, to a future Convention to be held in the city of Albany on the first day of Novem- ber next, at eleven o'clock, A. M. " All of which is respectfully submitted." § 66. Unanimous Action of the Assembly on this report. 1849, p. 238. 1. Resolved, That the subject of Christian Union among all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, taking him as their Prophet, Priest, and King, is one of increasing importance in this age, and one which should be prayerfully and zealously prosecuted, until the various branches of the Church of Christ become one in appearance and action, as they are now one in spirit. 2. Resolved, That while we do not undertake to examine the resolutions of the Conference so critically as to be able to approve every form of expres- sion used therein ; nevertheless, we do most cordially approve of the spirit and aim of all their proceedings, and rejoice moreover at the unanimity with which the representatives of so many branches of the Church arrived at their generally just and valuable conclusions. 3. Resolved, That the former Committee of the Assembly, with such ad- ditional members as may be now appointed, be continued ; and they are hereby authorized to meet and act in such future Conferences as may assem- ble to promote this important object; of which action they shall make a re- port to the General Assembly. 1850, p. 440. [Next year there was no report, and the subject disappeared from the Minutes.] SBC. 65.] THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 547 CHAPTER IX. RELATIONS TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. §67. Mr. Tennenfs reasons of dissc7it f rum the Church of Ireland. 1718, p. 51. Mr. William Tennent's affair being transmitted by the com- mittee to the Synod, was by them fully considered, being well satisfied with his credentials, and the testimony of some brethren here present, as also they were satisfied with the material reasons which he nfiered concerning his dissenting from the Established Church in Ireland; being put to a vote of the Synod, it was carried in theaffirmative to admit him as a member of the Synod. Ordered, That his reasons be inserted in the Synod book ad futuram rei memoriam. The Synod also ordered that the Moderator should give him a serious exhortation to continue steadfast in his now holy profession, which was done. " The reasons of Mr. William Tennent for his dissenting from tlie Established Church in Ireland, delivered by him to the Rev. Synod, held at Phikdelpliia the 17th day of Sep. tember, 1718. '■'■Imprimis. Their government by Bishops, Arch-Bishops, Deacons, Arch-Deacons, Canons, Chapters, Chancellors, Vicars, wholly anti-scriptural. 2. Tlieir discipline by Surrogates and Chancellors, in their courts ecclesiastic, without a tiiundation in tiie word of God. 3. Their abuse of that supposed discipline, by commutation. 4. A diocesan Bishop cannot be founded Jure divino upon tiiosc epistles to Tiinotliy or Titus, nor any- where else in the word of God; and so is a mere human invention. 5. The usurped power of the Bishops at tlieir yearly visitations, acting all of themselves, without the eon- sent of the bretlircn. 6. Pluralities of benefices. Lastly. The Churches conniving at the practice of Arminian doctrines inconsistent witli the eternal purpose of God, and an encouragement of vice. Besides, I could not be satisfied with their ceremonial way of worship. These, &c., have so atFected my conscience, that I could no longer abide in the Church where the same are practised. Signed by William Tennent." § 68. Casual correspondence with the Clergy met at Philadelphia. 1760, p. 306. An address from the clergy of the Church of England,- be- longing to this city, was brought in and read ; wherein they complain that some members of this Synod have intermeddled in their Church affairs to their disliking; and query, whether the paper which they say was signed by the Moderator [Mr. Davies] and some other members, was signed as a Synodi- cal act. The Synod assure these reverend gentlemen that they never signed it as a Synodical body, nor heard the paper read in Synod, nor was it as much as made known to many of the members of this body. As we have not seen the paper, we cannot judge how far they have concerned themselves in the affairs of the Church of England. We desire to intermeddle with no affairs that do not belong to us; but, as a body, can neither prevent the pri- vate correspondence of our members, nor oblige them to produce their let- ters; but we presume, if application should be made to the persons who have written, a sight of the paper may be obtaineil. And wo heartily desire 548 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. that the same good understanding which has hitherto happily subsisted be- tween us and the reverend gentlemen of the Church of England may still continue. Ordered, That the Clerk give a copy of this minute, if desired. 1764, p. 311. A letter from the Convention of the Episcopal Clergy, now in this city, to the Synod, was brought in and read, complaining of a num- ber of our body for interfering in the settlement of Mr. McClanachan in the city of Philadelphia, together with a letter wrote to the Archbishop of Can- terbury on this subject. p. 312. The complaint of the Episcopal Clergy came to be considered. and Messrs. McDowell, Caleb Smith, Samuel Finley, Wilson, Hector Ali- son, being appointed a committee to draw up a minute on this subject, brought it in, and it is as follows : The Synod would be sorry that any occasion of difference should arise between us and that Church, and are of opinion that the brethren men- tioned acted without due consideration and improperly in that affair ; and particularly for the induction of Mr. McClanachan to this city, for induc- tion in a legal sense is what we disapprove as contrary to our principles. But the members complained of declare as follows, viz : That by induction they did not mean a forcible obtrusion of a Minister upon the people against their will, which their principles as Presbyterians would never allow them to propose; but only the Archbishop's influence in settling the gentleman in question, with the consent of the majority of said Congregation, which they understood was the true state of the case. And the Synod further think, these brethren should not lie under the imputation of what is quoted from Mr. McClanachan's letter, merely upon his doubtful insinuation, nor be put to the unusual task of clearing themselves, when there is no evidence against them; and we hope this will satisfy the gentlemen who complain. CHAPTER X. CORRESPONDENCE WITH FOREIGN CHURCHES. Title 1. — intercourse by letter. § 69. Early intercourse. 1766, p. 356. The committee appointed to prepare a plan of correspond- ence with foreign Churches, brought in one, which is as follows : 1. That the committee during the session of Synod, bring in a copy of a letter or letters to the Churches, to be read and approved by them. 2. That if there be occasion to write to any of the Churches at any other time, three at least of the committee shall prepare and send letters, copies of which shall be laid before the Synod at their next meeting. 3. That letters received by the committee from any of the Churches be annually laid before the Synod, as well as the answers* given to any of them. SEC. 68.] FOREIGN CHURCHES. 549 4. That the Churches with whom we shall correspond be Holland, Geneva, Switzerland, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland or their Com- mission, the Synods of Seceding Ministers, the Ministers in and about Lon- don, the General Synod of Ireland, and Ministers of Dublin, New England, and the Churches in South Carolina. The Synod appointed Dr. Alison, Messrs. Kichard Treat, Rodgers, Ewing, McWhorter, Joseph Treat, Beatty, and V. Ijiviugston, as a committee to cor- respond with the foreign Churches for the ensuing year, to meet this eve- ning at seven o'clock. [This correspondence was maintained until 1771, when occurs the last notice of let- tors.] § 70. Later intercourse. — Embarrassments in opening it. [In 1797, the Synod of New York and New Jersey having- moved the Assembly, on the subject of more extensive correspondence, both in this country and Europe, the following report v^as adopted :] 1797, p. 124. When a plan so benevolent in its nature, and honourable to the enlarged conceptions of its authors, as the one contained in this address, solicits attention, the task becomes painful which requires a detail of the ob- stacles unfavourable to its adoption or success. In order to commence the correspondence proposed, a more accurate acquaintance with the address of foreign churches appears requisite, than is at present possessed, as the smallest inaccuracy here might have an injurious tendency. The channels of intelligence at the present period are likewise interrupted and obstructed in an uncommon degree, rendering the conveyance of letters highly preca- rious. The disorders and convulsions of the European world, also afford little ground to expect a calm, deliberate attention to any new proposal from a distant region which, however harmless or laudable in itself, might excite fear and apprehension on one part, with jealousy and suspicion on another. Nor should it be forgotten that former advances of the like kind, made under far more auspicious circumstances, afford little encouragement to renew them. Neither does the history of the Christian Church, since it became divided into various persuasions, afford inviting instances, we believe, of the design under contemplation having been frequently attempt- ed, or attended with beneficial consequences. Some of the same remarks apply to the intercourse projected between other denominations in this country and our own, with whom the correspondence moved by us proved of short duration, and yielded no salutary effect. Repeated applications of the same kind from the same quarter may give rise to unfavourable surmises of latent designs, or create suspicions of a meddling, dictatorial temper. No considerable change has happened since the preceding effort proved fruitless, to produce a repetition of it. And perhaps the best method of promoting a more intimate connection among various communions, is to cultivate a good understanding with each other by personal communications and familiar acquaintance, till predispositions arise for a more intimate relation. It is natural for different denominations to be most tenacious of their peculiar distinctions, whether they regard objects essential or indifferent. These tliey wish others to adopt, or fear others have an intention to invade. In the course of communicating sentiments, it is entirely within the compass of probability, that something of the kind might be touched which would lead to troublesome discussions without producing a desirable conclusion. Were the prospect of success in the premises even more flattering, our judi- catures, it is presumed, find abundant employment in upholding their exist- ence, and discharging their functions; they therefore may not act prudently iu extending their services, and voluntarily augmenting the sphere of labo- 650 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES.' [BOOK VI. rlous, expensive, and troublesome action. Nevertheless, seeing time and trial often show the defectiveness of arguments which seem conclusive, to keep alive the hope of being able to engage in the great design recommend- ed, under some of its aspects, and at some future day, it appears desirable, and may prove useful, for the members of our Church to make such inqui- ries as their prudence shall dictate, and such observations on the subject as opportunity shall afford, and communicate the result at seasonable periods, whereby a subsequent Assembly can form an enlightened judgment con- cerning the practicability, expediency, and utility of a measure which may be declined at present. § 71. The subject referred to the Board of Missions. [Again upon a memorial from the same Synod a report was adopted, as follows :] -1811, p. 469. Your committee believe that it will correspond with the views of the Synod, and of the Assembly, if the Committee of Missions will institute in the name of this Assembly, a correspondence in such man- ner as they may find to be best adapted for obtaining a clear and satisfactory knowledge of the actual state of the Christian Church in the various couri- tuies of the East, North, and West, whether in the communion of the Greeks. Eoman Catholics, or Protestants, with respect to doctrines, worship, present spirit, and immediate prospects either secular or spiritual, in the respective nations. In this correspondence your committee recommend that a free and particular communication be made of the state of the Churches in the United States of America, and that such propositions be mutually made and received as to them, and the organs of the foreign Churches with whom they corres- pond, may severally be deemed most useful for exciting, promoting, and di- recting a universal zeal for purifying the doctrines of the Church, and ex- tending to all nations the light of the gospel, and collecting all nations, when it shall please the wisdom of divine Providence, into the bosom of the kingdom of the Redeemer. All which correspondence it is recommended may be submitted annually, or as often as convenient, to the General As? sembly. Resolved, That the Committee of Missions be authorized to employ a person or persons to make any transcriptions or translations which may be requisite, in carrying on the aforesaid correspondence, and that the expense be defrayed out of the funds of the Assembly. § 72. The suhject agaiii resumed. 1820, p. 731. The committee appointed [in 1819] to inquire into the ex- pediency of collecting information of the doctrine and discipline, and gene- ral state of the Protestant Churches in Europe, and into the expediency of establishing a communication with the judicatories of said Churches, or any of them, reported, and their report being read, was adopted, and is as fol- lows, viz : That having considered the subject, they are of the opinion that a correspondence with the Protestant Churches of Europe might be pro- ductive of important advantages, but that in the present state of those Churches, such correspondence c;in more advantageously be carried on by individuals connected with the General Assembly, and members of foreign Churches, than by the judicatories of those Churches and this body. And the committee were discharged. § 73. SuLsequent intercourse. [In 1828 the Assembly addressed a letter to the Protestants of France, which led to an interchange of communications f(>r several years with some of the French Ministers. — Minutes, 1828, p. 236 ; 1829, p. 391 ; 1830, p. 51 ; 1831, p. 210. In 1829 a letter was re- SEC. 70.J FOREIGN CHURCHES. 551 ceivcd from the Board of Congregfational Ministers in London, the commencement of an occasional correspondence witli tlieni, wliich did not continue more than six or eight ye:iis.—Minu/e.H, 1829, pp. 369, 38G ; 1833, p. 512; 1834, p. 51, &,c. In 1830 a letter was addrfssed to the Synod of Ulster, the opening of intercourse with tlie Presby- terian Church in Ireland. — Minutes, 1830, p. 23. In 1833 correspondence was com- menced with tlie United Secession Church of Scotland. — Minutes, 1833, p. 475. A let- ter was at the same time addressed to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to which no reply appears to have been received. In 1834 a letter from the Presbytery of New Brunswick in British America, opened intercourse with the Presbyterian Church in Canada. — Minutes, 1834, p. 34.] 1838, p. 88. Resolved, That letters be addressed to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, to the General Synod of Ulster, to the Presbyterian Synod of Ire- land, to the General Synod of the United Secession Church of Scotland, and to the Congregational Union of England and Wales, in order to convey to said bodies a succinct, yet accurate account of the present state of our Church ; and also, in the case of the Church of Scotland, to express our de- sire of opening with the General Assembly of that Church, a friendly and Christian correspondence [The result was a transient correspondence. In 1844 letters were exchanged with the Synod of Australia,— M«m to, 1844, p. 402.] § 74. Correspondence icith the Continental Churches resumed. 1853, p. 452. The committee recommend to the General Assembly to enter into correspondence with several ecclesiastical bodies on the continent of Europe, all of them Presbyterian in their organization, and most of them small, but interesting, because of their peculiar position, labours, and trials. These bodies are : The Free Church of France, The Free Church of the Canton of Vaud, The Synod of Geneva, and the Synod of the Waldensian Church. The committee have reason to believe that a correspondence with these bodies might be highly interesting to us, and profitable to them. They are struggling with many difficulties, and demand, as well as deserve, our sympathy. [Adopted.] The Presbytery or Synod of Belgium was added to the list of continental bodies with which it is proposed to correspond. 1858, p. 278. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reports : That the only communication referred to them from foreign bodies, is a letter to the Moderator of this Assembly, from the President jjur interim of the Synod of the Free Church in France. The letter is most affectionate, expressing their congratulations for our harmony and rapid growth ; and more especially with thanksgiving and praise to the great Head of the Church, for the remarkable outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon our Church, and upon the evangelical Churches throughout our land. The llev. President of the Synod, Dr. Monod, who was requested to at- tend this session of the Assembly, and was charged to make to us a more extended communication, was obliged to return home early in May, and consequently we have only a brief and general statement of the present con- dition and future prospects of that Church — one with us in faith, worship, and government. Though comparatively few and feeble, it is nevertheless vigorous and hopeful, and greatly animated at present by an interest in one of their particular Churches, after the manner of the revivals of religion with us. This Assembly is requested to send a delegate to the next annual meeting of their Synod, at Vigua, on the last Thursday of August next. In view of the foregoing summary of the letter before us, your committee beg leave to propose, for the consideration of this Assembly, the following resolutions : 552 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI Resolved, 1. That when the statistics of the last year are completed, and liiure particularly that relating to the present revivals of religion, our Mode- rator be requested to reply to "the President of the Synod of the Free Church in France, expressive of the sympathy, veneration, and aflfection of this As- sembly for that sister Church. Rewlved, 2. That if one or more of our brethren shall visit Europe the ensuing summer, our Moderator be empowered to commission him or them to represent this Assembly in that Synod. § 75. Corre&pondence tvitli the Waldenses. ( a ) [The Assembly in 1853 numbered among its corresponding members the Rev. J. P. Revel, the Moderator of the Waldensian Synod. (Book IV. § 134.) The following appeal to the Clmrches on the object of his visit, was adopted.] 185B, p. 595. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States to the churches under their care — Greeting : Dearly Beloved Brethren — It has been our privilege during the present session, to receive as a guest the Rev. J. P. Revel, Moderator of the AVal- densian Synod, and representative of that ancient and venerable Church. Standing upon the same platform of doctrine and order with ourselves, being Calvinistic in one, and Presbyterian in the other, this Church is endeared to us on many grounds ; — because she can trace her lineage, in a direct his- toric line, to that primitive Church, which, for aught we know, was founded by Apostolic labours ; because through that long night of a thousand years, when the nations of the earth " wandered after the beast," she kept the beacon light of truth and godliness upon her Alpine watchtower ; because her moun- tain fastnesses have afforded an asylum to the persecuted saints of the Lord in every land, during those ages when " the woman was drunken with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus ;" because, during six centuries the grace and power of God have preserved her, like the burning bush, amidst the flames of per- secution— and thus she stands forth a precious memorial of God's covenant fidelity, and of Christ's power, as King in Zion, to keep his seed alive upon the earth ; because, not needing herself to be reformed, she has in every age earnestly sympathized with every effort to purge the Church of error and impiety ; because, through six hundred years she has been a faithful witness for God and the truth, furnishing a noble army of confessors, who have sealed their testimony with their blood ; and because, in every age, she has been a missionary Church, devoted to evangelical labours — and now, in the first lull of that storm which has so long beaten upon her, she comes forth from the cleft in the rock, and girds herself anew to the propagation of Christianity. Though like the conies they are a feeble folk, numbering only 23,000 souls, who glean a scanty subsistence from their mountain terraces, yet " the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty have abounded unto the riches of their liberality." They have undertaken not only to sustain their own pastorates, but to build Churches in Turin, Genoa, Pignerol, Nice, and other important places contiguous to their territory ; to sustain Missiona- ries, through whom the word of the Lord may " sound out into the regions beyond;" and especially to found a theological school, which shall train a native ministry adapted to the great work of evangelizing Papal Europe. For these various purposes the sum of $50,000 is imperatively needed ; which, while it would enrich them, is but the small dust of that wonderful wealth which a benignant Providence has poured into the lap of the Ame- rican Church. We do the more earnestly commend this great object. Chris- tian brethren, to your syn)pathy and aid, since Mr. Revel, the representa- tive of this martyr Church, has time to do little more than to introduce SEC. 74.] FOREIGN CHURCHES. 553 himself to us, and through us to introduce his cause to you. Brethren, it will be well done if it be quickly done. Do with your might whatsoever your hand and your heart may find in this matter; and send your contribu- tions which God may give you grace to afford, to the Hon. Walter Lowrie, Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions in New York, at as early a pe- riod as possible. Yours in the Lord Jesus. {b) A letter from Mr. Revel. [By the Assembly of 1854, a letter was received from Mr. Revel. "The letter expresses the warmest gratitude of the Vaudois brethren, for the favour with which Dr. Revel and his cause were received by the General Assembly last year, and by the churches under its care. Dr. Revel also sug-g-ests, that as their Synod would be in session at the same time witii our General Assembly of the present year, one hour of the evening of the 30th inst. be set apart for special prayer, by both bodies, for the following objects: — 1. A larger measure of the Holy Spirit upon the members of both bodies, and upon the churches which they represent. 2. The continuance of the blessings of heaven on their labours for the , conversion of sinners, and the manifestation of tlie divine glory. 3. More intimate union, and more hearty and energetic action for the advancement of their common faith." — Presbyterian, of May 27th, 1854. In accordance with this suggestion, the Assembly ob- served the concert of prayer, on the evening indicated.] — 3Ii?iutes, 1854, p. 37. § 76. Si/mpathi/ for the Free Church of Scotland. 1842, p. 43. Whereas the Church of Scotland is at the present moment engaged in a perilous struggle, in which her dearest rights are involved, and in which the attempt is made to dictate to the flock of Christ who shall be their spiritual leaders and Pastors, thus virtually usurping the place of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Head of his Church, and menacing the people of God with the deprivation of their most sacred privileges ; and whereas, the prelacy, papacy, and infidelity of Scotland, rejoicing in the prospect of overturning that noble Church of Christ, (which in the darkest and most appalling periods of persecution boldly maintained its testimony for Christ,) are arrayed with the civil power to despoil the Church of her proper spiritual rights and powers, in hope of counteracting her influence in opposing error in all its forms ; therefore, RcAolved, 1. That this General Assembly does most affectionately extend to the Church of Scotland its most tender sympathy in her present season of tribulation, and most devoutly prays that she may be safely guided through her painful conflict to a successful, happy, and peaceful issue. 2. That this General Assembly recognizes the great principles for which the Church of Scotland is contending, and believes them to be just, vital, and scriptural, and that for their defence every temporal sacrifice, even to the sacrifice of life itself, should be cheerfully made. 3. That in the opinion of this (Tcueral Assembly no compromise involv- ing the sacrifice or the abatement of these principles, should for a moment be listened to, and that the contest should never be relaxed, until the seal of reprobation is indelibly affixed to the odious principle of patronage. 4. That a copy of these resolutions, and a copy of the resolution respect- ing the anniversary commemoration of the Westminster Assembly, signed by the Moderator and Clerks of this body, be transmitted to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, and to the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, in connection with the Church of Scotland. § 77. Delegates from the Free Church. 1844, p. 378. [Messrs. Lewis and Chalmers being present as Commissioners on behalf of the Free Church, the following paper was adopted :] The General Assembly lias heard with the warmest interest the eloquent addresses of the Kev. brethren Lewis and Chalmers, relative to the recent 70 554 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. uiovements of the Free Church of Scotland, with a view to preserve her spiritual purity and independence. By the sacrifices she has already made, in her relinquishment of every temporal advantage conferred upon her by the civil power, and by her noble resolution, in reliance on the divine grace and providence, to encounter all the difficulties which may impede her in the prosecution of the work to which God has called her, the Free Church of Scotland has borne a most noble testimony in favour of her devotion to all that is sacred in the rights of conscience, and precious in the principles and privileges of the gospel j of her deep conviction of the superior importance of the approbation of her Lord and blaster over the favour of earthly princes, and nobles, and of the treasures of his grace, to the treasures of the world. By this truly manly and Christian course, this Church has acquired a just and strong claim upon the admiration and sympathy of all evangelical Christians, and has set before the world a noble example of integrity and self-denial. The conduct of our fathers and brethren, as well as of the people under their care, recalls forcibly to our recollection the glorious struggles of the Church of Scotland in days gone by, when she stood for years against the fierce and persevering assaults of a bigoted hierarchy and tyrannical monarchy, taking joyfully the spoiling of her goods, and resisting even unto blood, that she might transmit to posterity unimpaired the spiritual liberty wherewith Christ had made her free. While we rejoice to recognize in her present struggles the same princi- ples and the same spirit which animated our Presbyterian forefathers in Scotland, and made the history of their persecutions and endurance so interesting and glorious, we cannot refrain from expressing our gratitude to Almighty God, both that the present sons of the Church of Scotland show themselves worthy of their pious and honoured ancestors, and that, by the blessing of God, the principles of civil and religious liberty have been so far established, as to prevent ungodly men inflicting on those who now contend for spiritual freedom, the same extremities of sufferings which were endured by its defenders in former days. Therefore, Resolved, 1. That this General Assembly express, in behalf of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States, her deep sympathy with our brethren of the Free Church of Scotland, in the sacrifices they have been called to make, and the trials they have yet to endure, in defence of their spiritual liberties. Resolved, 2. That we hail the present movement of the Free Church of Scotland as an evident token from God of good to his people everywhere, and we would render to Him, as the giver of all grace, our sincere thanks and praises for the spii'it of boldness, self-sacrifice, and devotion to his holy cause, manifested by our brethren during their recent struggle and present diihculties. Resolved, 3. That we cordially recommend the Free Church of Scotland, in all her interests and trials, to the sympathies and prayers of all the Churches under our care. Resolved, 4. That we recommend to all those Ministers, Elders, and Churches under our care, who have not yet assisted these suff"ering brethren, to solicit contributions in behalf of the Free Church of Scotland. Resolved, ^. That this Assembly propose to the (Jeneral Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland to open a friendly correspondence, by the mutual interchange of commissioners to attend each other's sessions at such times as may be deemed most suitable. iiciuived, 6. That the thanks of this Assembly be tendered to brethren j.l :. 7(.] FOREIGN CHURCHES. 555 wis and Chalmers for the deeply interesting intelligence communicated to us I>y theiu in relation to the afi'airs of the Free Church of Scotland. 'Next ye:ir a letter was received from the Free Cliurch. Sec the next Title] Title 2. — foreign correspondence and the slavery question. § 78. Introduction of the suhject. [The General Synod of the United Secession Church of Scotland, in their first letter, c ireri'd lirjjuly into the question of slavery, addressing a very urgent admonition to tiu' (■eneral Asscnil)ly on the subject. The reply " receives in kindness the observations," i.nd recognizes in them " the reproofs of Iriends, like precious oil." — Minutes, 1834, pp G2, 64. Tlie (ieneral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 1844 again introduced tlie subject. In reply the General Assembly says :] 1845, p. 46. You refer us to what you call " an evil which has long dis- figured our civil polity," and submit to our consideration your resolution on liie subject of slavery. We receive your communication on this subject with all the frankness and kindness which dictated your whole letter. There i.s no disposition on our part either to repel the counsel of brethren abroad, or evade responsibility and discussion on this momentous question, at home. We enclose to you a preamble and resolutions which we have just adopted, with a nearly unanimous vote; in which you will see that we are not con- tented to slumber amidst the evils connected with slavery, nor to shun in- vestigation of our duty to the bottom. You are strangers, we presume, 'in a great measure to the principal cause f»f the aggravations which attend domestic slavery in this country ; such as the severity of particular laws enacted in the slave-holding states, and the extreme sensibility with which many of our fellow-citizens there refuse to receive advice and entertain discussion. That cause is mainly the vehemence and fanatical intolerance with which many in what are called the free states urge on the south, instant abolition, without regard to circumstances, eon- seijuences, or even warrant from the word of God itself. We hope that a better mind, and one in accordance with the paper we send you, will soon j)ervade every part of our otherwise harmonious country; and suffer that " knowledge of Christianity" you mention to penetrate all relations existing among us, and exert its native, free, transforming power over every institu- tion, which either necessity may suffer, or wisdom perpetuate among men. § 79. Letter to the Church of Scotland on the subject. Ihid. p. 44. [At the same time, in reply to the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, the Assembly says :] We are gratified exceedingly with the spirit of candour and inquiry which pervades your document on the subject of slavery, and leads us to hope that we shall soon be able to acquaint our noble brethren in Scotland, with the true position of the Presbyterian Church in this country. That responsibility for the evils of American slavery is shared by our brethren in Great Britain to some extent, that you are restrained from per- emptory decision on the question of our particular duty, by ignorance of facts and circumstances, and that you appreciate so much the difficulties of our position, as to admit that a different course from that of the British Churches may be justified among us for the present, — are generous senti- ments and enlightened Christian moderation, which prove to us that the Free Church of Scotland is as much ennobled by elevation above the preju- dices that surround her, as by a memorable exodus from the oppression that enthralled her. Could we allay escitenient and restrain impatience, and 556 KELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. correct misunderstanding among our brethren of the British Churches, we have no doubt that our course in this most delicate and difficult subject would be so entirely approved, that no intimation of ultimate severance on this account would any more alloy the happiness which your correspondence aiTords. Our modes of thinking in this country have not been moulded by any thing like a civil establishment of religion ; by any such connection of Church and State as induces a reciprocal legislation between the civil and ecclesiastical commonwealth. The State never interferes with us as a Church, either to cherish our doctrines or to control our privileges ; and she expects in return that we meddle not with her civil and domestic regula- tions ; one of which is slavery. Every man in the Church here has politi- cal right and power. As a citizen, he has the utmost opportunity for contending against every social, civil, or moral wrong, which the institutions of his country may ordain or allow. But as a member of the Church, he belongs to a kingdom that is not of this world, that has always been pros- pered in apostolic and reforming times by separation in counsel from " the powers that be," and which, while it fails not to witness against the sins of the land, would rather, as in your own illustrious example, resign even the guardianship of these powers, than permit civil and spiritual enactments either to clash or mingle together. We learn our duty, dear brethren, not only from the peculiar circum- stances of Providence in our political institutions, but from the great charter of the Church itself. Here we have a religion of great principles, which it behoves us to promulgate with all possible energy, industry, and faith- fulness—principles which in the end will overthrow every form of oppres- sion that is incompatible with the inalienable rights of man. Beyond the assertion of these principles, and their vigorous application to all the exist- ing relations of society around us, we think it not only inexpedient but un- warranted and presumptuous, for any ecclesiastical court to pronounce either dogma or precept. We dare not contract the bond of union among brethren more than Christ has contracted it ; nor exclude from the pale of our com- munion, members that hold a relation which Christ and his Apostles did not declare, among the many specific declarations against prevailing sins, to be incompatible with Christian fellowship. Slavery existed then as well as now, with at least equal atrocity ; and in our opposition to its evils, we de- sire to treat it as they did, rather than reduce their broad precepts to that minute kind of legislation which engenders fanaticism, distracts and enfee- bles the Church, and defeats the eventual triumph of the very principles it proposes to enforce. Enclosed, we send you a copy of a preamble and resolutions on this sub- ject, which we have just adopted with great unanimity and deliberate firm- ness, from which you will learn our determination to abide by the example of Christ and his Apostles, — to address ourselves, in the spirit of the gospel, more than ever to the work of meliorating evils we cannot redress, im- proving a relation we cannot dissolve, and disseminating among masters and slaves that pure gospel whose heavenly influence never fails, when free from the extravagance of men, to purify every institution which God approves, and demolish every system that is opposed to the honour of his name, and the best interests of the human race. SEC. 79.] FOREIGN CHURCHES. 557 § 80. The Irish General Assemhly. [A second letter from the Irish Assembly elicited the following reply :] 1846, p. 223. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. VtncrahJe and Beloved Brethren — We have received, at the commence- ment of our present sessions in the city of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, your letter dated at Dublin, on the 7th day of July, 1845; which is a duplicate of your letter of the preceding year, having prefixed to it a notice of your action touching " certain resolutions on the subject of slavery, adopted by the Belfast Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Anti- slavery Society." The reason you assign for sending to us a duplicate of your letter of last year, is that you had not, at the date of your last letter, " been favoured with an acknowledgment" of the former one. We cannot tell how this has happened ; since our Assembly of last year, about the end of the month of i\Iay, sent you an answer to that letter, which ought to have reached you before the date of your present letter ; and long before it was probably des- patched by your Moderator and Clerks, seeing it did not reach this conti- nent before the month of February last. A copy of that answer, which was printed in the appendix to our Minutes of last year, is now sent to you, and will, we hope, reach you in due season. Any communications which you may think proper to send to us, no mat- ter what may be their original source, will be treated by us with the con- sideration which your approval of them cannot fail to entitle them to, in our eyes. We are not aware of any other claim that " The British and Foreign Anti-slavery Society," or its auxiliary at Belfast, has on the notice of this Assembly. As it regards the general subject of human liberty, it seems to us that nothing need be said in vindication of the ardent and hereditary devotion of all the people of the United States, and amongst the rest, and perhaps somewhat specially, of the Presbyterian people of this country, to the glo- rious cause of true and real liberty all over the earth. If our national an- nals cannot be understood, we should despair of making our sentiments in- telligible. We are not aware, however, that subjects of this description are the most appropriate for a correspondence between Churches of the Lord Jesus Christ, since it is their particular mission to give the blessed gospel, and not free institutions, to the human race. As it regards the subject of negro slavery, now tolerated in about one- half of the confederated states of this Union, it is, perhaps, due to ourselves and to you, seeing the deep interest you manifest in the subject, and the obviously erroneous opinions you have formed, both of it and of our rela- tions to it — that we should make a somewhat more distinct statement than is contained in our former letter. The relations of negro slavery as it exists in the states that tolerate it, are two-fold. Chiefly, it is an institution purely civil, depending absolutely upon the will of the civil power in the states respectively in which it exists ; secondarily, it has various aspects and relations, purely or mainly moral, in regard to which the several states permit a greater or less degree of inter- vention. Touching the former aspect of the subject, this General Assem- bly has no sort of power ; any more than we should have, if we met in Great Britain, over the institutions of hereditary monarchy, cr aristocracy, or a thousand other things, which, as republicans, we unanimously condemn, but which you, as loyal subjects, cordially approve. Touching the latter 558 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCFES. [BOOK VI. aspect of the subject, and especially as regards the conduct of Ministers and members of our own Church, we are of course, deeply concerned; and we beg to assure you, that since the foundation of our Church on this continent to the present moment, it has always recognized and tried to discharge the duties which God in his providence, has cast upon it, in this regard. That we have done all we could, much less all we should have done, we will no more venture to assert, than we suppose you would contend that you had fully dischai'ged your duties, during the past two centuries, to the millions of Popish idolaters who dwell around you. What we say is, that we think we comprehend our duty, in this respect, and that, from the beginning, our Church has openly recognized it, and tried to perform it, both to the mas- ters and to their slaves : and we add, that it seems to us wholly impossible for our brethren in foreign parts, to understand what we can do, or should do, better than we do ourselves. As to the institution of slavery in itself considered, and founding our judgment upon the condition in which it has been exhibited, first and last, in most of the states of this Union, the Presbyterian Church in the United States, has never failed to manifest a profound interest, nor shrunk from bearing a clear and constant testimony. If we have the misfortune to differ from you in regard to any part of the subject, of course we regret it. But you can hardly expect us to change our ancient, deliberate, and settled tes- timony on a subject for a long time and very carefully examined; nor does it appear to us to be for edification, that our sister Churches in foreign countries should steadily and strenuously condemn us in regard to matters they cannot possibly understand as well as we do, nor possibly feel in regard to them so deep and solemn a responsibility as we do. We have, therefore, only to say that our fathers from the beginning, as we ourselves now, and the Church constantly, have held and testified, that slavery, as it has long existed, and does still exist in many of the states of this Union, cannot scripturally be made a term of Christian or ministerial communion ; and that, on the other hand, it is an institution which this Church never did, and does not now, set itself to defend. This is the substance, very briefly, of the testimony borne from generation to generation by the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, upon this point. As we have already said, our purpose simply is to make a statement, by which you may understand exactly how this Church has always viewed this subject; you will then act as your sense of duty and propriety shall dictate We have, of course, no idea of discussing at large a question of this sort with you, much less of defending, in a brief letter to you, our conduct or our faith, our Church or our country, against the calumnies of ignorant or corrupt men, either in your country or ours. It is because we love and re- spect you, that, under all the circumstances of the case, we feel constrained to say a word on the subject ; and it is because we are fully convinced of the truth of our opinions, the righteousness of our testimony, and- the pro- priety of our conduct, that we have felt it needful to do nothing more than state distinctly our true position. For the rest, one thing is beyond all controversy : notwithstanding our unworthiness, our God has smiled on us and our fathers, ever since our standard was lifted up in this vast continent — and has so blessed and en- larged us, that in about a century and a half he has brought us, from a con- dition so feeble that we had but a single Minister of the gospel, to be, per- haps, the most numerous body of orthodox Presbyterians on the face of the earth ; and by his grace, we believe we are more united this day, than we ever were before, and as fully resolved, by the help of God, to go forward in the glorious work to which, as we trust, we have been divinely called. SEC. 80.] FOREIGN CIIURrnKs. 550 Praying God to bless you, venerable and be' )vcd, wc remain, in the bonds of Christ's gospel, faithfully and cordially your brethren and friends. Signed by order of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Charles Hodge, Moderator. Robert Davidson, Permanent Clerk. Attest, Willis Lord, Stated Clerk. Philadelphia, June, 1846. § 81. The Synod in Canada. [During the same sessions of the Assembly, in which the preceding correspondence took place, a letter was received from the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, occupied mainly with the subject of slavery, and couched in such terms as precluded any answer; and the correspondence there terminated.] — Minutes, 1846, pp. 191, 217. § 82. Further correspondence with the Irish Assembly. [The next year the subject was again discussed in a letter from the General Assembly of the Church in Ireland, to which the following reply was addressed :] 1848, p. 176. With respect to the matter to which the greater part of your letter is devoted, we would simply observe that we have heretofore ex- pressed to you our position ; and we would refer you to our former state- ments on that subject. If we have declined any further discussion with you, in relation to slavery in the United States, it is not because we shrink from any discussion of the question of slavery, or as to the question of our own duty in relation to it. We trust that we are influenced neither by timidity, nor by any apprehension that we cannot sustain the conclusions we have deliberately adopted. All that we mean to say is, that, as the subject in all its bearings is before our eyes, as we have anxiously examined the word of God to discover the principles which it discloses, as we have en- deavoured to pursue a course, which we believed to be not only strictly con- formable to the example and teaching of the Bible, but to have been approved of Heaven, in the actual conditions of slavery as it has been hitherto influ- enced by the uniform testimonies of our Church, both in the treatment of slaves and in the progress of emancipation ; and as there is nothing in the arguments you employ, whether they involve your interpretation of the Scripture, or your impressions, with respect to the aspects of this institu- tion as it exists in the southern part of this country, or to your own rela- tions to it, with which we have not been entirely familiar, long before you deemed it needful to call our attention to it, we do not regard it for edifica- tion, to engage in a controversy, or to protract the discussion with your As- sembly, upon this business. [Again in 1851, " the Stated Clerk presented and read a letter from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland;" renewing the agitation of the topic; "which on motion was referred to a select committee to be answered at their discretion." Finally, in 1854, another was received from the same source, expressed in a style so offensive that tiie Committee on Foreign Correspondence recommended " that the letter from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland be not answered." The recommendation was adopted.] — Minutes, 1854, p. 41. 560 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. CHAPTER XI. ATTITUDE TOWARD THE PAPACY. [See Book III. §§ 13, 213.] § 83. It is held to he excommunicate. 1885, p. 33. 1. Resolved, That it is the deliberate and decided judgment of this Assembly, that the Roman Catholic Church has essentially aposta- tized from the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and therefore cannot be recognized as a Christian Church. 2. Resolved, That it be recommended to all in our communion, to en- deavour, by the diflusion of light by means of the pulpit and the press, and all other proper and Christian means, to resist the extension of Romanism, and lead its subjects to the knowledge of the truth, as it is taught in the word of Grod. 3. Resolved, That it is utterly inconsistent with the strongest obligations of Christian parents to place their children for education in Roman Catholic Seminaries. § 84. Its extension to he opposed. 1841, p. 432. 1. Resolved, That a Prea<5her be appointed to deliver a dis- course before the next Assembly on* some given topic connected with the controversy between Romanists and Protestants. '1. Resolved, That this Assembly most earnestly recommend to the Bishops of the several Congregations under our care, both from the pulpit and through the press, boldly, though temperately, to explain and defend , the doctrines and principles of the Reformation, and to point out and ex- pose the errors and superstitions of Popery. 3. Resolved, That as the most effectual antidote, not only against papal, but all other forms of error, it be solemnly enjoined upon all the Bishops and Elders of the several Churches, as also upon our Evangelists in the domestic and foreign fields, diligently and statedly to engage in the instruc- tion of the people, and especially of children and youth, in the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of our Church. 4. Resolved, That this Assembly solemnly and afi"ectionately warn all our people of the danger and impropriety of supporting, or in any manner directly or indirectly patronizing or encouraging Popish schools and semi- naries. 6. Resolved, That this Assembly recommend to the special attention of all our people the works on the Reformation and Popery, which have been issued by the Board of Publication. 6. Resolved, That the delegates of the several Presbyteries be called on, at the next meeting of the Assembly, to report what has been done in com- pliance with these resolutions. SEC. 83.] THE PAPACY. 561 The committee that reported the foregoing resolutions were instructed to nominate a Preacher and a subject, as provided by the first resolution. Resolved, Tliat two brethren be requested to preach on the subject of Popery, at such times during the current Sessions of the Assembly, as shall not be occupied with the ordinary business. The llev. Messrs. Henry A. Boardman, and Robert J. Breckinridge, D. D., were elected for the aforesaid exercises. [In 1852 the Assembly repealed this rule, by declining to appoint a Preacher for the next year.] — .Minutes, 1852, pp. 205, 209. § 85. Cliildren in Romish Schools. [See the foregoing sections.] 1849, p. 265. " What course ought Church Sessions to pursue with mem- bers of the Church who send their children to Catholic boarding-schools, where they are entirely deprived of the evangelical means of grace, and are obliged to attend upon papistical services ?" 1. Resolved, That this Assembly deem such conduct on the part of any Protestant parents, whether Church members or not, as highly injudicious, fraught with great danger to their children, and utterly inconsistent with every principle of Protestantism. 2. Resolved, That we deem such conduct in Church members, whose children have been dedicated to Grod in baptism, as a violation of their vows made in that ordinance, and a great hindrance to the training up of theii children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 3. Resolved, That it be recommended to all Ministers in our connection where such a practice exists, to present this subject from the pulpit, and in other suitable ways to admonish those who offend. 71 I 562 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI, PART II. ACCESSIONS OF OTHER BODIES Title 1. — accessions of presbyteries. § 86. Union of the Presbytery of Suffolk. 1748, p. 236. The Presbytery of Suffolk county, on Long Island, by their delegate, Mr. Ebenezer Prime, desired to be admitted as members of this Synod, with the proviso, that one or two of their members in all time to come, be allowed the privilege of representing them in the Synod and acting for them as delegates; and likewise, that some members of New York Presby- tery might join them in their Presbyterial judicatories. In an.swer to which, the Synod does signify that they are willing to make all reasonable allowances for the absence of their members, who live far distant from the place of their convention, and when the Synod shall, on the account of their growing num- ber and distant abode, conclude to form any of its sessions of delegates, they will readily admit that reverend Presbytery to the common privilege of their body ; before which, we judge it would be unprecedented and unequal, and of bad tendency. If the reverend Presbytery aforesaid, is pleased to join with us on the aforesaid terms, then we declare our willingness to receive them, and that such of the Presbytery of New York, who live on Long Island, as are inclined to it, may join with them as members. 1749, p. 238. The Presbytery of Suffolk by their delegate, Mr. James Brown, signified to the Synod their acceptance of the terms proposed to them the last session ; and said Pi-esbytery are accordingly admitted into our Synod, in consequence whereof, Mr. Ebenezer Prime and Mr. James Brown, mem- bers of said Presbytery, being present, are now admitted to sit in the Synod as members. § 87. Union of the Presbytery of Dutchess County. 1763, p. 330. A request was brought in from a Presbytery in New York government to the east of North River, desiring to be incorporated with this Synod, and that some members of the Presbyteries of New York and Suffolk, which are contiguous, may be allowed to be joined with them in a Presbyterial capacity. After several members of this body had given full satisfaction concerning their characters, their good standing in the Churches, and that it was not from any unbrotherly or unfriendly views, nor from any disaffection to the neighbouring Churches that they desired to unite with us, it is agreed to grant their request, provided that they -agree to adopt our Westminster Confession of Faith, and Catechisms, and engage to observe the Directory as a plan of worship, discipline, and government, according to the agreement of this Synod. 'Tis allowed that Mr. John Smith and Mr. Chauncy Graham join with them ; and from Suffolk Presbytery, Messrs. Samuel Sachet and SEC. 86.] ACCESSIONS OF PRESIiYTERIES. 563 Eliphalet Ball ; and that they be called by the name of Dutche.ss County Presbytery. 17GG, p. 351. The Presbytery of Dutchess County being present, report that they have complied with the stipulations of the iSynod in the year 1763, and have adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith, and Catechisms, to- getlier with the Directory for Worship and Discipline, accordini;- to the usai'-e of this Synod, as appears from their minutes, which were produced and read ; certain members of said Presbytery being present, were allowed to take their seats accordingly. § 88. Aj)j)lication from the Frcshi/tery of South Carolina. 1770, p. 408. A letter from the Presbytery of South Carolina, signify- ing their desire to unite with this Synod, and requesting to be informed of the terms on which such union may be obtained, was brought in and read. It was agreed to send them the following letter in answer to their pro- posal : Rev. and Dear Brethren, — We received your letter by the Rev. Mr. Cald- well, proposing an union of your Presbytery witli this Synod, and asking the conditions on which it may be obtained. The Synod took your proposal into consideration, and are unanimously of opinion that the union would be for the interest of religion and the comfort of the whole body, and there- fore agreed that it should take place for all ecclesiastical purposes, and ex- pect that your Presbytery will attend the meeting of the Synod with all the regularity that your situation will admit. The conditions which we require are only what we suppose you are already agreed in, viz: that all your Min- isters acknowledge and adopt as the standard of doctrine, the Westminster Conft^ssion of Faith, and Catechisms, and the Directory as the plan of vour worship and discipline. The Church of Scotland is considered by this" Sv- nod as their pattern in general, but we have not as yet expressly adopted bv resolution of Synod, or bound ourselves to any other of the standing laws or forms of the Church of Scotland than those above mentioned, in- tending to lay down such rules for ourselves upon Presbyterian princi- ples in general, as circumstances should from time to time show to be expedient. The only difficulty that has been made in this matter is, that we are not certain whether the corporation of the Widows' Fund will think it safe to admit the members of your Presbytery, from their distance and other cir- cumstances. It is, however, the o])iiiion of the members of this Synod, that 3'ou either do not intend to ask admission to this fund, which is not men- tioned in your letter, or that you are both able and willing to come in upon such terms as will not in the least injure the stock or embarrass the man- agement of that corporation. After receiving this letter we expect you will send your answer by such of your members as may attend the next meeting of our Synod, which is to be at Philadelphia, the third Wednesday of May, 1771. [Notliinnf more was heard from tliis Presbytery. It was a Scotch body wliich existed in the low country of South Carolina, prob^ibly as early as 172S). " I think I can trace its existence back to a date as early as tliis, and it may have been formed soinc years earlier. It can be traced down under this name to the period of the revolution. Its meetings were probably tiien interrupted. The Presbytery of Charleston was composed of the same Churches, and claimed to occupy the same territory us the Presbytery of South Carolina before the revolution. It was incorporated by the legislature under tlie name of 'The Presbytery of Charleston,' Jan. 20, 17!t0. Its last act known to me, or which I hMve been aole to discover, w.is the licensure of James J. Murray, of Edisto Island, on the 15th of April, 1819." — ilS. leller from Dr. Howe.] 564 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [boOK VI § 89. Ap^ylications of the Preiihytery of Charleston. 1800, p. 189. The committee to whom was referred by the General As- sembly the consideration of an a])plicatioti from the Charleston I'resbytery, in South Carolina, to be taken into connection with the Assembly, made their report, which being corrected, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : After examining the papers and propositions brought forward by the Charleston Presbytery, the committee think it expedient that the General Assembly refer this business to the consideration of the Synod of the Caro- li'nas, with whom this Presbyter^^ must be connected, if they become a con- stituent part of our body. That the said Synod be informed that the Pres- bytery ought, in the event of a connection with us, to be allowed to enjoy and manage, without hinderance or control, all funds and moneys that are now in their jjossession ; and that the Congregations under the care of the Presbytery be permitted freely to use the system of psalmody which they have already adopted. That, on the other hand, the Synod must be care- ful to ascertain that all tho Ministers and Congregations belonging to the Presbytery do fully adopt, not only the doctrine, but the form of govern- ment and discipline of our Church. That the Synod of the Carolinas, under the guidance of these general jjrinciples, should be directed, if agreeable to them and to the Presbytery, to receive said Presbytery as a part of that Synod. But if the Synod or the Presbytery find difficulties in finally de- ciding on tliis subject, that they may refer such difficulties and transmit all the information they may collect relative to this business, to the next Gen- eral Assembly. 1804, p. 296. A letter from the Rev. Dr. Buist was presented to the As- sembly by the Committee of Overtures, and read, requesting in behalf of the I'resbytery of Charleston, in South Carolina, that they may be received into connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, without connecting themselves with the Synod of the Carolinas. Inasmuch as this subject has been regularly before the Assembly in the year 180U,aud certiiin resolutions adopted thereon, which appear not to haVe been complied with, and the application comes before the Assembly in an informal manner. Resolved, That the Assembly cannot now act upon the representation of Dr. Buist; but Resolved, farther, That Dr. Smith be appointed to write to Dr. Buist, informing him, and through him the Presbytery of Charleston, that the Assembly are by no means indisposed to admit that Presbytery to a union with their body, upon a plan which may be hereafter agreed upon ; pro- vided, that the upplication for that purpose come before them in an orderly manner from the Presbytery of Charleston ; provided, farther, that it shall be m:ide to appear to the Assembly that the difficulties of their situation or other circumstances, render it inexpedient for that Presbytery to be connected immediately with the Synod of the Carolinas ; and provided, that they give the re(juisi|:e assurance to the Assembly, that the Presbytery and the Churches under their care, do fully adopt the standards of doctrine and dis- cipline of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. 1806, p. 308. [Upon a remonstrance from the Synod of the Carolinas, the As.sembly adopted the report of a committee:] That this subject was regu- larly.before the Assembly of the year 1800 ; that certain resolutions affecting the case were then adopted, to which that body of men have not conformed, on their part; and that no application has been made by them to this Assem- bly. Your committee therefore submit the following resolution, viz : Resolved, That this subject be dismissed. 1811, p. 407. A letter iroin the Presbytery of Charleston containing a re- SEC. 89.J Iaccession of other bodies. 665 quest on behalf of that Presbytery to be united with the (General As.'^embly, was read, and committed to Messrs. Campbell, Hosach, Finley, Couser, and Woodruff", who were directed to report to the Assembly, on the subject." p. 475. The report beinjjj read was adopted, and is as follows, viz : Resolved, That tiie prayer of the petition be granted, and that said Pres- bytery, retaining their name and their charter of incorporation, be, and they hereby are taken into connection with the Greneral Assembly; provided how- ever, that the members of said Pi-esbytery shall have adopted the ConfessioQ of Faith, and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and shall also eff"ect a compromise or union with the Pres- bytery of Harmony ; which transactions shall be subject to the review and control of the Synod of the Carolinas. [See note to § 88.] Title 2. — union of the associate reformed synod. § 90. Proposal by the Assemhli/. 1821, p. 7. Whereas, the Associate Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America are one in their Confession of Faith, and Form of Government; and whereas this Assembly knows of no reason why these two ecclesiastical bodies should not become visibly one Church, as we trust we are one in Christ Jesus, to the g'lory of God ; therefore Resolved, That .Dr. Green, Dr. Blatchford, Dr. J. McDowell, Mr. B. Strong, and Mr. Henry Southard, be a committee to confer on this subject with a similar committee from the Associate lleformed Synod, now in session in this city, if they shall see fit to appoint one ; and that said committee report the result of their conference as soon as convenient. § 91. Articles of union adopted hy the Assembly. 1821, p. 9. "The Committee appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the Committee appointed by the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, to confer with respect to a union of the two bodies, met at the house of Jonathan Smith, Esq. The Rev. Dr. Green was chosen Chairman of the meeting, and the Rev. John Lind, Secretary. The business was introduced by prayer by Dr. Green. On motion of Dr. Blatch- ford, seconded by Dr. Mason, it was '■^ Resolved una nimo}(sly, As the judgment of the conferring Committees, that a union of the two Churches is both desirable and practicable. "The following articles were then proposed aiid unanimously approved, as the basis of such a union : "' 1. The diflforent Presbyteries of the Associate Reformed Church shall either retain their separate organization, or shall be amalgamated with those. of the General Assembly, at their own choice. In the former case, they shall have as full powers and privileges as any other Presbyteries in the united body, and shall attach themselves to the Synods most convenient. "2. The Theological Seminary at I'rineeton, under the car^ of the General Assembly, and the Theological Seminary of the Associate Reformed Church, shall be consolidated. "3. ir/ie/ras, Moneys to the amount of between nine and ten thousand dollars, which were given to the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, and of which the interest or product Duly was to be applied to the support of a Theological Seminary, were necessarily used in the current ex- penses thereof, which moneys so expended were assumed by the Synod as its own debt, at an interest of seven per cent ; the united body agree to make a joint effort to repay the same, and will apply the ir)terest accruing thereon to the maintenance of a Professors!) ip of Biblical Literature in the Semiuai'y 566 RELATIONS TO OTHER CIIURCHESL [BOOK VI. at Princeton, analogous to that which now exists in the Associate Reformed Church; and until such Professorship shall be established, the said interest or product shall be used for the general purposes of the Seminary. "4. The theological library and funds belonging to the Associate Reformed Church shall be transferred, and belong to the Seminary at Princeton. " These articles having been approved, were ordered to be transcribed and signed, and a copy of them transmitted to the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church, and the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, respectively. " The meeting was closed with prayer by the Rev. Ebenezer Dickey. "All which is respectfully submitted. Ashbel Green, Samuel Blatchford, John McDowell, Henry Southard, Ben- jamin Strong, J. M. Mason, Ebenezer Dickey, John Lind, William Wilson, Joseph Cushing." The foregoing report having been read [in the Assembly] and duly con- sidpred, was unanimously adopted. § 92. The articles referred to the Presb>/teries hy the Synod. l821, p. 11. "In General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, • Resolved, That this Synod approve of the plan of union agreed upon by the joint committees: and refer the same to the consideration of the different Presbyteries, with ai, injunction to report their judgment to this Synod at its next meeting. '^ Philadelphia, May 23, 1821." § 93. The Union consummated. 1822, p. 11. The following communication from the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church was received and read, viz : " Resolved, That Ihis Synod approve and hereby do ratify the plan of union between the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the Associate Reformed Church, proposed by Commissioners from said Churches." " Extract from the Minutes of tlie General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church at Philadelphia, 21st May, 1822. James Laurie, Moderator. J. Arbuckle, Clerk. " Resolved, That a copy of the above resolution, authenticated by the Moderator and Clerk, be immediately sent to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and that Rev. Ebenezer Dickey, and Dr. Robert Patterson, be a committee to wait upon the As- sembly with the said resolution. J. Arbuckle, Clerk." p. 14. The committee from the Synod of the Associate Reformed Church appeared in the Assembly, whereupon. Resolved, That the Assembly receive this communication with great pleasure; and the Rev. Jonas Coe, D. D., and the Rev. Thomas McAuley, LL.D., the Rev. William Gray, of the Presbytery of New York, and Mr. Divie Bethune, were appointed a committee to wait upon said Synod, and inasmuch as the different ]'rcsbyteries under the care of the Synod cannot appoint delegates to attend the present General Assembly, cordially to invite ail the delegates to the Synod to take their seats in this house as members of the Assembly. Resolved, moreover, That the committee aforesaid be directed to request the members of said Synod to attend this Assembly on to-morrow, at four o'clock, P. M., that we may unitedly return thanks to Almighty God, for the consummation of this union. The committee appointed to wait on the Synod of the Associate Reformed Church, reported that they had fulfilled the duty assigned them. The mem- bers of the Synod attended, and an appropriate psalm and hymn were sung, and two appropriate prayers were addressed to the throne of grace, one by a member of the Assembly, and the other by a member of the Synod, and SEC. 91.] ACOESSION.S OF OTHER BODIES 567 the scene was deeply intere.srinovernment. 2. If in the new settlements any Church of the Congregational order shall settle a iMinister of the Presbyterian order, that Church may, if they chyose, still conduct their discipline according to the Congregational prin- ciples, settling their difficulties among themselves, or by a council mutually agreed upon for that purpose. But if any difficulty shall exist between the Minister and the Church, or any member of it, it shall be referred to the Presbytery to which the Minister shall belong, provided both parties agree to it ; if not, to a council consisting' of an equal number of Presbyterians and Congregationalists, agreed upon by both parties. o. If a Presbyterian Church shall settle a Minister of Congregational principles, that Church may still conduct their discipline according to Pres- byterian principles, excepting that if a difficulty arise between him and his Church, or any member of it, the cause shall be tried by the Association to which the said Minister shall belong, provided both parties agree to it; otherwise by a council, one-half Congregationalists and the other Presbyte- rians, mutually agreed upon by the parties. 4. If any Congregation consist partly of those who hold the Congrega- tional form of discipline, and partly of those who hold the Presbyterian form, we recommend to both parties that this be no obstruction to their uni- ting in one Church and settling a ^linister ; and that in this case the Church choose a standing committee from the communicants of said Church, whose business it shall be to call to account every member of the Church who shall conduct himself inconsistently with the laws of Christianity, and to give judgment on such conduct. That if the person condemned by their judgment be a Presbyterian, he shall have liberty to appeal to the Presby- tery ; if he be a Congregationalist, he shall have liberty to appeal to the body of the male communicants of the Church. In the former case, the de- termination of the Presbytery shall be final, unless the Church shall con- sent to a further appeal to the Synod, or to the General Assembly ; and in the latter case, if the party condemned shall wish for a trial by a mutual council, the case shall be referred to such a council. And provided the said standing committee of any Church shall depute one of themselves to attend the Presbytery, he may have the same right to sit and act in the Presbytery, as a Ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church. [The plan was ratified by the General Association.] — Minutes, 1802, p. 237 § 99. Plan of the Prcslytery of Albany hi 1802. 1802, p. 344. A communication was received from the Presbytery of Al- bany, stating that a joint committee, consisting of members of that Presby- tery, and members from a Presbytery known by the name of the Northern Associated Presbytery, [a Congregational body, in New York,] had met and agreed upon a plan of friendly correspondence between the Ministers and Churches belonging to these Presbyteries respectively, consisting of three articles, viz : The committee has in effect agreed, 1. That there shall be occasional communion between the members of the particular Churches sub- ordinnte to those Presbyteries respectively. 2. That there be a friendly in- terchange of services among the Ministers; and, 3. That each Presbytery, while in session, may invite members occasionally present from the other, to sit as corresponding members'. That the Presbytery of Albany, having heard the report of the said com- mittee, approved thereof, and resolved to request the General Assembly to Sinction the same, and authorize the Presbytery of Albany to adopt it. 572 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. / The Assembly, after due examination and deliberation, expressed their approbation of the said plan of correspondence. § 100. Plan of the Synod of Albany in 1808. 1808, p. 404. The Synod of Albany requested the Assembly to sanction a plan of union and correspondcMice between themselves and the Northern Associated Presbytery and the Middle Association, in the western district in the state of New York, which plan is contained in pages 117 — 121 of the Synodical Minutes. The plan being read, and the subject discussed, Resolved, That the Assembly sanction the aforesaid plan. The Presbytery of Cayuffa's history of this union. [The followinfj extract from the records of the Presbytery of Cayug'a, was communi- cated to the Pro.'^by terian by the Rev. Alexander M. Cowan, a member of the Presbytery. —Presbyterian, 1838, p. 71.] "Tlie Presbytery of Cayuga convened at Auburn, Jan. 8, 1811, agreeably to the ap- pointment of tlie Synod of Albany. The Rev. Messrs. Higgins and Parsons were a))- pointed a committee for the purpose of deducing from the records of the Middle Associa- tion, and from the doings of the Synod of Albany, a succinct account of the origin of this Presbytery, and it is as follows : " In January 1804, a convention of the Ministers and delegates from the Churches, was held in Marcellus ; and a constitution for an Association was adopted and signed. Its name was designated as the Middle Association. It was composed of Ministers and (^'hurches on the military tract and its vicinity. The Ministers and Churclies of said Association, according to the fifth article of their constitution, agreed to hold themselves amenablL; to the Association, with regard both to sentiments and conduct, and to submit themselves to trial when requested by the Association. In article seventh, each Church belonging to the Association, has a right to be represented by one delegate, and no more, to serve tor one year, unless the Church should see fit to ap])oint another in his room. This Association was to license and ordain. In the sixth article it was agreed, nothing should be construed in opposition to the accommodating articles agreed upon between the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the General Association of Connecticut. " To accomplish the purpose of extending the common duties and ordimnces of reli- gion, by uniting the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches on the military tract, the Association voted in June 1807, to send a delegation to the Synod of Albany, to meet at Cooperstown the first Tuesday of next October, to bring about a union with the Synod and the Association. Mr. Joshua Leonard, and Deacon Levi Jerome, were appointed as the delegation. In consequence of this measure, a letter was received by the Associa- tion, from the Synod of Albany — and is as follows : [See below, § 101.] " In June 1808, the following minute was ordered by the Association. 'Mr. Leonard of the delegation appointed, at the last annual meeting of the Association, to the Synod of Albany, then to meet at Cooperstown, made report. On this business it was voted unanimously tliat this body accede to the plan of union with the Presbyterian Church in file United States, on the condition proposed by the Synod of Albany, in tlicir letter of pointed in reference to a division.' In June 1810, that conmiittee reported that the Synod of Albany be re- quested, at their meeting in October following, to constitute out of the Ministers of the Middle Association and the Presbytery of Geneva, three Presbyteries ; and tliat all the Ministers and Churches, which belonged to the Middle Association, retain the privileges of church discipline agreeably to tlic articles of agreement for that purpose; between the (general Association of Connecticut, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. The report was received, and the subject of it was deferred to the next annu; ! meeting: but it was voted to refer the alteration of the name of Association to Presbytery to the churches for their consideration. In September 1810, at a special meeting, the division of the Association was taken up, and voted unanimously, it was expedient. It was voted (14 to 2) to dro]) the name of Association for that of Presbytery. The west- ern division, wliich included Cayuga county, and the Churches in Cainilhis and Skanea- teles, was called Cayuga Presbytery. (The Church of Marcellus was received into the SEC. 90.] THE PLAN OF UNION. 573 Prcnbytery of Cnyuga at its first mooting in Auburn.) Those Cluirchos belonjrjng to both bodies, within, and eastward of the counties of Onondaga and Courtland, with ex- ception of Levi Parsons, and tlie Cliurches _of SUaneateles and Caniillus, were called Onond.ig-a Presbytery. T liose Ministers and Churches belonging' to both bodies being eastward of Cayuga Lake, were called Geneva Presbytery." " The same coinuiitteo (wliicli drafted tlie foregoing history) also reported for the adop- tion ol'tlie Prcsbyfiry, the accommodating articles agreed upon between the General As- .sembly of the Preshyteri .n Church, and the General Association of the state of Connec- ticut, which rules were adopted by the Cayuga Presbytery, as rules to regulate that body in all cases therein mentioned: and the same are recoininended to the Clmrclies under the care of the Presbytery, for their observance and regulation : and whicli are as fijllovvs" — (here ibllows the plan of union between Presbyterian and Congregational Cliurches in the nevir settlements, adopted in the General Assembly in 180L) § 101. Minutes of the Synod of Albany on the suhjcct. " Oct. 7, 1807. — The Rev. Mr. Samuel Fuller, of the Northern Associated Presbytery, and the Rev. Mr. .Toshua Leonard, from the Middle As.sociation in the Western District, produced testimonials of their appointnieiit as Commissioners from their respective bodies, for the purpose of forming some union with this Synod. Tiiese Commissioners, being requested, stated tlie views and wishes of their respective bodies. 'l"he subject being in some measure discussed, was deferred until to-morrow morning for further consideration. " Wednesday morning, 9 o'clock. — The Synod resumed the consideration of forming some plan of union and correspondence with tlie Nortlicrn Associated Presbytery, and the Middle Association of the Western District. After mature deliberation, they con- ckulLd it to be an object of great iniport.uiee to the peace, prospcrit}-, and happiness of the congregations under their care, locally situated as they are together, as well as to the advancement of t!ie interests of religion generally, that some plan of union and corres- pondence should exist between them. Therefore, " Resolved. That the Rev. Messrs. Coe, Oliver, and Woodruff" be a committee to pre- pare a draft of a letter to these ecclesiastical judicatories, stating tlie readiness of the Synod, with tiie approbation of the General Assembly, to form as intimate a connection with them as the Constitution of our Chureli will admit, and inviting them to become con- stituent branches of the Synod ; and assuring tliem of our cheerfulness in leaving their Churches undisturbed in the administration of their own government, until they shall be- come better acquainted witli ours, and shall voluntarily adopt it. "Friday morning, 9 o'clock. — The Rev. J. Coe, from the connnittee to prepare the draft of a letter to the Northern Associated Presbytery, and the Middle Association in the Western District, in answer to their application about a union with the Synod, brought in such a draft, which was read, corrected, and approved, and is as follows : " COOPERSTOWN, Oct. 9, 1807. "Dear Brethren — We received your communication by the Rev. [Mr. Leonard]* with great pleasure, and were iiighly gratified with the object of his mission, which has occu- pied our serious attention. Situated as our judicatories are, in a new country, rapidly increasing in its population ; blended as our people are in the same settlements, and hold- ing the same divine doctrines, it is certainly an object of interesting importance that we sliould be cemented together in some intimate bond of union and correspondence. Such an union would make us better acquainted, and increase our attaelniient to one another, as servants of our common Lord. It would facilitate the establishment of the gospel in many of the destitute settlements of our country, by uniting our people in a common cause ; and it would enable us to combine our exertions more efFcctually in suppressing error, licentiousness, and vice, and promoting the great interests of pure morality and un- defikd religion. Prompted by these considerations, and animated with a desire to do all in onr power to advance the general interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, the Synod of Albany stand ready, with the approbation of the General Assembly, to form as intimate a connection with your [Association] Presbytery as the Consiitution of our Clmrch will admit. " We most cordially invite you to become a constituent branch of our body, by [assu- ming the characteristic and scriptural name of Presbytery, and] adopting our standards of doctrine and government, and sit and vote with as in all the great and interesting con- cerns of the Church. [Deeming the name, however, far less important than flie thing, although of consequence to uniformity in tiie same body, yet should you be solicitous to retain yours, it will not be considered on our part a bar to so desirable a union.] [* The brackets incloSe words inserted in the letter to the Association, and omitted iq that to the Presbytery] 574 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHLKCIIES. [bOTK VI. " Nor do wc confine our invitation to you as Ministers ; but we also extend it to dele- gates from your Cliurclies, whom wc arc willing to receive as substantially the same with our rulin<)- elders, to assist us in our public deliber.itions and decisions. Knowing the in- fluence of education and habit, should the Churches under your care prefer transacting their infernal concerns in their present mode of Congregational government, we assure tiiem of our cheerfulness in leaving them undisturbed in the administration of that govern- ment, unless they shall chuose to alter it themselves. " Should you accede to this plan of union and correspondence, and our General Assem bly permit us to form it, whicli we are disposed to think they readily will, we anticipate the auspicious period as just at hand', when all the Congregations of Presbyterian Churches in this northern region will form one great phalanx against the conmion enemy, and com- bine their exertions to advance the mediatorial kingdom of our exalted Lord. " Wc are, Reverend Brethren, with sentiments of respect and esteem, Yours sincerely." "Oct. 8,1808. — ^Whereas, it appears that the plan of union and correspondence pro- posed by tlie SjMiod at their last meeting between them and the Middle Association on the Militiiry Tract, and its vicinity, has been transmitted to said Association ; and whereas the said Association have acceded to said plan of union and correspondence, as appears from tlie records of said Association, adduced by the Rev. Hugh Wallace, and Deacon Peter Hitchcock, who are deputed to acton this subject; and whereas the General As- sembly have permitted the Synod to form this plan of union and correspondence ; there- fore ^'•Resolved, That the Middle Association on the Military Tract and its vicinity, be re- ceived as a constituent branch of the Synod, and they are hereby received accordingly — retaining their own name and usages in the administration of the government of their Churches according to the terms stated in the plan. " Ordered, That the Clerk furnish the Association with an attested copy of the above Minute. " The Rev. Joshua Leonard, Hugh Wallace, Nathan B. Derrow, Francis Pomeroy, and Reuben Hind ; and Messrs. Gilbert Weed, Peter Hitchcock, and Samuel Seward, dele- gates, members of said Association, being present, took their seats in Sj'nod." [In the statistical tables appended to the Extracts of the Minutes for 1809, the Asso- elation is thus recognized :] "The General Assembly have under their jurisdiction, 7 Synods, 32 Presbyteries, and 1 Association, viz : ■ Presbyteries, 4. Min. Cong. Colunibia, 10 15 Albany, 9 15 Oneida, 7 13 Geneva, 14 12 [^3Iiddle Association, 17 no report." &.C., &c. —Extracts, 1809, p. 227. ■ I. SvNOD OF Albany. ■< Title 2. — operation of the plan. § 102. Ca.se of Daniel W. Lathrop. 1820, p. 721. A commission, signed by the Moderator and Clerk of the Presbytery of Hartford, appointing Mr. Daniel W. Lathrop, one of the standing committee of the Church in Ellsworth, a Commissioner to this As- sembly, was read. A motion was made and seconded, that he be received as a member ; after some discussion, the subject of the motion was committed to Dr. Konieyn, Messrs. Wisner, and Elias B. Caldwell, who were directed to report to the Assembly to-morrow morning. p. 722. The committee to which was referred the motion relative to INIr. Lathrop, reported, and their report was read, and several amendments having been proposed, the subject, after a discussion of consirlerable length, was recommitted to the same committee, increased by the addition of Drs. Rice, Spring, and Ncill, and the Rev. Matthew R. Dutton. and the committee was directed to report to the Assembly as soon as practicable. p. 724. The committee to which was referred the case of Mr. Lathrop, reported, and their report being read, was, without opposition, adopted, and is as foljows, viz : SEC. 101.] THE PLAN OF UNION. 575 Whereas, a conventional agreement was entered into with the General Association of Connecticut, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in the year one thousand eight hundred and one, for the purpose of preventing alienation, and promoting harmony in those new settlements which are conipased of persons adhering to both those bodies : And whereas, in the said agreement it is provided, that in a Church composed in part of Congregationalists and in part of Presbyterians, the Church may choose a standing committee for the exercise of discipline; and moreover, that the standing committee of any Church may depute one of their body to attend the Presbytery, and that the person so deputed may have the same right to sit and act in Presbytery as a lluling Elder of the Presbyterian Church : And, moreover, as in the mixed state of Christiiin society, contemplated in the agreement aforesaid, Presbyteries have sometimes appointed members of standing committees so admitted into their body as commissioners to re- present them in General Assembly ; therefore, Resolved, In order to carry into eifect the friendly object of the above agreement, that Daniel AV. Lathrop be admitted as a member of this As- sembly. Resoloed, That it be affectionately recommended to the brethren who com- pose mixed societies of this kind, so far as expediency will allow, to conform to the letter of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church in making their appointments and organizing their Congregations. § 103. Case of Josiah Bissell. 1826, p. 6. Mr. Josiah Bissell, from the Presbytery of Rochester, ap- peared in the Assembly, and produced a commission as an Elder from that Presbytery. A member of that Presbytery informed the Assembly that Mr. Bissell had not been set apart as an Elder ; but that he was appointed, as was supposed by the Presbytery, in conformity with the conventional agreement between the General Assembly and the General Association of Connecticut. After considerable discussion, it was Resoloed, That Mr. Bissell be admitted as a n^ember of the Assembly. Protest in BisseWs case. p. 23. " The subscribers enter their dissent and protest against the reso- lution by which Mr. Josiah Bissell was admitted as a member of this Gene- ral Assembly, for the following reasons : "1. Because he was neither an ordained Minister nor a Ruling Elder; and consequently he was destitute of the qualifications which the constitu- tion of our Church requires, in Commissioners appointed by Presbyteries, as their representatives in this body. 2. Because he was not even a ' com- mittee-man,' on which ground, some might, in existing circumstances, have been disposed to advocate his admission as a member. 3. Because he had not, either from the constitution, or from the conventional agreement, [the Plan of Union,] the shadow of a claim to a seat in this house. " T. McAuley, John Chester, Ezra Styles Ely, J. J. Janeway, Elisha P. Swift, Stephen N. Rowan, Henry R. Wilson, John Anderson, Samuel Mar- tin, Thomas 1). Baird, Thomas E. Hughes, Thomas Barr, Robert Dilworth, William Semple, George Junkin, J. McKlroy, Conrad Speece, Charles Cum- mins, James Laurie, Alexander Campbell, E. W. Gilbert, Jacob R. Cast- ner, John Munson, A. McCandless, Charles Hod^e, James Coe, Donald Mcintosh, Francis Ilerron, Samuel Tait, William L. McCalla, Thomas Alexander, George Potts, Samuel Hunter, Samuel Taylor, John Burtt, 576 RELATIONS TO OTUER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. Kobert Hamill, Isaac V. Brown, Obadiah Jennings, James Galbraith, S. S. Miles, William Dickey, Joshua W. Rainsford." ' Reply of the Assembly. 18:^0, p. 28. Mr. Bissell was admitted by the Assembly .for the following reasons : — 1. The commission which Mr. Bissell produced was in due form, and signed by the proper oificers of Presbytery. 2. Every Presbytery has a right to judge of the qualifications of its own members; and is amenable to Synod, and not to the General Assembly, except by way of appeal, or re- ference, or complaint, regularly brought up from the inferior judicatories, which has not been done in the present case. 3. It would be a dangerous precedent, and would lead to the destruction of all order in the Church of Christ, to permit unauthenticated verbal testimony to set aside an authenti- cated written document. § 104. Case of Clement Tuttle. 1831, p. 158. [The Committee of Elections reported that] With respect to the case of the standing committee-man from Grand River Presbytery, they decline expressing any opinion as to the constitutional question of the right of such to a seat in the Assembly. The Assembly proceeded to consider the case of the person denomiuated " standing committee" in the commission ; and after considerable discussion it was Resolved, That the member be received and enrolled among the list 'of members. Protest in this case. 1831, p. 185. '' At the sessions of the General Assembly, held in Phila- delphia in the year 1831, Mr. Clement Tuttle, from the Presbytery of Grand River, was certified to the said General Assembly as a committee-man, in one of the Churches under the care of said Presbytery, formed according to the plan of accommodation, recommended in the articles of agreement, bearing date in the year 1801, between the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and the General Association of Connecticut ; and was allowed to take his seat, to deliberate and vote as a regular member of this body. Against which decision, and against the right of the said Clement Tuttle to a seat in said body, we protest. " In the 12th Chap, and 2d Sec. of the Form of Church Government, it is enfacted, ' The General Assembly shall consist of an equal delegation of Bishops and Elders from each Presbytery.' Who the persons are that are recognized as Bishops within the body of the Presbyterian Church is dis- tinctly shown in Chap. 4th of the Form of Government. Nor is there the lea.st reason for supposing, nor has any one intimated, that this ' committee- man' holds his seat here by virtue of the pastoral ofl&ce. *' In Chap. 5th of the Form of Government, the manner of electing and ordainiuiT Ruling Elders is prescribed; wherein it is rendered necessary that the cMudidute should specifically receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of our Church; that he should approve of its government and discipline; that he should accept the office and promise faithfully to perform all its duties, and that he should promise to study the peace, unity, and purity of the Church. It is furthermore stated in the 6th Sec. of said Chapter, that tlie office of Ruling Kld(!r is perpetual ; and he who holds it can neither lay it aside at pleasure, nor be divested of it but by deposition. " The nature of some of the duties which the Ruling Elders take upon themselves at their ordination, is particularly set forth in Chap. 9th of the Form of Church Government, from which it appears that the duties there SEC. 103.] THE PLAN OF UNION. 577 mentioned cannot be performed except by a church officer coming up com- pletely to the I'resbyterian idea of a Ruling Elder. " All the foregoing qualifications must concur in an individual (if he be not a Pastor or Bishop) before he is capable of being voted for as a Com- missioner to the General Assembly. All these concurring, he may be voted for ; and if elected, must, before his name is enrolled as a member of this body, produce a commission here, under the hand of the 3Iodcrator and Clerk of his Presbytery, asserting upon the face of it that he is a Kuling Elder in a particular Congregation. See Chap, xxii., Sec. 2, Form of Gov- ernment. "■ Now there is nothing even conducing to prove that the said Clement Tuttle was ever elected or ordained as a lluling Elder, in the Presbyterian Church ; that he has ever formally and publicly adopted its Confession of Faith, and approved its Discipline and Form of Government; that he has been elected by any Presbytery a Commissioner to this Assembly in the character of a Ruling Elder, nor that he bears any commission certifying any such fact ; but on the contrary the commission he produces, shows clearly that he is not a Ruling Elder, but a ' committee-man,' and that the Church to which he belongs can be only in part, and for anything that appears, in 'very small part, a Presbyterian Church. " Wherefore we do solemnly protest against the decision of the General As- sembl3s allowing the said Clement Tuttle to take his seat in this body as a Ruling Elder, by virtue of his said commission as a ' committee-man,' because that decision is contrary to the plain letter of our church constitution. And we do protest against the right of the said Clement Tuttle to take a seat in this General Assembly as a Ruling Elder, by virtue of a commission certify- ing that he holds another name and office, because the neglect and disrepute into which such practices must bring the office of Ruling Elder, are in high degree fatal to the Presbyterian Church. " The articles of agreement alluded to in the beginning of this paper are supposed to give this individual, and all others similarly situated, a seat in this Assembly. That agreement is one altogether anomalous to our Form of Government, and so far as it does extend, is in derogation of it. The plainest rules of common sense tell us, that the principles of such instruments shall not be extended beyond the cases to which they are applied in terms, and must be strictly limited by the details contained within themselves. The rule is, that a body of men when making such an agreement, shall not be called on to embrace in a codicil of exceptions every point to which a given rule would apply, and except it by saying — this is not granted away — but on the other hand having plainly set down what was meant, it is very clear that what is not set down is not meant. It is the only rule of sense or safety. " This being so, these articles can never cover this case, because they expressly stipulate the church Session and Presbytery, as the church courts to which these ' committee-men' may have access in the character of Ruling Elders, and mention no others. As the grant was in derogation of the rights of the Eldership, and adverse to the nature of our Church govern- ment, it is manifestly just such a grant, as, if valid at all, could only bo so within the strict import of its own terms. We do not feel called on to dis- cuss the fact, whether these articles thus interpreted are constitutional or not. If, however, they are so construed as to place members here who are by our constitution forbidden to be here, or as in any degree to aifect the prin- ciples of the organization of this house as clearly defined in our Book.-*, then it is manifest that the articles must be considered utterly null and void. The constitution cannot be obligatory, and yet something else, which is against and adverse to the constitution, be obligatory also; unless a sense can 73 578 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [bOOK VI. be found in wliieli the same proposition is both false and true at the same moment, and at every successive moment. " If any one will fix with precision the time when the principles of our government shall grow into disesteem, there will no longer remain any diflS- culty in designating the period, when every other peculiarity of our Church will be viewed with equal aversion. The preservation of the true principles of Presbyterian polity affords the best external security for the preservation of the true principles of Presbyterian doctrines. " We do therefore consider ourselves to be discharging a high and solemn duty when we thus point to a vital principle in our system of government, wrested from its original design, and thus enter our protest against an un- constitutional act arising therefrom. '' R. J. Breckinridge, J. T. Edgar, Samuel Boyd, John Kennedy, W, C. Anderson, Maxwell McDowell, Alex. McCandless, John Hutchinson, Samuel D. Blythe, John McArthur, William Scott, Samuel Steel, A. H. Campbell, James Buchanan, William Latta, E. P. Swift, Matthew L. Be- van, J. Gray, Alex. Williamson, John Moodey, John J. McCormick, Alex. Boyd, Joshua T. Russell, Ashbel Green, James Ralston, Thomas Love, John L. Belville, Samuel Murphey, James V. Henry, Ananias Piatt, John McDowell, John McElhenney, William Nasson, John D. Ewing, Peter Hassinger, Thomas McKean, Thomas Barr, Samuel Swan, Watson Hughes, Jacob Green, Henry McKean, James Elliot, Robert White, John Coulter, Alex. Mclver, Jacob R. Castner, John H. Grier, Robert Clark, David Humphrey, R. McCartee, Ezra Fish, Hugh Auchin- closs, Jer. Chamberlain, John Witherspoon, G. W. Musgrave, John Mc- Mullin, William Nesbit, Samuel Martin, Benjamin McDowell, W. D. Snodgrass, James Thomson, Thomas Paxton, William Wilie, J. D. Pax- ton, C. H. Mustard, John L. Montgomery, Samuel R. Talmadge." §105. Reply of the Assembly. 1831, p. 195. 1st. While it is not denied that there is an appearance of departure from the letter of the constitution in admitting to a seat in the General Assembly, " a lay commissioner delegated by another name than Ruling Elder," yet it is believed that the spirit of the constitution is not violated ; because the definition of " Ruling Elder," which is correctly re- cited by the protestants from the Form of Gov., Chap. 5th, describes exactly the character of the standing committee contemplated in the ''articles of agreement" to which the protestants refer. The deficiency in this case, is therefore apparently rather in the navie than in the nature of the delegation from Presbytery to the Assembly. 2nd. To have refused a seat in this house to a commissioner regularly delegated by his Presbytery on the ground of the " articles of agreement," above named, would have been to violate a solemn compact or treaty formed in the year 1801, between the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the General Association of Connecticut ; as that instrument has been construed and acted on by the General Assembly during the last ten years- To refuse such commissioners a seat would also be to wrest from this Pres- bytery a constitutional right to a representation in the Assembly, inasmuch aa the practice of the Assembly for the last ten years afforded a full warrant to Presbyteries to expect that a representative of this character woula be received as a member. 3d. The conventional agreement or treaty above referred to, expressly pro- vides, that laymen of the character there contemplated, shall be admitted to the Presbyteries on an equality with Elders. If therefore there is in con nection with this subject an infraction of the constitution, it is in the treaty SEC. 104.] THE PLAN OF UNION. 579 itself, and the only proper remedy for the supposed evil will be found in a regular proceeding to amend or annul the said treaty. For while agreeably to the terms of the treaty, laymen of this description are admitted, as Elders, to the Presbyteries, the source of original power, it must be competent to the Presbyteries to delegate them in the same relation to the Assembly, possessing only limited powers, and those delegated by the Presbyteries. Again the apparent departure from the /e/^e/- of the constitution, is no greater in the admission of such laymen to the Assembly, than in the parallel cler- ical delegation from Presbyteries, of presidents of colleges, theological pro- fes.sors, and others, when no apprehension is expressed that the .sjjfV/Vof that instrument is violated. The justice of this last position, the committee think, will appear to any person who will substitute the name of a IMinister without pastoral charge, in place of " Clement Tuttle," and the term " Bish- op" in place of " Ruling Elder," in most places in which they occur in the protest to which this is a reply, and who will remember as he reads, that the term Bifihop is synonymous with Pastor, throughout our Form of Grovern- ment. § 106. Delegation of Committee-men disapproved. [Leave of absence having changed the majority ; in the same Assembly it was] 1831, p. 190. Resolved, That in the opinion of the General Assembly the appointment by some Presbyteries, as has occurred in a few cases, of mem- bers of standing committees to be members of the General Assembly, is in- expedient and of questionable constitutionality, and therefore ought not in future to be made. [A protest was entered by 31 members of the Assembly ; the arguments of which were identical with those used in the above reply.] § 107. Committee-men allowed to withdraw their commissions. 1832, p. 314. The Committee [of Commissions] reported two commissions for members of standing committees, instead of Ruling Elders, from the Presbytery of Grand River. These commissions were referred to the Com- mittee of Elections. p. 315. The Committee of Elections reported, that the commissions re- ferred to them from the Presbytery of Grand River had been withdrawn by the persons presenting them. § 108. Committee-men excluded in the South. Ihid. p. 331. The records [of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia] were approved, with the exception of a resolution recorded on pages 218 and 219, on the subject of admitting the representatives of Congregational and Independent Churches to be members of their Presbyteries and Synod, in the same manner as Ruling Elders, § 109. Proposed interpretation of the Plan. 1832, p. 329. The following resolutions were oifered and seconded, viz : "1. Be it Resolved, by this General Assembly, That the Plan of Union of 1801 between the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the General Association of Connecticut does not, when properly construed, authorize any committee-man now to sit and act in any Presbytery as a Ruling Elder, unless he represents a Church composed partly of Presbyte- rians and partly of Congregationalists ; nor even then, unless in the express case of discipline provided for under the fourth head of that Plan of Union. " 2. Be it furtJier Resolved, That the said Plan of Union, when truly 680 RELATIONS TO OTHER CHURCHES. [BOOK VI. construed, does not authorize any private person, not being a committee- man, to sit and act in Presbytery in any case whatever. '* Be it further Hesolved, That the said Plan of Union, when truly con- strued, does not authorize any committee-man to sit or act in any case in any Synod nor in the General Assembly." After considerable discussion, it was Resolved, That without expressing an opinion on the resolutions offered, it is inexpedient at this time to consider them. § 110. Operation of the Plan in the Synod of theWestern Reserve. 1832, p. 322. A motion was made to cite the Synod of the Western 'Re- serve to appear before the next General Assembly ; which motion was put upon the docket. p. 327. After considerable discussion, the following minute was adopted, viz : Whereas, a resolution was introduced, citing the Synod of the Western Reserve to answer certain charges brought by common rumour against the order and discipline of the Presbyteries and Churches belonging to that Synod ; viz : that the said Synod is chargeable with delinquency in permit- ting persons to be received as ordained Ministers coming from other Churches without being required by the Presbyteries to receive and adopt the Confes- sion of Faith of the Presbyterian Church ; and whereas, the said Synod is further charged by common fame with having foiled to take effectual care that the Presbyteries observe the constitution of the Church, in this, that many Churches have no Ruling Elders connected with them, and that the office of Ruling Elder has been allowed to go into disuse, to a great extent, throughout the bounds of said Synod ; after discussion, in which much information respecting the state and proceedings of said Presbyteries and Churches was given, Resolved, That instead of issuing a citation to the Synod of the Western Reserve, said Synod be directed to review and examine the state of the Presbyteries and Churches under its care, and make a report to the next General Assembly with special reference to these points. § 111. Subsequent action of the Assembly. 1833, p. 478. The Synod of the Western Reserve, agreeably to the direc- tions of the last General Assembly, made a report on the points stated in the Minutes of the last Assembly, which report was read and committed. p. 488. The committee, to whom was referred the report of the Synod of the Western Reserve, made a report which being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : After having maturely considered the subject referred to them, they recommend to the Assembly, without approving the views of the Synod in relation to order and discipline, as stated in their report, that the report be accepted and printed in the Minutes of the Assembly. The report of the Synod is as follows : " At the stated meeting of tlie Synod of the Western Reserve, held at Detroit, October 8th, 1833, the following resolution was adopted, viz: Resolved, That in reference to the points named by the Assembly, as having been charged by common rumour against this Synod ; the Synod having, as their custom is, agreeably to the direction of the Assembly, devoted a part of their Sessions to review and examine the state of the Presbyteries and Churches under their care, do report to the next General Assembly : 1. That the Synod see no ground for the charge of delinquency in relation to the per- mission alleged in the first specification. The Synod would remark, that previously to the resolution of tiie Assembly on this subject in 1830, it is believed that a difference of SEC. 109.] THK PLAN OF UNIOX. 581 practice prevailed in our Presbyteries, in the reception of members from corresponding Churches; some of thcin adiuittiMg- iiiembers from such Churches, (as has been common ill other Presbyteries in different pnrts of the country,) without any Jbrnial profession of adoptirifT the Confession of Faith of tiic Presbyterian Church. But since tlie passage of that resolution by the Assembly, the Synod believe that no such practice has obtained in any of our Presbyteries. In respect to the allegation respecting persons licensed and or- dained by our Presbyteries, witiiout receiving and adopting tiie Confession of Faith, the Synod have no knowledge or belief of the prevalence of any such practice in any of our Presbyteries! 2. That in relation to the remaining allegation, viz: on the subject of Ruling Elders, the Synod do not discover any reason for the charge of having violated the constitution of the Churcli, inasmuch as that constitution does not make the Eldership essential to the existence of a Church, and as the number of members in many Clmrehes is too small to admit the election of suitable persons to fill the office ; and where this is not the case, the fact of tliere being Congregationalists intermingled with Presbyterians in many Churches, is a sufficient reason for the non-existence of tlie Eldership, according to the plan of agreement between the General Assembly, and the General Association of Connecticut; from the spirit of which the Synod believe that none of our Presbyteries have departed. However, with regard to the charge of the Presbyteries allowing tlie office of Ruling Elder to go into disuse, the Synod would say, that during the last year, there have been more Ruling Elders elected and ordained in the Churches connected with our Presbyte- ries, than during any three or tour years previously. By order of the Synod of the Western Reserve. Wm. Hanford, Stated Clerks 1833, p. 489. The report of the Committee to examine the recortls of the Synod of the Western Reserve, was taken up and adopted, and is as fol- lows, viz : That the records be approved, with the exception of the sentiment on page 154, that the Eldership is not essential to the existence of the Pres- byterian Church. In the opinion of the Committee, the Synod advance a sentiment that contravenes the principles recognized in our Form of Govern- ment, Chap, ii., Sec. 4, Chap, iii., Sec. 5, Chap v.. Chap, ix., Sec. 1, 2. § 112. Case of Erastus Upson. 1833, p. 476. The Committee [of Commissions] reported that Mr. Eras- tus Upson, a standing committee-man, from the Presbytery of Oswego, had ikeen appointed a member of this body. A motion was made to refer this case to the Committee of Elections, which was negatived. It Avas then Resolved, That Mr. Upson have leave to withdraw his application. 582 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. BOOK VII. HERESIES AND SCHISMS PART I. TESTIMONIES AGAINST ERRORS § 1. Duty of ojjposiHon to error. 1806, p. 357. We live at a time when it becomes a duty peculiarly in- cumbent, to " contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints." It will however be remembered, that the sacred cause of truth can never be promoted by angry controversy or railing accusation. It is therefore re- commended to the Churches to vindicate the truth, not only by sound and temperate discussion, but also and especially by the manifestation of its sanctifying and transforming power over the life and conversation ; and by evincing that " the like mind is in us which was in Christ Jesus our Lord." It should ever be recollected, that error in doctrine has a native tendency to produce immorality in practice ; and therefore, that we should not be car- ried about by every wind of doctrine. Let us prove all things, and hold fast that which is good. This caution, it is hoped, will be received with at- tention and solemnity, inasmuch as the Church has been of late invaded by errors which strike at the very foundation of ovir faith and hope ; such as the denial of the Godhead and atonement of the blessed lledeemer, the sub- jugation of the Holy Scripture to the most extravagant impulses of the heart of man. These, and other errors of a dangerous nature, have been industriously, and alas ! that the Assembly should be constrained to add, in some portions of our country, too successfully disseminated. § 2. Pastoral Letter of the Assembly of 1839, on maintaining doctrinal purity. (a) Dear Brethren — The General Assembly being the bond of union, correspondence, and mutual confidence among all the Churches, has autho- rity to reprove, to warn, or bear testimony against error in doctrine or im- morality in practice. It is bound to exercise this prerogative whenever the Church is exposed to any particular danger, or needs admonition or exhor- tation with regard to any special duty. Believing that the present circum- stances of our Church render the duty of maintaining a faithful adherence to our standards of doctrine and discipline peculiarly necessary, the Assem- bly desire to call attention to this important subject. SEC. 1.] TESTIMONY AGAINST ERROR. 583 God has been pleased to bring us through a protracted and arduous con- flict, in which we have been contending for the truth and order of the Church. While we gratefully acknowledge his goodness in crowning our efforts to sustain our standards with success, it becomes us to look back and see wherein we have sinned, that we may penitently confess our errors, and learn wisdom for our future guidance. It is not our object, on this occa- sion, to point out the various particulars in which the past conduct of our Church may have off"endcd God, but simply to call the attention of our ministers and members to what, in the judgment of this Assembly, has been the principal source of our long continued difficulties. Our great error has been a want of fidelity to the fundamental principles of our ecclesiastical compact. It is important therefore, that these principles should be dis- tinctly stated, and the duty of adhering to them be urged upon the Churc^ Our fathers taught that God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath '; left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his word, or beside it, in matters of faith and worship ; that saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and com- munion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual ser- vices as tend to their mutual edification, and that this communion, as God offcreth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. In perfect consistency with these principles of liberty of conscience and communion of saints, they held that every Christian Church or association of Churches is entitled to declare the terms of admission into its communion, and the qualifications of its Minis- ters and members, as well as the whole system of its internal government, which Christ has appointed. "* ( 6 ) The terms of Christian communion, adopted by our Church, have been in accordance with the divine command, that we should receive one another as Christ has received us. We have ever admitted to our commu- nion all those who, in the judgment of charity, were the sincere disciples of Jesus Christ. If, in some instances, stricter terms have been insisted upon, if candidates for sealing ordinances have been required to sign pledges, to make profession of anything more than faith, love, and obedience to Jesus Christ, these instances have been few, and unauthorized, and therefore do not aff"ect the general character of our Church. We fully recognize the authority of the command : " Him that is weak in faith, receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations." The application of this command is entirely con- fined to private membership in the Church. It has no reference to the admission of men to offices in the house of God. On the contrary, we observe that with regard to ministerial communion, or the qualifications for admission into the office of the ministry, the command of God is, that a Bishop must be blameless, apt to teach, holding fast the faithful word, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gain- saycrs. In obedience to this command, the founders of our Church, and all who have entered it with enlightened views and honest intentions, have declared to the world and to all other Christian Churches, that the system of doctrine contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith, and Cate- chisms, is that sound doctrine which we are to require in all those who seek the office of a Bishop. So also our Form of Government requires of Klders and Deacons, who are not teachers, but rulert and stewards in the house of God, a no less unequivocal and public profession of adherence to our standards ; and in this the Scriptures abundantly sustain our priticiples. When the Elders and Deacons of a Church become lax or heretical in their doctrinal views, they may, and often do adopt measures as subversive of the 584 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. doctrine, which is according to godliness, as could be any measures resorted to by the Pastor of the Church. (c) Such are the principles on which our Church was founded, and on which, for more than a century, it was faithfully administered. It is be- lieved, that during all that period no one was debarred from the communion of saints who was regarded as a sincere disciple of Christ, and that no one was admitted to any office in our Church, or if admitted, was allowed to retain his standing, who dissented in any material point from the system of doctrine contained in our standards. That this latter principle of our con- stitution has of late years been in many cases culpably disregarded, is a matter of general notoriety. Many jMinisters have been received into our Presbyteries who never adopted our Confession of Faith ; and many others, Bishops and Elders, who professed to adopt it, have been allowed publicly to avow opinions subversive of its distinguishing doctrines. The General Assembly bears its solemn testimony against this unfaithfulness. It enjoins on the Presbyteries, on the one hand, to abstain from making anything a condition of ministerial communion, which the constitution does not pre- scribe ; and, on the other, to be firm and faithful in demanding everything which the constitution enjoins. In giving this injunction, the Assembly requires nothing that is unjust or unreasonable. No man has a right to join any society, unless he is willing to submit to its rules. Much less has any man the right to assume the office of teacher, ruler, or steward in a Church, unless he fully assents to its doctrines. All those who approve of the doctrines which we are pledged to sustain, and who are otherwise quali- fied for the work, we cordially welcome to our fellowship, and promise them our confidence and support. But we protest against the unfairness of those who adopt our standards in a sense different from their obvious import, contrary to the known and generally received interpretation, as a dishonesty and an injury, against which the Presbyteries are bound to pro- tect the Churches, and against which the Churches should both watch and pray. ((7) The Presbyteries should remember that they are not independent bodies, each acting for itself alone, and therefore at liberty to receive any candidate who they may suppose is qualified to do good. The Presbyteries are co-ordinate members of an extended communion, bound together by a written compact. When, therefore, they admit a member who has not the constitutional qualifications, they are guilty of a breach of faith. So also the Churches and Sessions are not at liberty to desire and urge the election and ordination of any of their own number to any office in the Church, or to approve of their continuance in such office, unless they are known to be men who hold fast the form of sound words, and show in doctrine uncor- ruptness. Were the points, in regard to which the Presbyteries, Sessions, and Churches are thus exhorted to adhere to the constitution, mere matters of form, the duty would be still binding, but as they relate to the truth of God, it is the more obligatory and important. The truth is a sacred depo- site which we ai-e bound to treasure and transmit uncorrupted. It is the fire upon God's altar which we are to watch, without which there can be no acceptable offijring, and which, if once extinguished, can hardly be rekin- dled. The sanctuary remains dai-k and desolate for ages. The history of the Christian Church is one solemn admonition on this subject. Indiffer- ence to the truth is one of the first and surest indications of the decline of religion in any communion. Men cannot be indiff"erent to what they see and feel concerns their own salvation. The Assembly, therefore, would deplore any manifestation of such indiff"erence, and would warn all in our SEC. 2.] TESTIMONY AGAINST ERROR. 585 communion against its insidious approaches. It may put on the guise of liberality, or assume the name of charity, but its nature is not thereby altered. It is only the more dangerous from these false assumptions. ( e ) We should ever remember that truth is in order to goodness ; that the great touchstone of truth is its tendency to promote holiness ; that no opinion can be either more pernicious or more absurd than that which brings all opinions upon a level, and represents it as of no consequence what a man believes, if he be sincere. On the contrary, we should ever remember that \ there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty. \ (Form of Government, Chap, i., Sec. 4.) The Assembly is the more earnest on this subject, as the most subtle errors to which our Churches are at pre- sent exposed are intimately connected with experimental religion. It is true, indeed, that the forms of error in our day vary from the refinements of Ar- minianism to the grossest Atheism, from high Arianism to the lowest hu- manitariani.sm, and from the most abstruse metaphysical philosophy, touch- ing free will, moral agency, and sin, original and actual, to the bold and daring denial of all accountability and of the moral government of God. It is neither possible nor necessary for the Assembly to enter into a detail of these various and varying forms of error. But it is proper briefly to allude to a few of the more subtle character, held by men who have been and are still desirous of appearing to be entitled to our confidence. (./) ^^^ observe, therefore, that it has been openly taught, in works widely circulated and highly recommended, that self-love is the ultimate foundation of moral obligation; that the reason why we are bound to do right is, that it will make us happy ; that our obligation to obey God does not arise out of our relation to him as our Creator, nor out of his infinite excellence, but from the fact that he knows best what will promote our happiness. How can a man have proper sentiments towards God who entertains such views ? How can self be thus made the centre, the beginning, and the end of religion and moi'ality, and yet true piety flourish in the soul? How is God degraded and man exalted ! How is the eternal distinction between right and wrong, holiness and sin, obliterated, and all religion made a mere calculation of profit and loss by such a docti-ine! It has still more frequently and undisguisedly been taught, that such is the nature of free agency, that God cannot certainly control the acts of moral agents, that he could not prevent the introduction of sin into a moral system, nor even the present amount of sin; that he does all he can for the conversion of all who hear the gospel. The doctrine has, from the beginning of the Christian Church, been the dividing line between the friends and the ene- mies of the doctrines of grace. It is one of the fundamental principles of that system which is known among us as the new divinity. If this doctrine is true, God is dependent and uncertain in his plans ; his promises are all precarious, and prayer is a mockery. (g) The doctrine of original sin, as taught in our Confession of Faith, and as held by all the Churches of the Reformation, has been extensively repu- diated. Yet this doctrine not only lies at the foundation of the whole sys- tem of redemption, but is most intimately connected with religious experience. The new doctrine denies the corruption of our nature ; it makes the evil that is in our hearts a light matter, to be overcome by a volition, by a mere change of purpose. Itegeneration, therefore, is an easy work; as easy as a change of determination regarding a profession or a journey. The change itself is generally diflercnt from what the Christian world has hitherto re- regarded it. It is a mere choice of a diff'erent source of happiness ; a choice made from self-love and for self-gratification. What kind of religion is that, 74 0S6 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. brethren, the very essence of which is not the love of God, but the love of self? The sinner, moreover, according to this system, is not dependent on the sovereign mercy of God; he has, independently of the influence of the Holy Spirit, full power to change his heart, and perfectly keep the law of God. The work of the Spirit, though occasionally introduced into the writings of the advocates of these views, seems entirely out of place and heterogeneous. Instead, therefore, of having the prominence which it has in the word of God, and in the writings of the Reformers, it is subordinate, secondary, and unimportant. ( A ) The Assembly would further remind you, that radical error regarding the priestly office of Christ, and our justification through him, has been and is extensively taught. Our standards of doctrine teach that Christ as a priest, " ofi'ered himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice," and that we are justi- fied by the righteousness of Christ, consisting in his obedience, and in offering of himself a sacrifice for sin, "imputed to us, and received by faith alone." The Scriptures declare that Christ, " through the eternal Spirit, ofi'ered him- self without spot to God." Here is language not equivocal, and it is easy of apprehension. Need we inform you that there are those who subvert this truth — who deny that Christ, as a surety, made a legal satisfaction for our sins, or that he wrought out a righteousness, which is imputable to us for our justification in the sight of God ? Such tell you, in the face of the Bible, and of what you have been taught, that justification is a sovereign act of pardon, that it takes place in every instance by a suspension of the regular order of distributive justice, and that the death of Christ was a mere exhibi- tion of the desert of sin in the abstract, producing no other eff'ect than that of changing the moral feelings and character of the sinner. Thus divine truth and justice are dishonoured in our salvation. We are not mistaken when we say to you, that this most unreasonable and pernicious error is ex- tensively propagated. Let it prevail, and God is dishonoured, the only hope of a convinced sinner is taken away, and there remains for him nothing but the wrath of incensed, unappeased justice. As your friends, we warn you to be guarded against such departures from the faith of Jesus to another gospel — a gospel which subverts the foundation of all your hopes ; which denies " that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures ;" that " he bore our sins in his own body on the tree ;" *' that the Lord laid on him the ini- quities of us all ;'" that " Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us ;" and that he is thus ''set forth" in the blessed gospel, "a propitiation, through faith in his blood to declare God's right- euuHuess, in the remission of sins that are past," that he might be just, "and yet the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus." Such truth as the Saviour's actual substitution for sinners, is fundamental to the plan of our salvation, and cannot be surrendered without an entire subversion of the gospel eystera. This whole system, in making self-love the ground of all moral obligation ; in denying the corruption of our nature; in exalting the power of man; in depreciating the necessity of the Spirit's influence; in misrepresenting the nature of the work of Christ, is in direct hostility to evangelical religion, and as this Assembly solemnly believes, cannot prevail without bringing death and desolation upon the churches. We, therefore, warn all our Ministers and members against this system of error, and enjoin on all our Presbyteries to be firm and faithful in resisting its approaches. The Assembly lays claim to no new powers ; it prescribes no new tests ; it lays down no new terms of ministerial communion. It bears its testimony against prevailing errors ; and it requires that those who are set as teachers and guides over the churches SEC. 2.] TESTIMONY AGAINST ERUOR. 587 committed to its care, should preach the doctrines which they profess to believe. ( I ) Let our churches and judicatories, then, in humble dependence upon God, and in a spirit of meekness and love, adhere faithfully to the great prin- ciples of our ecclesiastical compact; never demanding more than the Consti- tution requires, and never being contented with less. In order to secure doctrinal purity in our Churches, it is absolutely neces- sary that Presbyteries be faithful in guarding with sedulous care the entrance into the ministry, in regard to the piety, the orthodoxy, and the leariiino- of the candidates. These three grand qualifications are not independent of each other, but intimately connected. Our book of discipline requires, that before any person is received as a candidate, he should be subjected to an examina- tion in regard to his piety and his motives for seeking the sacred office. There is too much reason to fear that this examination, in many Presbyteries, is slight, and little more than a form ; as we seldom hear of any persons re- jected or kept back for want of evidence that they are truly converted. Unless Presbyteries pay a special attention to this subject, the Church will be overrun and ruined by unconverted Ministers; and such are not only inca- pable of guiding inquirers in the way to Heaven, but, possessing no sincere love to the distinguishing doctrines of the Bible, they will be constantly in- clined to conceal them, to set them aside, or reject tliem altogether. On this subject the General Assembly would solemnly admonish all the Ministers and Elders in our communion, to exercise a faithful care; and also to be thorough in the examination into the theological opinions of candidates. It has been found by sad experience, that it is not sufficient for candidates, in the o-ene- ral, to answer the questions proposed in our discipline; this they will often do, while they entertain opinions diametrically repugnant to some plainly expressed articles of faith; and will goon and inculcate their erroneous opinions. This arises from a false notion respecting the true principles on which our formularies should be adopted, of which we have already spoken. Few young men are so lust to honesty, that they will, before Presbytery, avow opinions which they do not believe ; although they will often conceal their real opin- ions, unless they are elicited by a searching examination. The General Assembly feel it to be of unspeakable importance, that weak, ignorant, and imprudent men should not be introduced into the ministry. Such men, though incapable of doing much good, even if pious, yet may do immense mischief to the cause of true religion, and only serve to bring the holy ministry into contempt, a result against which we are repeatedly admon- ished in the sacred Scriptures. It is not enough to increase the number of the clergy. The Church's wants cannot be supplied by merely multiplying the number of Ministers, unless they are well qualified for the duties of the sacred office. Indeed, the greater the number of unsound or ignorant Minis- ters, the greater the injury to the Church. ( k) Another thing of great importance in securing and promoting purity of doctrine, is the election of suitable men to the office of Ruling Elders. Frequently it is found that men of intelligence and influence, who are mem- bers of the Church, shrink from this office on account of the difficulties which attend the performance of its duties. This disposition to avoid the responsi- bilities of the office, the Assembly cannot but consider as a dereliction of duty deserving censure. A sound, intelligent, and faithful eldership is essen- tial to the successful operation of our system. Every effort should be made, therefore, to make this class of office-bearers what the plan of Presbyterian Church Government contemplates. {I) The General Assembly feel it to be important to enjoin upon all Pastors the more frequent and diligent use of our formularies of doctrine. 588 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII, They would recommend, that the Sessions of our Churches hold frequent meetings for free conversation, and for the study of our doctrinal formula- ries, as well as our discipline. They also reiterate the injunction, so often given, that great care be taken in eyery Church, to have the Shorter Cate- chism taught to all the youth ; except that, if a class can be formed for learning the Larger Catechism, such young persons should be encouraged to commit this excellent summary of Christian doctrine. It would be satis- factory to the people, and would confirm them in the belief of the doctrines of our Church, if Ministers would more frequently refer to the language of our Confession and Catechisms, and would occasionally adopt the very words of our formularies, in their sermons and lectures. They also recommend, that with the Catechisms, the Scripture proofs ought to be carefully learned, that the people may have their faith founded, not on the authority of men, but of God. ( m ) The General Assembly also feel it to be incumbent on them to give a warning against false teachers. The Scriptures abound with solemn admo- nitions on this subject, and such admonitions have always been needed, and are at this time peculiarly seasonable. Those, in every age, who have pro- pagated error, have been characterized by various insidious arts, by which the truth has either been subverted, or so adulterated, as to have its beauty disfigured, and its efiicacy destroyed or diminished. These false teachers are numerous and cunning and bold. They beguile unstable souls. If it were possible, they would deceive the very elect. It was a commendable feature in the character of one of the Churches of Asia, that she had tried certain false teachers, who said that they were apostles, and had found them liars. Remember, brethren, that though an angel from heaven should bring to you any other doctrine, than that ye have already received from the in- spired writers, he is accursed. And if any come to you and bring not the doctrines of the gospel, receive him not into your houses, neither bid him God speed, lest ye be partakers with him in his evil deeds. Beware, then, of wolves in sheep's clothing. Beware of those, who, by good words an.d fair speeches, beguile unstable souls. ( 71 ) The Assembly cannot refrain from a solemn warning to all their Churches against books containing erroneous doctrines, however they may come recommended by men in high places. The Assembly is fully con- vinced, that all our Ministers and members ought, with the greatest care, to guard this subject, and see that they become not the patrons of books al- ready published or proposed to be published, unless they are well certified of their character. The Assembly, moreover, feel constrained to admonish the Churches of the great importance of taking and reading only such pe- riodical papers as have the character of being sound in doctrine, and advo- cate the genuine principles of the Presbyterian government and order. It is by no means our wish to interfere in the least with the liberty of the peo- ple to buy and read such publications as they judge best, but it is our privi- lege and duty in all cases where the truth of God, or the order of his house is concerned, to admonish and xtmrn all those who in the providence of God are placed under our watch and care. And when but one religious paper is taken by a family, in our connection, it is surely not unreasonable to ad- vise, and expect, that it be one which can be recommended by the Ministers and judicatories of the Presbyterian Church. We are convinced, that the difiiculties in which our beloved Church has been involved, have been, in no small degree, owing to the periodical press; and we confidently believe, that unless more care be taken to guard against the circulation of unsuitable papers in our Churches, the same evils from which we have escaped, will again come in upon us, notwithstanding all the efforts of the pulpit to coun- SEC. 2.] TESTIMONY AGAINST ERROR. 589 tcract them. But the only effectual remedy for the evil of which we com- plain is in the hands of the people. Let every member of the Presbyterian Church resolve to introduce at least one weekly paper into his house ; and let that be such an one as will, in all respects, have a salutary influence on those who peruse it. ( o ) It would be invidious to designate particular periodicals, and this is entirely unnecessary. JiCt the person who wishes to subscribe for a reli- gious newspaper take the advice of his Pastor, or of some judicious friend, on whose honesty and judgment he can depend. The General As.sembly would press this subject on the attention of their people. It has hitherto been too much overlooked, but is becoming, evidently, of primary impor- tance. It is in vain that the Pastor inculcates sound doctrine on the Sab- bath day, if through the week the people are occupied with books, tracts, and papers, which insinuate, and even inculcate, a contrary doctrine. {p ) In conclusion, the General Assembly would solemnly inculcate on all classes of persons, a profound reverence for the Holy Scriptures. These are the oracles of the living God. '' To the law and testimony, if they speak not according to these, it is because there is no light in them." There are few things more alarming, as it relates to purity of doctrine, than the bold and unauthorized interpretations put on certain portions of the word of God by serious persons, in order to maintain some favourite principle adopted by them, and which before they begin their inquiries, they confi- dently presume cannot be contrary to the word of God. Instead, therefore, of humbly submitting their own opinions to the divine authority, speaking in the sacred Scriptures, they have the audacity to wrest the truth of God, and bend everything to suit their own preconceived sentiments. Against all such profane handling of the word of God, the Assembly lifts up its voice of warning. ( J ) And finally, as the Holy Spirit was promised to be a guide into ail truth ; and as this most precious gift is still granted to the Church in an- swer to prayer, let all who love the truth and desire to see it universally prevail, never cease to pray for this blessing, which is indeed the rich source of all good things. The strenuous defenders of the truth have been charged with holding and being contented with " a dead orthodoxy." Let us roll away this reproach as far as there is any foundation for it. While the truth may be held in unrighteousness, there is surfely no natural connec- tion between orthodoxy and dead formality. The importance of truth is such, that there can be no right feeling without it; and although ignorance or error in regard to some truths may be consistent with a state of grace — for otherwise who could be saved ? — yet every truth of revelation is precious and important; so that if any portion of it is never brought to bear on the mind and heart, just so far there will be a defect in the Christian character. Just as if a seal on which is engraved a certain image or inscription, if it be ever so little marred or mutilated, in the same degree leaves an imperfect impression on the wax. Dear brethren, receive in good part our exhortation. We sincerely aim to promote your spiritual welfare. Our lot is cast in an eventful and criti- cal period, as it relates to our ecclesiastical affairs. After much and long agitation, a great schism has occurred. A large number of those recently comprehended in the same denomination with us have now gone out from us. In this whole transaction the providence of God has been very re- markable. Let us now endeavour, as becomes the sincere disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus, while we contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, to be careful not to strive about words to no profit, or with a spirit unbecoming the Christian character. Faith and charity are twin sisters 590 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. and should never be separated. See that ye love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be M'ith you all. Minutes, 1839. p. 183. § 3. Testimony against the Universalist and Socinian errors. [See Book II. § 10.] J 787, p. 540. Whereas, The doctrine of universal salvation and of the finite duration of hell torments, has been propagated by sundry persons who live in the United States of America, and the people under our care may possibly, from their occasional conversation with the propagators of such a dangerous opinion, be infected by the doctrine, the Synod take this oppor- tunity to declare their utter abhorrence of such doctrines as they apprehend to be subversive of the fundamental principles of religion and morality, and therefore earnestly recommend it to all their Presbyteries and members to be watchful upon this subject, and to guard against the introduction of such tenets amongst our people. 1818, p. 677. If there is a religion revealed by G-od, it is as important to have correct views of its principles, to perform the duties which it enjoins in the various relations of life, as it is to have correct views of morality, that our lives may be moral. Error in principle invariably produces error in practice. To be ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth, is characteristic of none but those who assume for the human under- standing the prerogative of sitting in judgment upon the inspired truth of God, either condemning the whole as an imposition, or undertaking to cor- rect its alleged mistakes by abridging and falsifying its contents. Of the former class, we rejoice that their number and influence are diminished. Not many years past, they triumphed, to the regret and anguish of the fol- lowers of Christ. With brazen front, infidelity threatened the annihilation of the Church, and the ruin of her Lord's authority. But the Church not merel}' survives its attacks ; she has increased in numbers and in grace, whilst her adversaries are compelled, though unwillingly, to pay homage to the par- amount claims of her God and Saviour, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords. Few are to be found, who respect themselves, openly opposing the truth of God as contained in the Scriptures. There are, however, some within our bounds, who, whilst they profess to honour the authority of the Bible, with unhallowed hands would cut out of its pages those passages which com- mand us to honour the Son as we honour the Father, and rob the trembling sinner of the only hope of acceptance with God which his soul can cherish. The well beloved and only begotten Son of God they reduce to the level of frail humanity, and his work of redemption to the mere fact of furnishing us a perfect example of conversation and conduct. By denying his character as a covenant-surety to bear our sins and carry our sorrows, they lower his example as a righteous and holy man, below that which his apostles and pri- mitive followers afi'ord us. And so far as we have had the opportunity of judging from facts which have fallen under our observation, their principles have introduced among all who have embraced them, so great a conformity in their practice to the world which lieth in wickedness, as to render it im- possible to discriminate them from the children of that world. In connection with these Anti-Trinitariaus, for we reject the name which they have assumed of Unitarians, holding the unity of God as strictly as they do, are the Universalists, or the supporters of the doctrine of universal salvation. It is a tribute however, which we owe to truth, to say, that whilst the Anti-Trinitarians, for the sake of consistency, are compelled to maintain the ultimate and eternal salvation of all, the Universalists believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, and the atonement of the Lord Jesus. They, how- SEC. 2.] TESTIMONY AGAINST ERROR. 591 ever, by assuring all that they will be in the end for ever happy, provide for the gratification of present desires and continuance in sin, whilst they live. As these errors in principle do exist in some portion of our Church, though we have good reason to believe that they are not increasing, the Assembly trust that they will be opposed, and their ruinous tendency unfolded, with fidelity and success. 1822, p. 30. In some parts of our land, attempts are made to propagate the most pernicious errors. With a zeal worthy of a better cause, and under lofty pretensions to superior rationality and to deeper discoveries in religion, some are endeavouring to take away the crown from the Redeemer's head ; to degrade Him who is the mighty God, and the Prince of Life, to a level with mere men, and to rob us of all our hopes of redemption through his blood. Pretending to a more expanded benevolence to man, and more en- nobled ideas of the goodness and mercy of God, they assiduously propagate the sentiment, that all men will ultimately obtain eternal happiness, however sinful their present temper and conduct may be, without any regard to the cleansing of the blood of atonement, or the sanctifying influences of the Spirit of God. Believing that these sentiments are utterly subversive of gospel truth and holiness ; that they are alike dishonouring to God, and de- structive to the present and eternal welfare of men, we cannot but affection- ately warn you against them. " Beware, brethren, lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." Cher- ish an ardent attachment to the " truth which is according to godliness ;" and seek to experience, in your own souls, its sanctifying influence. 692 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. PAET IL THE SCHISM OF 1741. Title 1. — antecedent difficulties. § 4. Act on Ministers intruding on Churches, &c. 1737, p. 134. Inaaimich as God, who is a Grod of order, requires in an es- pecial manner, that all the aiFairs of his kingdom on earth should be done decently and in order ; and inasmuch as there may be frequent occasion in the course of divine providence, for the transportation or moving of Minis- ters, or probationary Preachers, from one Presbytery to another, for pre- venting many inconveniences that may ensue upon irregular steps that may be taken on such occasions, it is humbly proposed as a fit expedient : First. That no probationer take upon him to preach in any vacant Con- gregation without the order of the Presbytery under whose care he is. Secondly. That no such probationer preach to any vacant Congregation without the bounds of the Presbytery to which he belongs, until his way be cleared thereunto by the order and appointment of the Presbytery under whose care and inspection such Congregation is. ' Thirdly. That no Presbytery take upon them to appoint such probationer to preach within their bounds without Presbyterial credentials, or recom- mendations for that purpose from the Presbytery unto which such proba- tioner belongs. Fourthly. That no vacant Congregation take upon them to invite or en- courage any Minister, or probationer, to preach among them without the consent and concurrence of their own Presbytery, nor until such probationer has preached before them with approbation. Fifthly. That no Minister take upon him to invite any Minister or pro- bationer, from the bounds of another Presbytery, to preach unto any vacant Congregation without the advice and concurrence of the brethren of his own Presbytery. To evince the reasonableness of the above particulars, besides the incon- veniences that may ensue upon the neglecting of such an order or method, it may be considered that both probationers and vacant Congregations are, and ought to look upon themselves as, under the direction and government of their respective Presbyteries. That they ought to be ordei-ed, directed, and concurred with by them, in all the steps taken in order to their being settled. It is also humbly proposed that the Synod would make an order to in- quire yearly, at our respective Presbyteries, concerning their observation of the order and agreement of September 1735, in relation to our receiving of Ministers and Preachers from Europe. The above overture approved. 1738; p. 137. It was ovcrtured by some members that some order should SEC. 4.] THE seiiisM OF 1741. 593 be made to prevent irregularities that may arise in our Churches, by some jMinistors and probationers preaching to vacant Congregations without the bounds of their respective Presbyteries, without allowance from the Presby- tery under whose care the said vacant Congregations may be. This was de- bated for some time, and deferred till next sederunt. The debate concerning Ministers preaching without the bounds of their own Presbyteries, to vacancies in the bounds of another Presbytery, without the consent of some of the members, was re-assumed; and Overtured upon it, That no Minister belonging to this Synod shall have liberty to preach in any Congregation belonging to another Presbytery whereof he is not a mem- ber, after he is advised by any Minister of such Presbytery, that he thinks his preaching in that Congregation will have a tendency to procure divi- sions and disorders, until he first obtain liberty from the Presbytery or Sy- nod so to do. This being put to the vote, was approved. Overtured, That in order to obviate some mistakes, that it is supposed some of the members of the Synod were in, with respect to the preceding overture, that it be voted that every Minister belonging to this Synod has liberty to preach in any vacant Congregation where he shall be occasionally and providentially called, even though he is out of the bounds of the Pres- bytery to which he belongs, unless he be first advised by some Minister of such Presbytery, that his preaching there is likely to procure divisions and disorders in such Congregation ; and even when he is so advised by any Minister of such Presbytery, he may yet preach in such Congregation, if by liberty first obtained from such Presbytery or from the Synod, but not otherwise. Agreed, nemine contradicente. § 5. Act on the examination of Candidates. 1738, p. 141. A proposal was made by the Presbytery of Lewes to this Synod, which is as follows : That this part of the world where God has ordered our lot, labours under a grievous disadvantage for want of the op- portunities of Universities, and Professors skilled in the several branches of useful learning, and that many students from Europe are especially cramped in prosecuting their studies, their parents removing to these colo- nies before they have an opportunity of attending the college, after having spent some years at the grammar-school; and that many persons barn in the country groan under the same pressure, whose circumstances are not able to support them to spend a course of years in the European or New Eng- land colleges, which discourages much, and must be a detriment to our Church; for we know that natural parts, however great or promising, for want of being well improved, must be marred of their usefulness, and can- not be extensively serviceable to the public ; and that want of due care and pains paves the way for ignorance, and this for a formidable train of sad consequences. To prevent this evil, it is humbly proposed as a remedy, that every student who has not studied with approbation, passing the usual courses in some of the New England or European colleges, approved by public authority, shall, before he be encouraged by any Presbytery for the sacred work of the ministry, apply himself to this Synod, and that they ap- point a committee of their members yearly, whom they know to be well skilled in the several branches of philosophy, and divinity, and the lan- guages, to examine such students in this place, and finding them well ac- complished in those several parts of learning, shall allow them a puldic tes- timonial from the Synod, which, till better provision be made, shall in some measure, answer the design of taking a degree in the college. And for en- couragement of students, let this be done without putting them to further expenses than attending. And let it be an objection against none — where 75 594 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VTT. they have read, or what books ; but let all encouragement be only according to merit. And it is hoped this will fill our youth with a laudable emula- tion ; prevent errors young men may imbibe by reading without direction, or things of little value ; will banish ignorance, fill our infant Church with men eminent for parts and learning, and advance the glory of God, and the honour of our Synod both at home and among our neighbours, who con- ceive a low opinion of us for want of such favourable opportunities. 'Tis further proposed, that all that are not licensed to preach the gospel, what uni- versity or college soever they come from, may undergo the same trials. But inasmuch as this act cannot be put in force this year, without discourag- ino- such as may not be apprized of it, 'tis ordered, that there be two Stand- ing Committees to act in the above afiair for this year, one to the northward and the other to the southward of Philadelphia; and that Messrs. John Thomson, George Gillespie, Thomas Evans, Henry Hook, James Anderson, James Martin, Francis Alison, be a Committee for the Presbyteries south- ward of Philadelphia; and that Messrs. Andrews, Robert Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Pemberton, Dickinson, Cowell, and Pierson, be a Committee to the northward. Approved by a great majority. § 6. The act on examination of Candidates amended. 1739, p. 146. The New Brunswick Presbytery having brought a paper of objections against the act made last year, touching the previous exami- nation of candidates, the Synod consented to review that act, and upon de- liberation agreed to the following overture, which they substitute in the room of it, viz : It being the first article in our excellent Directory for the examination of the candidates for the sacred Ministry, that they may be in- quired of, what degrees they have taken in the university, &c. And it being oftentimes impracticable for us in these remote parts of the earth, to obtain an answer to these questions, of those who propose themselves to ex- amination, many of our candidates not having enjoyed the advantage of a university education, and it being our desire to come to the nearest confor- mity to the incomparable prescriptions of the Directory that our circum- stances will admit of, and after long deliberation of the most proper expe- dients to comply with the intentions of the Directory, where we cannot ex- actly fulfil the letter of it; the Synod agree and determine, that every per- son who proposes himself to trial as a candidate for the Ministry, and who has not a diploma, or the usual certificate from an European or New Eng- land university, shall be examined by the whole Synod, or its commission, as to the preparatory studies which we generally pass through at the college, and if they find him qualified, they shall give him a certificate, which shall be received by our respective Presbyteries as equivalent to a diploma or certificate from the college. This we trust will have a happy tendency to prevent unqualified men from creeping in among us, and answer, in the best manner our present circumstances are capable of, the design which our Directory has in view, and with which, by inclination and duty, we are all bound to comply to our utmost ability. This was agreed to by a great ma- jority. Mr. Gilbert Tennent protested in behalf of himself and such as should join with him, viz : William Tennent, sen'r, William Tennent, jun'r, Sam- uel Blair, Eleazer Wales, Charles Tennent, Ministers; Thomas Worthing- ton, David Chambers, William McCrea, John Weir, Elders; against the above-mentioned act respecting the trial of candidates. SEC. 5.] THE SOHiSM OF 1741. 595 § 7. The act on Ministerial intrusion amended. 1789, p. 146. The act made last year with respect to Ministers preaching out of their own bounds, being taken under a review, the Synod determine, that if any Minister in the bounds of any of our Presbyteries, judge that the preaching of any Minister or candidate of a neighbouring Presbytery in any Congregation, has a tendency to promote a division among them, or hinder the orderly settlement of a gospel Ministry, in that case he shall complain to the Presbytery in whose bounds the said Congregation is, and that the Minister who is supposed to be the cause of the foresaid division shall be obliged to appear before them, and it shall be left to them to de- termine whether he shall preach any more in the bounds of that Congrega- tion, and he shall be bound to stand to their determination, until they shall see cause to remove their prohibition, or the Synod shall have op]()ortunity to take the affair under cognizance. Approved, neniine contradiccnte. § 8. Admomtion to tJie Presbytery of New Brunsicick. 1739, p. 147. It appearing by the Presbytery book of New Brunswick that notwithstanding the Synod's agreement last year, that no candidate for the Ministi'y who has had a private education, should be admitted to trials, in order to be licensed to preach the gospel by any Presbytery within our bounds, until such candidate's learning were previously examined Vjy a com- mittee appointed for that purpose, that the Presbytery of New Brunswick have admitted to trials and licensed Mr. John Rowland to preach the gos- pel without his submitting to such preparatory examination as was ap- pointed. The Synod do therefore judge the proceedings of the said Pres- bytery of New Brunswick to be very disorderly, and do admonish the said Presbytery to avoid such divisive courses for the future ; and do determine not to admit the said Mr. John Rowland to be a preacher of the gospel within our bounds, nor encourage any of our people to accept him until he submit to such examinations as were appointed by this Synod for those that have had a private education. § 9. Ncio proposals for accommodation. 1740, p. 151. Upon reading over the minutes of last year, the act about the previous trial of candidates for the ministry, which has been the occa- sion of much debate in the Synod, and protested against by some of the brethren, came under consideration, upon which a paper was brought in and read, containing proposals for accommodating of the said unhapjjy debates. Which being new to the Synod, they resolved, that in compliance with the desire of several other members of the Synod, as well as the protesting brethren, each of them should have a copy of the proposals to consider of till to-morrow morning. The other act, relating to Ministers preaching within the bounds of other Presbyteries than that to which he or they do belong, coming in course to be considered, the Synod agree to defer any de- bates about that matter till the preceding affair be issued. p. 158. The affair between the Synod and the brethren dissatisfied with the act of last year, came under consideration, and the protesting brethren declaring their dissatisfaction with the proposals for accommodation that were laid before them ; the Synod therefore still desiring that that unhappy difference may be accommodated, recommend it to any brethren of the Synod to consider any further expedient to that end, to be brought in the next sederunt. The affair between the Synod and the protesting brethren, re-assumed, and an overture was brought in by one of the brethren as an expedient to accommodate the difference that has arisen and yet subsists on account of 596 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII an act of last year, and much discourse was had upon it. It was agreed by all the members, the protestino; brethren as well as others, that the Synod are proper judges of the qualifications of their own members. But the pro- testing brethren thought the inserting that agreement into our minutes unne- cessary. The uncomfortable debate about the agreement of the Synod last year, to bring under the examination of the Synod such persons as have had a pri- vate education in order to the sacred ministry, being re-assumed, it was put to vote whether the said agreement should be repeated or continued until some other expedient could be found that will answer the design of that agreement to the Synod's satisfaction, and it was voted that it shall con- tinue at present. The protesting brethren renewing their former protest against the present proceeding, the following members joined with them in their protestation, viz : Messrs. John Cross, Alexander Craighead, Robert Cummins, John Henry, James Cockran, William Emmitt, James Miller, Richard "Walker, James McKoy, Robert Matthews, Daniel Henderson, Joseph Steel, Hugh Lynn, George Gillespie, and Alexander Hutchinson, desired their dissent might be entered. § 10. Proposed interpretation of tlie acts. 1740, p. 153. An overture was brought in upon the two late acts in order to explain them, which is as follows : The Synod having the last year, nemine contradicente, come into an agi'eement, that no Minister shall preach out of the bounds of his Presbytery in any Congregation, after his being warned by the Presbytery in whose bounds such Congregation is, that his preaching there is a cause of division in the Congregation, and that he is therefore to desist, which was agreed to in order to prevent divisions in our Congrega- tions : But finding that some of our brethren are now dissatisfied with that agreement, and that it is wrong interpreted and misunderstood by many of our people, as though it was calculated to prevent itinerant preaching : The Synod do now declare, that they never thought of opposing, but do heartily rejoice in the labours of the ministry, in other places besides their own par- ticular charge. And that they may not give any umbrage to the contrary, they do now repeal that agreement, and do agree that our Ministers shall, in that respect, conduct themselves as though it had never been ; and to obvi- ate all misrepresentations that are like to be made of our agreement the last year, to bring such candidates of the ministry under the examination of the Synod, or the commission of the Synod, as to their proficiency in human learning, who have had a private education, the Synod declare, that they do not thereby call in question the power of subordinate Presbyteries to ordain Ministers, but only assert their own right to judge of the qualifications of their own members. And though they do not deny but that such as are brought into the ministry contrary to this agreement may be truly gospel Min- isters, yet inasmuch as they cannot but think that agreement needful to be insisted on, in order to the well being of this part of the Church of Christ, they cannot admit them when so brought into the ministry to be members of this Synod, until they submit to the said agreement; though they do con- sent, that they be in all other respects treated and considered as Ministers of the gospel, anything that may be otherwise construed in any of our for- mer proceedings, notwithstanding. Two expedients for peace were proposed to answer the end of the act for preserving learning by examination for candidates, which were taken under consideration till the next sederunt. Ibid. The further consideration of the above said overture deferred. sec. 9.] the scuism of 1741. 597 Title 2. — the division takes place. § 11. Tlie Old Side Protestation. 1741, p. 157. A protestation was brought in by Mr. Cross, read, and signed by several members, which is kept, in retentis. "A Protestation presented to the Si/nod, June 1, 1741. ( a ) " Reverend Fathers and Brethren — We, the Ministers of Jesus Christ, and members of the Sj'nod of Philadelphia, being wounded and grieved at our very jiearts, at the dread- ful divisions, distractions, and convulsions, which all of a sudden have seized this infant Church to sucli a degree, that unless He, who is King in Zion, do graciously and season- ably interpose far our relief, she is in no small danger of expiring outright, and that quick- ly, as to the form, order, and constitution of an organized Churcli, which hatli subsisted tor above these thirty years past, in a very great degree of comely order and sweet har- mony, until of late ; we say, being deeply afflicted with these things which lie heavy on our spirits, and being sensible that it is our indispensable duty to do what lies in our power, in a lawful way, according to the light and direction of the inspired oracles, to preserve this swooning Cimrch from a total expiration: And after the deliberate and un- prejudiced inquiry into the causes of these confusions which rage so among us, both Min- isters and people, we evidently seeing, and being fully persuaded in our judgments, that, besides our misimprovement of, and unfruitfulness under, gospel light, liberty, and privi- leges, that great decay of practical godliness in tlie life and power of it, and many abound- ing immoralities; we say, besides these, our sins, which we judge to be tlie meritorious cause of our present doleful distractions, the awful judgment we at present groan under, we evidently see that our protesting brethren and their adherents vi'ere the direct and proper cause tiiereof, by their unwearied, unscriptural, anti-Presbyterial, and uncharitable, divisive practices, which tliey have been pursuing, with all the industry tliey were capable of, with any probability of success, for above these twelve months past especially, besides too much of the like practices for some years before, though not with such barefaced arro- gance and boldness. " And being fully convinced in our judgments, that it is our duty to bear testimony against these disorderly proceedings, according to our stations, capacity, and trust reposed in us by our exalted Lord, as watchmen on the walls of liis Zion, we having endeavoured sincerely to seek counsel and direction froui God, who hatli promised to give wisdom to those that ask him in faith, yea, hath promised his Holy Spirit, to lead his people and servants int» all truth, and being clearly convinced in our consciences, that it is a duty called unto in this present juncture of atfairs. Reverend Fathers and Brethren, we hereby humbly and solemnly protest, in the presence of the great and eternal God, and bis elect angels, as well as in the presence of all here present, and particularly to you. Reverend Brethren, in our own names, and in the namesof all, both Ministers and people, who shall adhere to us, as follows : (6) "1. We protest that it is the indispensable duty of this Synod to maintain and stand by the principles of doctrine, worship, and government, of the Church of Christ, as the same are sununed up in the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory, composed by the Westminster Assembly, as being agreeable to the word of God, and which this Synod have owned, acknowledged, and adopted, as may appear by our Synodical records of the years 1729, 1736, which we desire to be read publicly. " 2. We protest that no person. Minister or Elder, should be allowed to sit and vote in this Synod, vvlio liatli not received, adopted, or subscribed, the said Confessions, Cate- chisnis, and Directory, as our Presbyteries respectively do, according to our last explica- tion of the adopting act; or who is either accused or convicted, or may be convicted be- fore this Synod, or any of our Presbyteries, of holding or maintaining any doctrine, or who act and persist in any practice contrary to any of tliose doctrines, or rules contain, ed in said Directory, or contrary to any ot" the known rigiits of Presbytery, or orders made or agreed to by this Synod, and which stand yet unrepealed, unless, or until he renounce such doctrine, and being found guilty, acknowledge, confess, and profess his sorrow for sucii sinful disorder to tlie satisfaction of tliis Synod, or such inlerior judica- tory as the Synod shall appoint or empower for that purpose, "3. We |)rotest that all our protesting brethren have at present no right to sit and vote as members of this Synod, having forfeited tiieir right of being accounted members of it for many reasons, a few of which we sliall mention afterwards. " 4. We protist that, if, notwithstanding of this our protestation, tliesc brethren be allow- ed to sit and vote in this Synod, without giving suitable satisfaction to tlie Synod, and particularly to us who now enter this protestation, and those who adhere to lis in it, that whatsoever shall be done, voted, or transacted by them, contrary to our judgment, shall 598 HERESIES Afg) SCHISMS. [bOUK VII. be of no force or obligation to us, bcinfr done and acted by a judicatory consisting in part of niuinbcrs who have no authority to act vvitii us in ecclesiastical matters. "5. We protest that, if, notwithstanding- this our protestation, and contrary to the true intent and meaning of it, these protesting brethren, and such as adhere to lliem, or sup- port and countenance tlieni in their anti-Prcshyterial practices, shall continue to act as they have doiK; this hist year, in that cise, wo, and as ma!iy as have clearness to join with us, and maiiitam tlie rights of this judicatory, shall be accounted in nowise disorderly, but the true Prisbyterian Church in this province; and they shall be looked ujjon as guilty of schism, and the breach of the rules of Presbyterial government, which Christ has estab- lished in ills Churcli, which we are ready at all times to demonstrate to the world. ( c ) " Reverend and dear Brethren, we beseech you to hear us with patience, while we lay before you as briefly as we can, some of the reasons that move us thus to protest, and more particularly, why we protest agamst our protesting brethren's being allowed to sit as members of this Synod. " 1. Tlicir heterodox and anarchical principles expressed in their Apology, pages twen- ty-eight and tliirty-nine, where tliey expressly deny that Presbyteries have authority to oblige their dissenting members, and that Synods should go any further, in judging of appeals or reierences, &c., than to give their best advice, which is plainly to divest the officers and judicatories of Christ's kingdom of all authority, (and plainly contradicts the thirty-first article of our Confession of Faith, section three, which these brethren pretend to adopt,) agreeable to which is the whole superstructure of arguments wliicti they ad- vance and maintain against not only our Synodical acts, but also all authority to make any acts or orders that shall bind their dissenting members, throughout their whole Apology. "2. Their protesting against tlie Synod's act in relation to the examination of candi- dates, together with their pro(!eeding to license and ordain men to the Ministry of the gospel, in opposition to, and in contempt of, said act of Synod. " 3. Their making irregular irruptions upon the Congregations to which they have no immediate relation, without order, concurrence, or allowance of the Presbyteries or Min- isters to which Congregations belong, thereby sowing the seeds of division among people, and douig what they can to alienate and fill their minds witli unjust prejudices against their lawfully called Pastors. "4. Their principles and practice of rash judging and condemning all who do not fall in witli their measures, both Ministers and people, as carnal, graceless, and enemies to the work of God, and what not, as appears in Mr. Gilbert Tennent's sermon against un- converted Ministers, and his and Mr. Blair's papers of May last, which were read in open Synod; which rash judging has been the constant practice of our protesting brethren, and tlieir irregular probationers, for above these twelve months past, in their disorderly itinerations and preaciiing through our Congregations, by which, (alas! for it,) most of our Congregations, through weakness and credulity, are so shattered and divided, and shaken in their principles, that few or none of us can say we enjoy the comfort, or have the success among our people, which otherwise we might, and wliich we enjoyed here- tofore. "5. Their industriously persuading people to believe that the call of God whereby he calls men to the Ministry, does not consist in their being regularly ordained and set apart to that work, according to the institution and rules of the word ; but in some invisible motions and workings of the Spirit, which none can be conscious or sensible of but the person himself, and with respect to whicli he is liable to be deceived, or play tlie hypo- crite. Tliat tlie gospel preached in truth by unconverted Ministers, can be of no saving benefit to souls; and their pointing out sucli Ministers, whom they condenm as graceless by their rash judging spirit, tliey effectually carry the point with the poor credulous peo- ple, who, in imitation oi' their example, and under their palrociny, judge tlieir Ministers to be graceless, and forsake their Ministers as hurtful rather than profitable. "6. Tlieir jircaching the terrors of the law in such a manner and dialect as has no pre- cedent in the word of God, but rather appears to be borrowed from a worse dialect; and BO industriously working on the passions and affections of weak minds, as to cause tliem to cry out in a hidcnus manner, and fill down in convulsion-like fits, to the marring of the profiting both ol' tlii^niselves and others, who arc so taken up in seeing and hearing these odd symptoms, that they cannot attend to or hear what the Preaclier says ; and then, after all, boasting of these things as the work of God, which we are persuaded do proceed from an inferior or worse cause. "7. Their, or some of tliem, preaching and maintaining that all true converts are as rertiin of their gracious stiite as a p(Tson can be of what lie knows by liis outward senses ; and are able to give a narrative of the time and manner of their conversion, or else they Cunchuic them to be in a natural or graceless state, and that a gracious person can judge of another's o'acious state otherwise than by his profession and life. That people are SEC. 11.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 599 under no sacred tie or relation to their own Pastors lawfully called, but may leave thewi when tliL-y please, and oug-ht to go where they think Ihey giA most good. (rf) "For these and iiKiny otlier reasons, we protest, betbre the eternal God, his holy angels, and you, Ri verend Brethren, and before all here present, tliat these brethren have no right to be acknowledged as members of this judicatory of Christ, whose principles and practices are so diametrically opposite to our doctrine, and principles of government and order, which tlie great King of tl>c Church hatli laid down in his word, " How absurd and monstrous must tiiat union be, where one ])art of tiie members own themselves obliged, in conscience, to tlie judicial determinations of the whole, founded on the word of God, or else relinquish membersliip; and another part declare they are not obliged and will not submit, ur'less tiie determination be according to their minds, and consequently will submit to no rule, in making of whicii they are in the negative ! " Again, how monstrously absurd is it, that they should so much as desire to join with us, or we with them, as a judicatory, made up of authoritative otReers of Jesus Christ, while they openly condemn us wholesale ; and, wiien they please, apply their condemna- tory sentences to particular brethren by name, without judicial process, or proving them guilty of lieresy or immorality, and at the same time will not hold Christian communion with them ! "Again, how absurd is the union, while some of the members of the same body, which meet once a year, and join as a judicatory of Christ, do all the rest of the year what they can, openly and above board, to persuade the people and flocks of their brethren and fel- low members, to separate from their own Pastors, as graceless hypocrites, and yet they do not separate from them themselves, but join with them once every year, as members of the same judicatory of Clirist, and oftener, when Presbyteries are mixed! Is it not most unreasonable, stupid indolence in us, to join with such as are avowedly tearing us in pieces like beasts of prey? " Again, is not the continuance of union with our protesting brethren very absurd, when it is so notorious that both their doctrine and practice are so directly contrary to the adopt- ing act, whereby both they and we have adopted tlie Confession of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory, composed by the Westminster Assembly ? " Finall}', is not continuance of union absurd with those who would arrogate to them- selves a right and power to palm and obtrude members on our Synod, contrary lo the minds and judgment of the body? " In tine, a continued union, in our judgment, is most absurd and inconsistent, when it is so notorious, tiiat our doctrine and principles of Church government, in many points, are not only diverse, but directly opposite. P^or how can two walk together, except they be agreed ? ( e ) " Reverend Fathers and Brethren, these are a part,and but part of our reasons why we protest as above, and which we have only hinted at, but have forborne to enlarge on them, as we might, the matter and substance of them are so well known to you all, and the wiiole world about us, that we judged this hint sufficient at present, to declare our serious and deliberate judgment in the matter; and as we profess ourselves to be re- solvedly against principles and practice of both anarchy and schism, so we hope that God, whom we desire to serve and obey, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose Ministers we are, will botli direct and enable us to conduct ourselves in these trying times, so as our con- sciences shall not reproach us as long as we live. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered, and let them that hate him fly before him, but let the righteous be glad, yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. And may the Spirit of life and comfort revive and comfort this poor swooning and fainting Cimrch, quicken her to spiritual life, and restore her to the exercise of true charity, peace, and order. ' (/) " Although we can freely, and from ttie bottom of our hearts, justify the divine proceedings against us, in suffering us to fall into these confusions for our sins, and par- ticularly for tiic great decay of the life and power of godliness among all ranks, both Min- isters and p('0i)le, yet we tliink it to be our present duty to bear testimony against these prevailing disorders, judging that to give way to the breaking down the hedge of disci- pline and government from about Christ's vineyard, is far from being the proper method of causing his tender plants to grow in grace and Iruil fulness. "As it is our duty in our station, without delay, to set about a reformation of the evils whereby we have provoked God against ourselves; so we judge the strict observation of his laws of government and order; and not the breaking of them, to be one necessary mean and metliod of this necessary and much to be desired reformation. And we doubt not, but wlien our God sees us duly humbled and penitent for our sins, he will yet return to us in mercy, and cause us to flourish in spiritual life, love, unity, and order, though perhaps wc may not live to sec it; yet tliis testimony tiiat we now bear, may be of some good use to our children yet unborn, when God shall arise and have mercy on Zion." 600 HERESIES AiND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. " Ministers — Robert Cross, John Tliomson, Francis Alison, Robert Cathcart, Ricliard Zancby, John Elder, John Craig-, Safnuel Caven, Samuel Thomson, Adam Buyd, James Martin, Robert Jamison. " Eiders— Robert Porter, Robert McKnifjht, William McCuUoch, John McEwen, Robert Rowland, Robert Craig, James Kerr, Alexander McKnight." § 12. The New Brunswick party withdraws. — The standards re-adopted. 1741, p. 159. Upon this it was canvassed by the former protesting breth- ren, whether they or we were to be looked upon as the Synod. We main- tained that they had no right to sit whether they were the major or minor number. Then they motioned that we should examine this point, and that the major number was the Synod. They were found to be the minor party, and upon this they withdrew. After this the Synod proceeded to business. Overturcd, That every member of this Synod, whether Minister or Elder, do sincerely and heartily receive, own, acknowledge, or subscribe the West- minster Confession of Faith, and Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as the confession of his faith ; and the Directory, as far as circumstances will allow and admit in this infant Church, for the rule of church order. Ordered, That every Session do oblige their Elders at their admission to do the same. This was readily approved, nemiiie contradicente. Title 3. — negotiations of the new york brethren. § 13. Measures proposed for re-union. 1742, p. 162. Upon a motion made by the Moderator, [Mr. Dickinson,] that our Synod should hold a conference with the Brunswick brethren that they rejected last year, in order to accommodate the difference and make up that unhappy breach, it is agreed, that Messrs. Dickinson, Pemberton, Pier- son, Cross, Andrews, Thomson, Cathcart, David Evans, and Alison, meet with these brethren, and try all methods consistent with gospel truth, to pi'epare the way for healing the said breach. Agreed that the conference be held at the usual place of the Synod's meeting, at three in the afternoon, and that the Synod adjourn till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Ordered, That the Synod be resolved into an interhquitur of Ministers and Elders, to manage the conference with the ejected brethren, who are allowed, if they see cause, to bring with them the IMinisters that they ordained, that were never allowed to be Ministers of this Synod, and all their respective Elders. After a great deal of time spent to no purpose, the interloquitur found that all attempts for a coalition were vain and fruitless, and therefore it is agreed to adjourn till three o'clock, afternoon. Concluded with prayer. The Synod entered upon the affair complained of by the ejected members, and the (juestion put for the managing said affair was, Who should be the judges of the case ? The ejected members would submit the business to the consideration of none as judges, but such as had not signed the protest last year. And the protesting brethren answered to the point: That they, with the members that had adhered to them, after ejecting said members, were the Synod; and acted as such in the rejection, and in so doing thej^ only cast out such members as they judged had rendered themselves unworthy of membership, by openly maintaining and practising things subversive of their constitution, and therefore would not be called to account by absent members, or by any judicature on earth, but were willing to give the reasons of their conduct to their absent brethren, and to the public to consider or review it. SEC. 11.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 601 § 14. Protest of the New York members. p. 163. [After renewed ineffectual efforts by way of interloquitur,] A protest was given in by some members of our Synod, which is as follows, viz : " To the Reverend Synod now sitting in Philadelphia : We the subscri- bers, in our own and in the name of all that shall see meet to join with us, look upon ourselves obliged in the most public manner, to declare our opin- ions with respect to the division made in our Synod the last year, by a pro- test that was delivered in by several of our members. " First. We declare against the excluding the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick and their adherents, from the communion of the Synod by a protest, without giving them a previous trial, as an illegal and unprecedented pro- cedure, contrary to the rules of the gospel and subversive of our excellent constitution. " Secondly. We declare and protest against the conduct of our brethren, the last year's protestors, in refusing to have the legality of their said pro- test tried by the present Synod. " Thirdly. We therefore declare and protest, that these members of the New Brunswick Presbytery, and their adherents, that were excluded by the last year's protest, are to be owned and esteemed as members of this Synod, until they are excluded by a regular and impartial process against them, according to the methods prescribed in sacred Scripture, and practised by the Churches of the Presbyterian persuasion. " Fourthly. We protest against all passages in any of the pamphlets which have been lately published in these parts, which seem to reflect upon the work of divine power and grace, which has been carrying on in so wonder- ful a* manner in many of our Congregations ; and declare to all the world, that we look upon it to be the indispensable duty of all our Ministers to encour- age that glorious work with their most faithful and diligent endeavours. And in like manner, we protest and declare against, all divisive and irregular methods and practices, by which the peace and good order of our Churches have been broken in upon. " This is what our duty to God, and our regard to the peace and prosper- ity of his Church oblige us to protest and declare, and we desire it may be recorded in the Minutes of the Synod in perpetuam rei memon'am. Jonathan Dickinson, John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Simon Horton, Daniel Elmer, Azariah Horton, Nathaniel Hazard, David Whitehead, Silas Leonard, Timothy Whitehead. Philadelphia, May 29, 1742." § 15. Abortive discussions in the Synod. 1743, p. 166. An overture was brought by the Presbytery of New York, which was ordered to be read, and was as foUoweth, viz : *' At a rrcahytcry convened at NewarJc, May 15, 1743. " An overture from the Presbytery of New York, to be proposed to the Synod of Phila- delpliia, at tlioir next meeting'. " The Presbytery takinjr into consideration the melancholy divisions that have of late obtained in the Synod, to the great dishonour of God, the scandal of our holy profession, the ])reju(lice of our reliirious interests, and tlie too great encouragement of those dan- gerous errors and delusions which are making such a progress amongst us, think it our duty to contribute all we can towards healing these breaches, and promoting the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, and do therefore propose : "1. Tliat inasmuch as the Presbytery cannot see how the e.TcIuding the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and those other Ministers that join with them by a protestation, without a i)articular heariiig, and a deliberate vote of the Synod, formed ujion such a distinct hearing of the case, can be agreeable to the laws of Christ, or any rules of dis- 76 602 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. ciplinc th.at have evrr been known nmoiig^ any Cluirches of our proftssion : We therefore propose that the said protestation be withdrawn, and those members peaceably take their place in the Synod as Ibrnierly. "2. Whereas it is of greatest necessity that the education of our candidates for the ministry be well regulated, and that our Ibriner difference upon that subject be healed, we propose that all such, who for the future sliall be privately educated with a design for improveuient in the ministry of the gospel, shall submit to the former agreement of the Synod in tliat case, or else sent to one of the colleges in New England, and accept of such a station there as they are found qualified for, and that they continue there at least one year, and obtain their degree of bachelor of arts; and in case there should be any pious and promising youths that are privately educated for the ministry, who cannot well bear the charge of continuing so long at the college, tliey shall, upon the commendation of their respective Presbyteries, and the approbation of the Synod, or commission of the Synod, have such allowances fi-om the Synod fbr their support at the college, as the Synod or their commission shall think proper, and so much of the income of the fund as is suffi- cient, shall be appropriated to that purpose. " 3. Whereas there have been differences among us with respect to itinerant preach- ing, with the consequences of it, we propose that there be an united agreement of the Synod, that all our pul()its be open to those Ministers that are in our communion, and we unanimously resolve to invite each other to preach in our respective parishes as occa- sion offers. And for any Minister to refiise another Minister the use of his pulpit when regularly ap[)lied to, and to continue in that refusal from time to time, shall be looked upon as an unbrotherly practice, tending to division and separation among us. Provided always, that the Minister refusing his pulpit as aforesaid, has not such reason for his conduct as shall be approved by the Presbytery, or Synod, or commission of the Synod ; and that there may be no schism or confusion maintained in our Congregations, it be proposed that all our Ministers shall be obliged, that they will not for the future promote or encourage any divisions or separations, neither by setting up separate meetings in any of our Congregations, nor by any methods whatsoever endeavouring to alienate the affec- tions of the people from their Minister; but that every one of us shall do what we can to assist one another, and strengthen each other's hands in the work of the Lord; and every contravention of this article shall be looked upon as just matter of censure either by Presbytery or Synod. " 4. It is also proposed that, if any of our Ministers either really have, or suppose they have, just matter of complaint against any of their brethren in the ministry within our bounds, with respect either to his doctrine, manner of preaching, diligence in his dis- charge of the more public or private parts of his ministerial duties, or with respect to his Conduct or conversation, such' Minister shall first, in a kind, tender, and affectionate manner, particularly make known the matter of his complaint to such of his brethren in a private conference; and if these endeavours fail of desired success, he shall put into his hands a written copy of his complaints, with a citation to answer them before his Pres- bytery, or before the Synod, or commission of the Synod, as the complainant shall think fit. "5. It is also proposed that all former matters of difference and debate in the Synod, be now entirely buried in oblivion, and that each Minister of the Synod do from this time treat one another with the same intimate love, kindness, and respect, as if such differen- ces had never been. This article not being to be understood as excluding any of our Ministers from reasoning either publicly or privately in a brotherly, or a Christian man- ner, against any point of doctrine which they suppose erroneous or dangerous. " 6. The Presbytery considering the absolute necessity of union and good agreement in a religious society, since a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, do earnestly pray, that this or some other plan of acconnnodation become into at this meeting of the Synod. But if our hopes in that matter should prove abortive, and no methods can be obtained, it is proposed that this Synod do unitedly agree that another Synod be erected, by the name of the Synod of New York, and that any of our members shall have liberty to join them- selves to which of the two Synods they shall think fit ; and in order to our communion one witli another, and to consult the general interest of religion in these parts, it is pro- posed that there be two correspondents sent yearly from each Synod to the other. Ebenezer Pemberton, Moderator." Some remarks upon the above overture were read ; and after some con- sideration, it was put to vote, whether this overture was to be accepted as a plan of accommodation or not, and it was unanimously voted in the nega- tive. A paper was upon this jrivon in by Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, in his own name, and in the names of Messrs. Ebenezer Pemberton, John Pierson, and * SEC. 15.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 603 Aaron Buvr, having previously declared that they complain of no unfriendly or unbrotherly treatiueiit from the Synod with relation to themselves, but that their eoiiduet in this affair may be liable to misrepresentations, which said paper is as follows : As 1 look upon myself to be a member of the Synod of Philadelphia, and have a continued riglit to sit and act in the same as such, so I look upon the New Brunswick Presbytery, and those other brethren that adhere to them, and are therefore shut out of the Synod on that account, to be truly mem- bers of this Synod as myself, or any others whatsoever, and have a just claim to sit and act with us. I cannot, therefore, at present, see my way clear to sit and act as though we were the Synod of Philadelphia, while the New Brunswick Presbytery, and the other members with them, are kept out of the Synod in the manner they noW are. § 16. Proposals of the Synod. p. 168. A proposal of agreement and union between us and the brethren of New Brunswick was sent to those brethren by Mr. Aaron Burr, which is as followeth, viz : Proposals made to the New Brunswick brethren, in order to their being admitted to take their places in the Synod, upon a Scripture founda- tion. Forasmuch as we are informed that the New Brunswick brethren are wil- ling and desirous of reconciliation and union with the Synod, and to know on what terms this may be obtained : That the said brethren may be fully persuaded that we have no delight in division for its own sake, but on the contrary, are sincerely desirous of union and peace upon just and reasonable terms, so that upon our cordial agreement there be a foundation laid, that, through God's blessing, may prevent the havoc and destruction of the Church threatened by our common enemies. Therefore we propose, 1. That as they desire to be received and treated as members of our Synod, they will submit to the determinations and conclusions of our judicatures, even in those cases wherein they are negatives in giving their votes, and so allow a determination to be by the majority, or else no longer plead a right of membership ; and that they renounce their principles delivered in their Apology, especially that whereby they declare that Presbyteries and Synods have no right to make any agreements, or come to any determinations by votes that shall bind any members who do not give their consent to those conclusions or determinations. For without this recantation they can never be members of this Synod, seeing they put in a claim for arbitrary power to destroy and overturn all our agreements, and to despise and disregard our cen- sures, as they have already professedly done, in licensing and ordaining so many men for the work of the ministry. 2. If they profess they will use all endeavours to secure a learned minis- try, we desire that they testify this by desisting from licensing or ordaining men for the work of the ministry, who have not complied with the Synod's agreement, or the alternative proposed in the last year's conference with these brethren ; and that the}' give up all those persons that they have heretofore licensed or ordained in opposition to our public agreement, to be examined and tried by the Synod whether they have suitable miiiisterial qualifications; or that they will not maintain ministerial communion with any of them for the future, who refuse to be examined by the Synod, or who, upon examina- tion, are found deficient, until they give suitable satisfiiction. 3. That for the future they will desist from either acting or preaching, or sending their missionaries within the bounds of our Presbyteries, or fixed pastoral charges as heretofore ; that they will not encourage new separate 604 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. societies in Congregations as heretofore, nor supply with preaching the societies they have made or occasioned, among the people under our care, but declare that all such practices are of pernicious tendency, and inconsist- ent with the Presbyterian plan. 4. That they will not publicly nor privately, endeavour to diminish the character of any Ministers as graceless, unconverted, or unworthy of his office, until he be tried by a proper judicature and censured ; and that they claim no right to judge of men's spiritual estates towards God, so as to determine whether they be gracious or graceless, if sound in the faith, and of a gospel life and conversation, and that they condemn all such practices. 5. That they renounce all such tenets or doctrines that have been advanced in Mr. Tenneut's Nottingham sermon, which are contrary to our Presbyte- rian plan and subversive of gospel order, and a floodgate to let in divisions and disorders into the Church : such as an allowance to church members to guess at the spiritual state of their Pastors, upon this guess, without fui'ther trial, to leave them as graceless and unconverted ; their asserting an inward call to the ministry, in opposition and contradiction to the outward call, or ordaining to the gospel ministry, and all who maintain them can be no members of a Presbyterian Society or Church, because they take all govern- ment out of the hands of a Synod or Presbytery, and give it to any person that hath ignorance and impudence enough to bring God's house into con- fusion. 6. That they acknowledge that too many of them have been guilty in all these points, and that notwithstanding whatever zeal and intention to ad- vance a work of grace they might have been influenced by, yet now they are convinced that these practices have had a dreadful tendency to promote and spread the divisions and confusions that perplex and disturb this Church. 7. We propose that, if they have any ground of complaint against any of our members, with respect to their doctrine, their conversation, or dili- gence in the ministry, that they shall be welcome to table the charge against them in a proper judicatory, whether they comply With these terms or not; and that, if they satisfy us in these points, and accept their seats in our Sy- nod, all other grounds of complaint shall be removed, either by public trial, or such other method as they and we in conjunction shall determine, and will best promote the glory of God, and the good of his Church. And we declare that if all or any of these brethren accept these terms, or any other that we and they can devise or come to, that will lay a foundation to secure these important rights of societies, a learned and pious ministry, and to pre- vent errors and divisions, in a way agreeable to God's word, and the Pres- byterian constitution, we are heartily willing to receive them; and we desire that they may give us their answer to these heads as soon as they can con- veniently. These proposals were sent in an extra-judicial way to the Brunswick breth- ren, upon reading of which in open Synod, it was agreed that these propo- sals were reasonable, in order to open a way toward an accommodation and interview between these brethren and us. And to these we received an an- swer by Mr. William Tennent, junior, which is as foUoweth : '* Upon a paper sent to us from the Ministers that protested against us, proposing certain terms of union, this conjunct meeting of the Presbyteries of New Brunswick and New Castle does judge that there can be no regular methods of proceeding towards the compassing a stated union between thera and us, until their illegal protest be withdrawn ; yet so they and we may both stand upon an equal foot in the regular trial of the difi"erences between us. SEC. IG.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 605 That their paper contains sundry misrepresentations and unreasonable de- mands and that wc have several charges against them to be satisfied in, be- fore we could come into a settled union with them." § 17. Furtlirr overture from the Neio York Presbytery. 1745, p. 178. Messrs. Dickinson, Pierson, and Pemberton, in the name of the New York l-'resbytery, and by a commission from them, desire that the Synod appoint a committee to confer with them to ti-y whether an over- ture can be prepared, removing any grounds of dissatisfaction or difference between them and the Synod. § 18. Reply of the Synod to this overture. Ih. p. 179. The committee appointed to draw a plan, &c., being inquired at, answer that they have drawn a plan to be now laid before the Synod. Previous to reading it, some inquired at their New York brethren, whom of the New Brunswick brethren they alleged to be members, whether all that are now of that party, or only such of them as enjoyed membership before, and they declared they account only such as have been members and had their seats, to be now members, and no others. The overture drawn up by the committee was read twice, and the vote put, whether it was a proper plan for accommodation to be now proposed, and it was voted proper to propose it, and it is as follows : I. The glory of God and the advancement of Christ's kingdom, by the persuading souls to embrace the Lord Jesus on gospel terms, and by pre- serving peace, truth, and good order in the Churches, ought to be the grand design of all Christians, and of the ministers of the gospel in particular But to our great concern and sorrow, the disorderly intrusions into the pastoral charges of Ministers, and surmises that were raised to blacken their characters as carnal and unconverted ; the bold violation of our Sy- nodical acts and regulations, and the new method of itinerant preaching where there is a stated gospel ministry, hath, in a great measure, marred this noble design, by rending the churches of Christ, and filling the minds of people with uncharitable opinions of one another. To check the.se evils prevailing by means of some claiming to themselves a privilege, under pretence of extraordinaries, to trample under foot the rights of mankind, to destroy all pastoral relation, and to lay aside, at least for a season, that form of government and discipline that was practised and •used in our Presbyterian Churches, a number of the Synod of .Philaifelphia protested against such illegal, disorderly practices in the year 1741. And being wearied with fruitless attempts to redress these delusive, unscriptural methods of proceeding, determined to withdraw from Synodical communion, unless such as were guilty of such practices gave proper satisfaction accord- ing to gospel rules. The majority of the Synod then present, made this protest their act, and declared that those brethren should either give such satisfaction, or withdraw from membership, upon which they chose to with- draw. This method of procedure was complained of next year, as contrary to the method of proceeding in our Churches, by some members that were absent when this separation was made. Upon which it was proposed that the whole affair should be reviewed by the Synod then met, and if anything was found illegal, it should be redressed. But these brethren could find clearness to do nothing, till these disorderly brethren who withdrew should again be allowed to take their seats as members, which the majority of the Synod could not comply with. Upon which they entered a declaration against the method of proceeding the year before. At our next Synod f06 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. meeting, they proposed methods to heal the breach between those brethren who withdrew and the Synod ; which occasioned the Synod to send them proposals of peace, which they rejected, and still continued their divisive practices of counteracting the Synod's regulations, and crumbling of Con- gregations to pieces, erecting altar against altar, to the great scandal of religion and ruin of vital piety. Those brethren from the Presbytery of New York, who were dissatisfied at the method by which that party stand excluded, having on this occasion laboured to have their own scruples re- moved, and at the same time to have peace and unity restored among all that ever were members of the Synod ; all the Synod now met, heartily con- cur with them in this noble undertaking, if it can be obtained in such a method as may and will maintain sound doctrine, and preserve the peace and good order of the Church. In order to accomplish this, these brethren proposed it as an expedient to remove their scruples and heal all our divisions, that every person that is or has been a member, shall now voluntarily subscribe the essential agree- ments on which our Synod formerly was established, and which are the general approved agreements ofour Churches. x\nd as we think that a sub- scription of these articles will be a renouncing disorder and divisive practice, and will, when obtained, lay a foundation for maintaining peace, truth, and good order, which was what was desired in the protest, by which the Bruns- wick brethren stand excluded ; we, therefore, in compliance with the request of these brethren, and in order to remove all scruples, propose that all that are now or ever have been members of this Synod, shall subscribe the fol- lowing fundamental articles and agreements as their acts, and all who will do so shall be members of this Synod. II. That in all prudential acts for the regular management of the affairs of the Church of (lod among us, every member shall either actively concur or peaceably submit to, and not counteract such things as are determined by the majority, as being founded upon Grod's word ; or if any do declare they have not freedom of conscience to comply, they shall withdraw, and no more be acknowledged as members of this Synod, unless they afterwards find clearness and so return and comply. III. That if any member suppose he has reason of complaint against any of his brethren for unsound doctrine, or irregularities of life, or unfaithful- ness in his pastoral office, he shall proceed in a Christian way according to the rules of Grod's word, and our known methods of discipline, and shall not in public or private spread his surmises, oifences, or scandals, without pro- ceeding as aforesaid ; or else be accounted guilty of unchristian conduct, and liable to censure. Accordingly we look upon such practices to be con- trary to the gospel, and of pernicious tendency to the Church of Christ. IV. That no member of this Synod shall preach in the Congregation of another brother without judicial appointment, or being invited by his brother to preach for him. And whoever acts contrary, shall be deemed guilty of unbrotherly treatment and divisive practice, and be censured accordingly ; and the same way, no Presbytery shall invade the charge and rights of other Presbyteries. And all erections within the bounds of regulated Congrega- tions, that have been or shall be set up by such itinerant preaching and divisive practices, shall be deemed contrary to the peace and good order of this Church, and consequently shall not be maintained or supported by any member belonging to us. V. We agree, that none who have not heretofore enjoyed membership in this Synod, shall be admitted thereto without submitting to the manner of admission determined by our former acts; and such as may and shall be provivled in that case, and complying with these general articles now agreed SEC. 18.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 607 upon : and all sucli as upon proper trial shall be duly qualified with respect to learning, soundness in the faith, and a gospel conversation, shall, upon agreeing to these articles, and submitting to our method of Church govern- ment, be cordially admitted to Synodical communion. VI. We agree that each member of this Synod shall keep a day of public and solemn fasting, and thereupon confess and bewail the prevailing evils of infidelity, profaneness, the untenderness and barrenness of professors, and the decay of religion in general ; and particularly the debates, divisive prac- tices, uncharitable censures, and unbrotherly treatment that have torn and divided the Church of Christ in these parts, to the dishonour of God, the hurt of practical piety, the offence and scandal of the weak, and the harden- ing the wicked, and the opening the mouths of the profane ; and deprecate the divine displeasure, and implore the blessing of God upon this and all other proper means for the advancement of true and undefiled religion, and the maintaining and propagating the great truths of the gospel, and the peace, unity, and increase of this infant Church. § 19. The New York Presbytery withdraws. lb. p. 181. The brethren of New York Presbytery immediately answered, they would not accept this plan, nor be united with us upon it ; and therefore as being commissioned by New York Presbytery to transact in this affair, they desire that a copy of this overture may be given them to carry to their Pres- bytery. Propose to the Synod that it should be mutually agreed, that they be allowed, with the consent of this body, to erect another Synod, under the name of the Synod of New York. This they desire to do with the consent of this body, that they may not be thought to set up and act in opposition to this, and that there may be a foundation for the two Synods to consult and act in mutual concert with one another hereafter, and maintain love and bro- therly kindness with each other. The Synod appoint Messrs. Thomson, Alison, Grifl&th, and McDowell, to prepare an answer to this proposal, and bring it into the Synod the next sederunt. The committee appointed to draw up an answer to the proposal of the New York brethren, brought in one accordingly, which was considered, and after much discourse upon it, was approven as it here follows : The unhappy di- visions which have subsisted among us for some years, cannot but deeply affect all that wish the welfare of Zion ; and it particularly aff"ects us, that some of our brethren of New York do not at present see their way clear to continue in Synodical communion with us; and though we judge they have no just ground to withdraw from us, yet seeing they propose to erect them- selves into a Synod at New York, and now desire to do this in the most friendly manner possible, we declare, if they or any of them do so, we shall endeavour to maintain charitable and Christian affections toward them, and show the same upon all occasions, by such correspondence and fellowship, as we shall think duty and consistent with a good conscience. § 20. Erection of the Synod of New York. Elizabethtoion, Neic Jersey, September 19th, 1745. 1745, p. 233. The Ministers and Elders whose names are presently to be inserted, convened and formed themselves into a Synod, under the name or title of the Synod of New York. Ministers of the Presbytery of New York : Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson, John Pierson, Kbenezer Pemberton, Simon Horton, Aaron Burr, Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, Eliab Byram, Robert Sturgeon. Ministers of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Joseph 608 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII Lamb, William Tennent, Richard Treat, James McCrea, William Robinson, David youngs, Charles Beatty, Charles McKnight. Ministers of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Samuel Blair, Samuel Finly, Charles Tennent, John Blair. Elders — Joseph WoodrufFe, Nathaniel Hazard, Joseph Prudden, Benjamin Leonard. John Ayres, Samuel Hazard, Robert Cummins, John Craig, Richard Walker, Peter Peryen, John Love, Alexander Moody. The Ministers and Elders before mentioned, first considered and agreed upon the following articles, as the plan and foundation of their Synodical union : 1. They agree that the Westminster Confession of Faith, with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, be the public confession of their faith in such manner as was agreed unto by the Synod of Philadelphia, in the year 1729 ; and to be inserted in the latter end of this book. And they declare their approba- tion of the Directory of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, as the gen- eral plan of worship and discipline. 2. They agree that in matters of discipline, and those things that relate to the peace and good order of our Churches, they shall be determined according to the major vote of Ministers and Elders, with which vote every member shall actively concur or pacifically acquiesce; but if any member cannot in conscience agree to the determination of the majority, but supposes himself obliged to act contrary thereunto, and the Synod think themselves obliged to insist upon' it as essentially necessary to the well-being of our Churches, in that case such dissenting member promises peaceably to withdraw from the body, without endeavouring to raise any dispute or contention upon the de- bated point, or any unjust alienation of afi"ection from them. 3. If any member of their body supposes that he hath anything to object against any of his brethren with respect to error in doctrine, immorality in life, or negligence in his ministi-y, he shall not, on any account, propagate the scandal, until the person objected against is dealt with according to the rules of the gospel, and the known methods of their discipline. 4. They agree, that all who have a competent degree of ministerial know- ledge, are orthodox in their doctrine, regular in their lives, and diligent in their endeavours to promote the important designs of vital godliness, and that •will submit to their discipline, shall be cheerfully admitted into their com- munion. And they do also agree, that in order to avoid all divisive methods among their Ministers and Congregations, and to strengthen the discipline of Christ in the Churches in these parts, they will maintain a correspondence with the Synod of Philadelphia in this their first meeting, by appointing two of their members to meet with the said Synod of Philadelphia at their nest conven- tion, and to concert with them such measures as may best promote the pre- cious interests of Christ's kingdom in these parts. And that they may in no respect encourage any factious separating prac- tices or principles, they agree they will not intermeddle with judicially hear- ing the complaints, or with supplying with Ministers and candidates such parties of men, as shall separate from any Presbyterian or Congregational Churches that are not within their bounds, unless the matters of controversy be submitted to their jurisdiction or advice by both parties. Thereupon, the Synod opened by prayer. bEC. 20,] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 609 Title 4. — subsequent transactions and re-union. § 21. The Sj/nod's account o/ the schism, to Dr. Clap. Philadelphia, May SOth, 1746. Vert/ Reverend Sir : — We received the favour of yours of the 21st of No- vember last, and acknowledge our obligation to the President and Fellows of Yale college for considering our request, and expressing their readiness to promote the interest of religion and learning among us. ( a ) We agree with you that the aft'air is of great importance, and are willing to satisfy you to the utmost as to the plan and constitution of our school, and the present state of our Synod, under whose care it is. Some years ago our Synod found the interest of Christ's kingdom likely to suffer in these parts for want of a college for the education of young men. And our supplies either from Europe or New I'vugland were few in proportion to the numerous vacancies in our growing seltlements. Mr. William Tennent set up a school among us, where some wire educated, and afterwards admit- ted to the ministry without sufficient qualifications, as was judged by many of the Synod. And what made the matter look worse, those that were edu- cated in this private way decried the usefulness of some parts of learning that we thought very necessary. It was therefore agreed to try to erect a college, and apply to our friends in Britain, and Ireland, and New Eng- land, to assist us. We wrote to the Association of Boston on this head, and had a very favourable answer. But when we were thus projecting our plan, and appointing Commissioners to Britain, &c., to promote the thing, the war with Spain was proclaimed, which put a stop to our proceedings then. The Synod then came to a public agreement to take all private schools where young men were educated for the ministry, so far under their care as to appoint a committee of our Synod to examine all such as had not obtained degrees in the European or New England colleges, and give them certificates if they were found qualified, which was to serve our Presbyteries instead of a college diploma, till better provision could be made. Mr. Gilbert Tennent cried out that this was to prevent his father's school for training gracious men for the ministry ; and he, and some of his adherents, protested against it, and counteracted this our public agreement, admitting men to the ministry which we judged unfit for that office, which course they persisted in, though admonished and reproved by us for such unwarrantable pro- ceedings. (i) While these debates subsisted, Mr. Whitefield came into the coun- try, whom they drew into their party to encourage divisions. And they and he have been the sad instruments of dividing our Churches. And by his interest Mr. Gilbert Tennent grew hardy enough to tell our Synod he would oppose their design of getting assistance to erect a college wherever we should make application, and would maintain young men at his father's school in opposition to us. This, with his and his adherents' divisive practices, obliged the Synod to exclude him and others of his stamp, from their com- munion. In this situation our affiiirs grew worse ; for our vacancies were numerous, and we found it hard in such trouble to engage such gentlemen either from New England or Europe to come among us, as our best friends in those places could recommend as steadfast in the faith, and men of parts and education. I'pon this the Synod erected a school in the year 1744. It was agreed that the said school should be opened under the inspection of the Synod,. where the languages, philosophy, and divinity should be taught gratis, to all that should comply with the regulation of the school, being persons of good character and behaviour. They appointed a master and tutor for this business, who were to be paid by such contributions as the Synod 77 610 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. could obtain for this purpose ; and agreed, from year to year, to appoint trustees to meet twice a year to inspect the master's diligence and method of teaching, who direct what authors are chiefly to be read in the several branches of learning, to examine the scholars as to their proficiency and good conduct, and apply the money procured to such uses as they judge proper, and who order all affairs relating unto the school. And the trustees are yearly to be accountable to the Synod, and to make report of their pro- ceedings, and the state of the school. And it is agreed, that after said scholars pass the course of studies prescribed them, they shall be publicly examined by the said trustees, and such Ministers as the Synod shall think fit to appoint, and if approved, receive testimonials of their approbation, and without such testimonials none of the Presbyteries under the care of our Synod shall improve any of our scholars in the ministry. ( 0 ) From this narrative you see how narrow our foundation is, and yet how necessary it was that we should do something of this nature to prevent our being overrun with ignorance and confusion. You see how we have been straitened by the endeavours of some that belonged to our body, who in their zeal have spoken diminutively of all the Reformed Churches, and endeavoured to pour contempt on Colleges and Universities. We hope, therefore, you will enable us to make a stand against those evils ; and to be united with you in this grand design, is one reason of our present applica- tion. We can with pleasure inform you that our poor undertaking has been so blessed by Providence as to exceed our expectations. Several Ministers and gentlemen have helped us to books to begin a library; and we hope that in time we may obtain assistance from England, Ireland, and elsewhere, to enable us to found a college, though the trouble of the times hinder our ap- plication at present. We have not obtained a charter as yet, but have rea- son to hope we may procure one if there be occasion ; but have another way judged by our best lawyers a good foundation to secure donations, by ap- pointing trustees and obliging them to give declarations of trust. We have also, belonging to our Synod, a considerable fund for public uses, but have no occasion hitherto to apply any of it to the use of the school, being other- wise supplied. What hath been said may satisfy you that our school is under such regulation as does as nearly correspond with yours as our present circumstances will admit ; but we shall readily make any amendments that you desire if it be in our power. We are obliged to admit boys to read grammar, but are determined to recommend none but such as have made a good proficiency in the languages, and are in some measures acquainted with the usual course of study in the arts and sciences now used in the British colleges, though we freely acknowledge our vast disadvantages, especially in natural philosophy, and will cheerfully agree, as far as our circumstances will permit, that the same, or generally the same, authors on the arts and sciences be taught in our school as are used by you; and would gladly be favoured with a particular account of them. ((f) The time of stay with you which you mention, and the expenses, we think reasonable; yet, as learning is not in the same esteem in this govern- ment as in New England, we beg all the indulgence your constitution can allow us, lest parents grudge expenses if they run high. We heartily agree that our scholars be examined by the President and Fellows, and be treated only according to their proficiency ; that they be obliged to bring recom- mendations from our Synod, or trustees of the school, and shall claim no precedency in your classes, nor the privilege of freshmen, but what are con- flistent with the good order of your college. Nor do we plead any such privilege for any but the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, or the parts that are as far distant from New Haven, and are educated under our care, and have SEC 21.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 611 Synodical recommendations. We further assure you, that improving in the ministry such scliohirs as you expelled, has been as oft'ensive to us as to you. And those which joined with the Tennents and their party in this affair, as we understand, have withdrawn from our Synodical communion, and joined with them entirely under the denomination of the Synod of New York. (e) As to the Synod's constitution, we are unanimously agreed in the same plan in every respect on which we constituted, and continued in our most flourishing circumstances; so we are, to a man, dissatisfied with the late di- visive practices, and would soon, we hope, be in a flourishing state again, had we Ministers to supply our vacancies. We excluded from Synodical communion, as we remarked already, the four Tennents, Blair, Craighead, (who is since turned a rigid Covenanter, or Cameronian,) Treat, and Mr. Wales. These, especially the Tennents, Blair, and Treat, being the ring- leaders of our divisions, and the destroyers of good learning and gospel order among us; and they with a few others that joined with them, erect- ed tliemselves into a separate body, and licensed and ordained men for the work of the ministry that were generally ignorant, and warm in the divisive scheme, and they have troubled Virginia, and the New English government, and as we are informed, pretend that they belong to our body. But we can assure you, that Mr. Gilbert Tennent, and his adherents, were disowned as members, and excluded communion, before his famous tour through the Churches of New England. ( /') Some of oui- brethren of New York Presbytery, whom we esteem and regard, particularly Messrs. I)ickinson, Pierson, and Pemberton, have always as freely, till lately, blamed those practices as any of us ; but now, through Bome unhappy bias, are become warm advocates for them, and blaming our method of excluding them, have for two or three years past laboured to pro- cure them seats amongst us, without acknowledging their faults in dividing our Churches, and promising amendment before we receive them again. And we believe that their partiality for these men might occasion them to join in encouraging some of your disorderly scholars, which we are far from vindicating. When these gentlemen could not succeed in their attempt to bring in those itinerants without acknowledging their faults as we said, they withdrew from the Synod, declaring that they had no other ground to do so but our excluding those members in a way they disliked ; and last Septem- ber they erected themselves into a Synod, which goes under the name of the Synod of New York. And we have now before us a letter desiring cor- respondence with them, by receiving two or three of their members to sit with us yearly, and sending as many to them. They do also propose that we should every third year meet in some convenient place, by delegates, to order public affairs for the gloi-y of God, and good of the Church. The proposals seem fair, but till these dividers of our Churches, and who chiefly make up that body, declare against the late divisive, uncharitable practices ; till they show us in what way they intend to have their youth educated for the ministry, and be as ready to discourage all such methods of bringing all good learning into contempt as the shepherd's tent, we shall be shy to com- ply with their proposals. {g) Thus, sir, we have given you a just account both of the Synod and school at present, by which you may understand the difficulties we labour under ; and we doubt not but your sincere desire to promote the interest of religion and learning among us will incline you to do all in your power for our help and encouragement. You will be pleased to communicate this to the corporation, and if they think fit to take any notice of it, we will depend on them to favour us with an answer. We heartily wish the l^ivine bless- ing on your labours in the ministry, and in training up youth for that sacred 612 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. work, and pray that your College may, flourish and become more and more a blessing, not only to New England, but to the neighbouring Colonies, and we beg leave to :issure you that to maintain a Christian, friendly correspon- dence with you, will be a great pleasure to, very lleverend Sir, your affec- tionate brethren, and humble servants. — Minutes, P., 1746, p. 186. § 22. NfW York SynocV s proposal for a re-union. 1749, p. 238. The motion for making proposals of union to the Synod of Philadelphia re-assumed, and after much reasoning upon it, it was carried by a great majority of votes, that proposals for an union be made to the Synod of Philadelphia in the following words, viz : The Synod of New York are deeply sensible of the many unhappy conse- quences that flow from our present divided state, and have with pleasure observed a spirit of moderation increasing between many of the members of both Synods; this opens a door of hope, that if we were united in one body, we might be able to carry on the designs of religion in future peace and agreement to our mutual satisfaction ; and though we retain the same senti- ments of the work of God which we formerly did, yet we esteem mutual forbearance our duty, .since we all profess the same Confession of Faith and Directory of Worship. We would, therefore, humbly propose to our breth- ren of the Synod of Philadelphia, that all our former differences be buried in perpetual oblivion, and that for the time to come, both Synods be united into one, and that henceforth there be no contentions among us ; but to carry towards each other in the most peaceable and brotherly manner, which we are persuaded will be for the honour of our Master, the credit of our profession, and the edification of the Churches committed to our care. Ac- cordingly we appoint the Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Gilbert Tennent, Ebenezer Pemberton, and Aaron Burr, to be our delegates to wait upon the Synod of Philadelphia with these proposals. And if the Synod of Phila- delphia see meet to join with us in this design, and will please to appoint a Commission to meet for that purpose, we appoint the Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Aaron Burr, Gilbert and William Tennent, Richard Treat, Samuel or .John Blair, John Roan, Samuel Finly, Ebenezer Prime, David Bostwick, and James Brown, (whom we appoint a Commis- sion of the Synod for the ensuing year,) to meet with the Commission of the Synod of Philadelphia, at such time and place as they shall choose, to determine the affair of the union, agreeable to the preliminary articles con- cluded upon by this Synod ; and it is agreed that any other of our members who shall please to meet with the commission, shall have liberty of voting and acting in said affair equally with the members of said Commission. Which articles proposed as a general plan of union, are as follows, viz : 1. To preserve the common peace, we would propose that all names of distinction which have been made use of in the late times, be for ever abol- ished. 2. That every member assent unto and adopt the Confession of Faith ■ and Directory, according to the plan formerly agreed to by the Synod of Philadelphia, in the years . .3. That every member promise, that after any question has been deter- mined by the major vote, he will actively concur or passively submit to the judgment of the body ; but if his conscience permit him to do neither of these, that then he shall be obliged peaceably to withdraw from our Synod- ical communion, without any attempt to make a schism or division among us. Yet tliis is not intended to extend to any cases but those which the Synod judges essential in matters of doctrine and discipline. 4. That all our respective Congregations and vacancies be acknowledged SEC. 21.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 613 as Congregations belonging to the Synod, but continue under the care of tlie same Presbytery as they now are, until a favourable opportunity presents for an advantageous alteration. 5. That vpe all agree to esteem and treat it as a censurable evil, to accuse any of our members of error in doctrine or immorality in conversation, any otherwise than by private reproof, till the accusation has been brought be- fore a regular judicature and issued according to the known rules of our discipline. § 23. Dijfirnhies in the way of re-union. [These proposals were readily entertained by the Synod of Philadelpliiu. But when it was attempted to draw out in detail, the principles upon which the two bodies sliould be re-united, difficulties arose, which jjostponed the result from year to year. One chief difficulty was in reg'ard to the protestation of 1741 ; the New York Synod insisting- that as a preliminary measure the Synod of Piiiladelphia should annul it. At length tlic N( w York brethren adopted the following- declaration :] 17-'i6, p. 221. We must own that our insisting on the Synod's disannull- ing the protestation of 1741, could have no propriety in it, but from our apprehension that the Synod of rhiladelphia, as a Synod, had approved and adopted said protestation ; and consequently if our brethren shall declare, that in their Synodical capacity they do not adopt it, this will remove the ground of our insisting any further on this point with the Synod. [To this the Philadelphia Synod replied as follows :] 175G, p 223. We desire to unite on the same terms, on which the mem- bers of both Synods were united when in one body. And we are glad to join with the Synod of New York in an expedient to cut off all debates about the protestation of 1741. We allow the protesters the right of pri- vate judgment, and you will allow that we '' neither can disannul nor with- draw their protestation;" but in a Si/nodical capacifj/, at your desire, we declare and do assure you that we neither adopted nor do adopt said protes- tation as a term of ministerial communion ; it was never mentioned to any of our members as a term of communion more than any of the other protes- tations delivered into our Synod on occasion of those differences. We only adopt and desire to adhere to our standards, as we agreed when formerly united in one body; we adopt no other. We refer these proposals to the Serious consideration of the Synod of New York ; we are in earnest for peace and union, and we hope they are so too. An it may be necessary that a committee of both Synods meet to adjust mat- ters previous to an union, we appoint the Commission of our Synod, on timely notice given, to meet with such members as they may appoint for this purpose, at Philadelphia or any other convenient place. § 24. 7%- Commissions of the Si/nods meet. 1757, p. 325. The Commissions of the Synods of Philadelphia and New York mot at the place a])pointed, and reported to their Synods the result of the conference ; pursuant hereunto the Synod of New York sent us a copy of a minute, requesting that Commissions of both Synods meet on the Mon- day next preceding the meeting of bi)th Synods, aecording to our agreement, to prepare matters fur both Synods and their happy union. Ordered, That the Commission of our Synod meet with the Commission of the Synod of New Y^)rk for this purpose, on the Monday immediately be- fore the meeting of our Synod. § 25. Tlie union consummated. 1758, p. 231. (P.) Our members of the Committee appointed to meet with those of New York Synod, report that they met on Saturday last, and 614 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII communicatecl the amendments proposed by each Synod in the plan of union, and conferred upon tliera. Ordered, That these members lay the amendments proposed by the Synod of New York before this Synod, wliich they did. The Synod considered tliem, and agreed they should be allowed. Ordered, That the same members of the above mentioned Committee in- form the Synod of New York of this agreement. The members went and informed them accordingly, and soon returned and acquainted this Synod that the Synod of New York had also agreed to admit the amendments proposed in this Synod, and therefore thought the afiair was now ripe for the two Synods to meet together and complete the agreement. The plan as now prepared was finally put to the vote, and was unanimously approved as a satisfactory plan for uniting upon. Agreed that this Synod meet with the Synod of New York at 3 o'clock, P. M., and that this be notified to them. Adjourned till 3 o'clock, P. M. and concluded with prayer. N. B. At 3 o'cloek, p. M. the two Synods met. The plan of union was now read before them, and unanimously agreed to. The Synods being now united, a new book was opened, and the whole plan and articles of union entered, as may be seen in that book, where the minutes of the new united Synod are recorded. § 26. Terms of the re-wninn. 1758, p. 285. The Synods of New Y^'ork and Philadelphia, taking into serious consideration the present divided state of the Presbyterian Church in this land, and being deeply sensible that the division of the Church tends to weaken its interests, to dishonour religion, and consequently its glorious Author; to render government and discipline ineffectual, and finally to dis- solve its very frame ; and being desirous to pursiie such measures as may most tend to the glory of God and the establishment and edification of his people, do judge it to be our indispensable duty to study the things that make for peace, and to endeavour the healing of that breach which has for some time subsisted amongst us, that so its hurtful consequences may not extend to posterity ; that all occasions of reproach upon our society may be removed, and that we may carry on the great designs of religion to better advantage than we can do in a divided state ; and since both Synods con- tinue to profess the same principles of faith, and adhere to the same form of worship, government, and discipline, there is the greater reason to en- deavour the compromising those differences, which were agitated many years ago with too great warmth and animosity, and unite in one body. For which end, and that no jealousies or grounds of alienation may re- main, and also to prevent future breaches of like nature, we agree to unite and do unite in one body, under the name of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, on the following plan : I. Both Synods having always approved and received the Westminster Confession of Faith, and Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as an orthodox and excellent system of (Christian doctrine, founded on the word of God, we do still receive the same as the confession of our faith ; and also adhere to the p'an of worship, government, and discipline, contiiined in the Westminster Hirectory, strictly enjoining it on all our members and probationers for the ministry, that they preach and teach according to the form of sound words n said Confession and Catechisms, and avoid and oppose all errors contrary ' hereto. IT. That when any matter is determined by a major vote, every member -Iiall either actively concur with, or passively submit to such determination; SEC. 25.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 615 or, if his conscience permit him to do noitlier. he shall, after sufficient lib- erty modestly to reason and remonstrate, peaceably withdraw from our cora- niuiiion, without attempting to make any schism. Frovidcd always, that this shall be uuderstood to extend only to such determinations as the body shall judge indispensable in doctrine or Presbyterian government. III. That any member or members, for the exoneration of his or their conscience before God, have a right to protest against any act or procedure of our highest judicature ; because there is no further appeal to another for redress; and to require that such protestation be recorded in their minutes. And as such a protest is a solemn appeal from the bar of said judicature, no member is liable to prosecution on the account of his protesting. Frovidcd alicai/s, that it shall be deemed irregular and unlawful, to enter a protesta- tion against any member or members, or to protest facts or accusations instead of proving them, unless a fair trial be refused, even by the highest judica- ture. And it is agreed, that protestations are only to be entered against the public acts, judgments, or determinations of the judicature with which the protester's conscience is offended. IV. As the protestation entered in the Synod of Philadelphia, Ann. Dom. 1741, has been apprehended to have been approved and received by an act of said Synod, and on that account was judged a sufficient obstacle to a union ; the said Synod declare, that they never judicially adopted the said protesta- tion, nor do account it a Synodical act, but that it is to be considered as the act of those only who subscribed it; and therefore cannot in its nature be a valid objection to the union of the two Synods, especially considering that a very great majority of both Synods have become members since the said pro- testation was entered. V. That it shall be esteemed and treated as a censurable evil, to accuse any member of heterodoxy, insufficiency, or immorality, in a calumniating man- ner, or otherwise than by private brotherly admonition, or by a regular pro- cess according to our known rules of judicial trial in cases of scandal ; and it shall be considered in the same view, if any Presbytery appoint supplies within the bounds of another Presbytery without their concurrence ; or if any member officiate in another's Congregation, without asking and obtaining his con&'ent, or the Session's in case the Minister be absent ; yet it shall be es- teemed unbrotherly for any one, in ordinary circumstances, to refuse his consent to a regular member when it is requested. VI. That no Presbytery shall license or ordain to the work of the min- istry, any candidate, until he give them competent satisfaction as to his learning, and experimental acquaintance with religion, and skill in divinity and cases of conscience ; and declare his acceptance of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms as the confession of his faith, and promise sub- jection to the Presbyterian plan of government in the Westminster Direc- tory. VII. The Synods declare it is their earnest desire, that a complete union may be obtained as soon as possible, and agree that the united Synod shall model the several Presbyteries in such manner as shall appear to them most expedient. Provided nevertheless, that Presbyteries, where an alteration does not appear to be for edification, continue in their present form. As to divi- ded Congregations it is agreed, that such as have settled Ministers on both sides, be allowed to continue as they are; that where those of one side have a settled Minister, the other being vacant, may join with the settled Minister, if a majority choose so to do; that when both sides are vacant they shall be at liberty to unite together. VIII. As the late religious appearances occasioned much speculation and debate, the members of the New York Synod, in order to prevent any misap- 616 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII prehensions, declare their adherence to their tbriiier sentiments in favour of them, that a blessed work of God's Holy Spirit iu the conversion of numbers was then carried on j and for the satisfaction of all concerned, this united Synod agree in declaring, that as all mankind are naturally dead in trespasses and sins, an entire change of heart and life is necessary to make them meet for the service and enjoyment of God j that such a change can be only efi'ected by the powerful operations of the divine Spirit; that when sinners are made sensible of their lost condition and absolute inability to recover themselves, are enlightened in the knowledge of Christ, and convinced of his ability and willingness to save, and upon gospel encouragements do choose him for their Saviour, and renouncing their own righteousness in point of merit, depend upon his imputed righteousness for their justification before God, and on his wisdom and strength for guidance and support; when upon these apprehen- sions and exercises their souls are comforted, notwithstanding all their past guilt, and rejoice in God through Jesus Christ; when they hate and bewail their sins of heart and life, delight in the laws of God without exception, rev- erently and diligently attend his ordinances, become humble and self denied, and make it the business of their lives to please and glorify God, and to do good to their fellow men ; this is to be acknowledged as a gracious work of God, even though it should be attended with unusual bodily commotions or some more exceptionable circumstances, by means of infirmity, temptations, or remaining corruptions ; and wherever religious appearances are attended with the good effects above mentioned, we desire to rejoice in and thank God for them. But on the other hand, when persons seeming to be under a religious con- cern, imagine that they have visions of the human nature of Jesus Christ, or hear voices, or see external lights, or have fainting and convulsion-like fits, and on account of these judge themselves to be truly converted ; though they have not the scriptural characters of a work of God above described, we be- lieve such persons are under a dangerous delusion ; and we testify our utter disapprobation of such a delusion, wherever it attends any religious appear- ances, in any Church or time. Now as both Synods are agreed in their sentiments concerning the nature of a work of grace, and declare their desire and purpose to promote it, differ- ent judgments respecting particular matters of fact ought not to prevent their union; especially as many of the present members have entered into the min- istry since the time of the aforesaid religious appearances. [IX.] Upon the whole, as the design of our union is the advancement of the Mediator's kingdom ; and as the wise and faithful discharge of the min- isterial function is the principal appointed mean for that glorious end, we judge, that this is a proper occasion to manifest our sincere intention, uni- tedly to exert ourselves to fulfil the ministry we have received of the Lord Jesus. Accordingly, we unanimously declare our serious and fixed resolu- tion, by divine aid, to take heed to ourselves that our hearts be upright, our discourse edifying, and our lives exemplary for purity and godliness; to take heed to our doctrine, that it be not only orthodox, but evangelical and spirit- ual, tending to awaken the secure to a suitable concern for their salvation, and to instruct and encourage sincere Christians; thus commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God; to cultivate peace and har- mony among ourselves, and strengthen each other's hands in promoting the knowledge of divine truth, and diffusing the savour of piety among our people. [X.] Finally, we earnestly recommend it to all under our care, that in- stead of indulging a contentious disposition, they would love each other with a pure heart fervently, as brethren who profess subjection to the same Lord, SEC. 26.] THE SCHISM OF 1741. 617 adhere to the same faith, worship, and government, and entertain the same hope of S^ojr. And we desire that they would improve the present union for their mmSial edification, combine to strengthen the common interests of religion, and go hand in hand in the path of life ; which we pray the God of all grace would please to efiect, for Christ's sake. Amen. The Synod agree, that all former difterences and disputes are laid aside and buried ; and that no future inquiry or vote shall be proposed in this Synod concerning these things; but if any member seek a Synodical inquiry, or declaration about any of the matters of our past differences, it shall be deemed a censurable breach of this agreement, and be refused, and he be rebuked accordingly. § 27. Centenary Commemoration of the Re-union of 1758. 1857, p 38. Overture No. 16, A memorial of the Presbyterian Histori- cal Society, asking the General Assembly to commemorate next year, in some appropriate manner, the re-union of the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, which occurred in 1758. The committee reported as follows : That the celebration of important historical events has always been con- sidered by the Church as an appropriate, interesting, and edifying testimony to the grace and power of Divine Providence. Among the great events of the past, the re-union of the two Synods of New York and Philadelphia is among the most remarkable incidents which have occurred in our Pres- byterian Church history, and seems to come within that class of events whose celebration may be undertaken by the Church for the public benefit ; therefore, Rcmlved, That this General Assembly, as an expression of gratitude to God for his providential mercy in the re-union of the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, will engage in a centennial commemoration of that event in May, 1858. This report was adopted ; and the Rev. Dr. C. Van Rensselaer was ap- pointed to deliver the historical address before the next General Assembly, and the Rev. Dr. E. P. Humphrey his alternate. 1858, p. 263. Resolved, That the time for the centennial celebration, pro^ posed by the last General Assembly, of the re-union of the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, be fixed for Wednesday next. May 12th, at ten o'clock, A. M., and that the order of exercises for the occasion be referred to the Committee on Devotional Exercises. p. 276. The Assembly then proceeded to the centennial commemoration of the accession of the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, May, 1758, according to the appointment of the last General Assembly, and the special arrangement of the Committee on Devotional Exercises. The Moderator presided, and read the Scriptures. C. Van Rensselaer delivered the ad- dress; and James Hoge, and R. J. Breckinridge, assisted in the devotional exercises, the former preceding, and the latter following the speaker, in prayer. .'. [The following- minute was subsequently adopted :] p. 279. This General x\ssombly liavingbeen called upon in the providence of God to unite in a centennial commemoration of the re-union of the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, in 1758, deem it proper, on this occasion, to adopt a minute relating to that interesting and important event. The Assembly recognize the good hand of God in early bringing to these shores emigrants of Scotch, Scotch-Irish, English, and Huguenot extrac- tion, to assist in establishing the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ among the waste places of this continent. The memory of the ministers who com 78 618 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. menced the work of evangelization, and who hiid the foundations of the Church, is treasured by this Assembly, with gratitude to H^jpi who sent them forth to accomplish his purposes, with many self-denials, abundant labours, and great success. The Assembly record the goodness of God in leading the fathers to adopt authoritatively the Westminster standards for the future guidance of the Church, and under such circumstances in the ratification of the " Adopting Act," as to afibrd the clearest evidence of the entire unanimity of the Synod in doctrinal sentimeut, and in all matters pertaining to Presbyterian order. The Assembly further record their views of the unspeakable importance and blessedness of pure revivals of religion in the Church ; praising (lod for the general results of the great revival of religion within our bounds, in the days of Whitefield and the Tennents, and rejoicing that the present year has been signalized by the same precious and glorious outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Assembly further put upon record their sense of the obligations of the Church to its great Head in preserving incorrupt its outward forms of order in the olden time; in gradually and surely increasing its educational and evangelistic resources, and in endowing it, after the lapse of the first century of re-union, with such enlargement of its missionary work at home and in heathen lands. On an occasion which forcibly brings to mind the blessings of God upon re-union, and which commemorates the dwelling together of brethren in unity, the Assembly expresses a deep conviction of the desirableness of the union of all sound Presbyterians, and do hereby cordially and earnestly extend an invitation to all, who are of like mind with ourselves, to unite with this General Assembly in the way and manner conformable to the acts and deliverances on this subject, already made by this Assembly. On motion of R. J. Breckinridge and J. M. Worrall, the thanks of the Assembly were voted to C. Van Rensselaer, for the address delivered in accordance with the order of the last Assembly; a copy was requested for publication, and it was committed to the Board of Publication, to publish the address in a book, containing, with the address, the whole record of proceedings respecting this occasion. Title 5. — the Donegal troubles. § 28. Occasion of the difficulties. [Tlic two Synods had been in the habit of pursuing^ different methods, to ascertain the piety of cnndidates for the ministry. The New York Synod pursued the plan now g'en- erally adopted, of iutcrrotr.t ting candidates as to their personal experiences; whilst that of Piiiladclphia, thinking- sucii a course an unwarrantaljle inquisition into matter:; sacred betwrcn tilt; soul and God, sougiit to secure the same object, by inquiries as to what the candidate supposed to bo the evidence of conversion ; and whether he apprehended him- self to possess tlioso evidences. The New York Synod having- been the more numerous body, its members soon began to urge the adoption of their views by all the Presbyteries. The (juestion was at length brought into the Synod.] 1762, p. 318. The Synod apprehending they have, from much conversation on the subject in their late character of a committee, obtained sufficient light to proceed in answering the question under consideration, order, that the sen- timents of the Synod be taken by calling the roll in order, to which the affair was stated in the very words of the question, viz : " Whether a candi- date's declaration of his own personal exercises and experiences in religion, given in the way of a narrative of the.se, or answer to questions put to him concerning them, should be required by a judicature, as one appointed, war- SEC. 27.] THE DONKGAL .SKCKSSION. • 619 rantable, and u.seful mean of forming a judgment of his experimental ac- quaintance with religion, according to which judgment they are to admit or reject him." And the state of the question being put, Affirm or deny ? it was carried in the affirmative; there being thirteen negative, and one nan liquet. In conse([uence of some conversation, pro and con, respecting the sixth article of the plan of union, two papers were brought in, which are as fol- lows, viz : 1. Proposed, " Whether the question now answered in the aflSrmative be, in the sentiments of the Synod, an agreement or compliance with the most plain sense and meaning of a part of the sixth article of the plan of union, where it is said, ' No Presbytery shall license or ordain any candidate to the ministry until he give them a competent satisfaction as to his experimental acquaintance with religion.' And, also, agreeable to the order or direction in the Westminster Directory, wherein a Presbytery is directed to inquire touching the grace of God in him, (viz : a person offering himself as a can- didate.)" The 2d proposed, '' Whether said answer in the affirmative was not a di- rect and open violation of the sixth article of the union, by which both Sy- nods were allowed to follow their own judgment for obtaining competent satisfaction as to a candidate's learning and experimental acquaintance with religion. For it was well known to the Synod of New York, that the Pres- byteries belonging to the Synod of Philadelphia did not examine a candi- date's experiences in order to have competent satisfaction of his experimental acquaintance with religion, nor do they think this method scriptural or war- rantable; and in all the proposals between the two Synods prior to their union this method was not once mentioned ; and the Synod of New York proposed then, and in the seventh article of the union they agreed, that the Presby- teries might continue to act separately, as they had done, by which agree- ment they confirmed the method used by the Synod in Philadelphia for licensing candidates." The sentiments of several members of the Synod, how they understood the sixth article of the plan of union, were required on this occasion, and, on calling the roll, it appears that the members of the late Synod of New York that were at making the union, do in general agree in understanding the article so as to enjoin such a declaration of experiences ; and the members of the late Synod of Philadelphia, that were at making that union, do in general agree in understanding that article so as not to enjoin such a decla- ration ; and each declare that they so understood it at the time of making the union. § 29. Mediation of the New York Preshi/tery. Ih. p. 319. When the Synod seemed to be greatly perplexed, and unable to accommodate this difference about examining the experiences of candi- dates, an overture was brought in by two members of the Presbytery of New York, in the name and by the appointment of that Presbytery, who, fearing a breach in the Synod on this question, chose to be absent. §^ 30. Compromise proposed. p. 321. The overtures for an accommodation were resumed. As the affair is of groat importance, the entering into a consideration of the matter was preceded by solemn prayer to God for his gracious presence and direc- tion. Whereas some members complain of two determinations of this Synod : The first was a resolution of a query concerning the examination of a candi- fi20 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VTI. date's experience, in order to his admission or rejection : The other was, the obvious sense of the sixth article of the plan of union, apprehending that by said deterniinations the Synod laid an obligation on them to act according to the sentiments expressed by said determinations : Now to give relief and full satisfaction to such brethren, the Synod declares that they had no designs, by these determinations, to lay the least obligation or restraint on said members with respect to their conduct, but only to express their own sense of the meaning of that article, and their sentiments of the query. And hereupon the members declared themselves satisfied, and withdrew their protest. The affair respecting the inquiry into the religious exercises or experiences of persons offering themselves as candidates for the ministry, was maturely considered; and, as a number of the members of the Synod do declare thev cannot esteem an inquiry into a person's religious experience, a proper, war- rantable, or useful mean of obtaining a competent satisfaction of a candidate's experimental acquaintance with religion, and therefore cannot in conscience make use of it : The Synod earnestly desii-ing that all due liberty of conscience be preserved inviolate, and that peace and harmony be maintained and pro- moted, do agree that, when any person shall offer himself as a candidate for the ministry to any of our Presbyteries, every member of the Presbytery may use that way which he in conscience looks upon proper, to obtain a competent satisfaction of a person's experimental acquaintance with religion, and that then the Presbytery, as a Presbytery, shall determine whether they will take him on further trials. This agreement did not satisfy a number of the Synod. § 31. Difficulties in Donegal Presbytery. [The difficulties thus developed were broug-ht to a crisis in the Presbytery of Doneg'al. Orififin;illy belonging to the old-side party, it had been so remodelled as to give a majority to the New York members, who insisted on changing the mode of examination.] 1765, p. 347. A petition from the Presbytery of Donegal was brought into Synod by the Committee of Overtures, praying to be erected into two Presbyteries, or that the members added to the Donegal Presbytery, when the Presbyteries were new modelled, be ordered to return to their former judicatures. p. 348. The petition of the Presbytery of Donegal, and the appeal of some members were further considered, and it was agreed not to grant the petition. § 32. Tlie Secession. [Various expedients were proposed, none of which secured the desired relief. In con- sequence, the following declinature was handed in to tlie Synod :] ITOG, p. 3.58. " To the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia : " We, the subscribers, humbly beg lc:ive to show, that thougli we much desire to be in union and friendship with this reverend body, and would not knowingly be the real au- tliors of any discord in the Church of Christ, yet the determinations of the Synod conse- quent on our petition presented last year, and again to this present meeting, seem so grievous and oppressive to us, and threatening to the credit and interest of religion, that wc find ourselves obliged to declare to this Rev. Synod, th:it we cannot submit to them, that we hereby decline all authority and jurisdiction of this body, and tliat no judgment or determination thereof shall bind us, or affect our persons or ministry until these differ- ences of sentiment be removed by better light, and satisf:ctory means be found to recon- cile and unite us with this reverend body again. And as we earnestly desire and j)rav fijr this, wc reserve to ourselves, and expect the liberty at any time, respectfully to offer such proposals as we miy think likely to answer that end, and upon our satisfying the Reverend Synod, or they us, to return to our enjoyment of our privileges witli \\\vu\ ; and in the nicantiinc we shall endeavour to cirry respectfully toward this Reverend Synod, SEC. 30.] THE DONEOAL SECESSION. ' 621 avoiding whatever might unnt'cessarily iiiflaine unchristian passions, or tend to hinder the influence of our hrcthreii in tlieir labours in tiic gospel, and expect to be mutually treated hy our brcthrtn as Ministers of Christ. •' The reasons inducing us to this mournful step, are principally such as these : " 1. That the detiruiinations mentioned had not tiic least apparent tendency to relieve, but seem rather calculated to increase our grievances, and only to suppress our complaints and influence in judicatures together. "2. We petitioned only for a thing lawful and often precedented in Presbyterian Sy- nods, and wlilch was wisely requested by the Synod of New York, and stipulated for in our Plan of Union ; and yet wo think ourselves hereupon treated so untenderly, so arbi- trarily, and so contrary to the love and friendship that is expected by the distressed, that liad the matter denied us even been of little importance, yet it seems inconsistent with our duty and salety to own and be subject to a jurisdiction so exercised. "3. We cannot but observe the proceedings of this Reverend Synod in this, as well as in many other alFairs, appear plainly calculated to bear down one part of this united Sy- nod, and suppress their influence, contrary to the equality and rigiit of members, and to tlie nature and whole professed design of our union. " We pray and crave that this our declinature, and these our reasons, be entered in the records of this Synod, earnestly wishing that the Lord may yet rectify all hurtful mis- takes and heal all discords among us; and in the meantime, as we cannot enjoy the bene- fit of the Plan of Union in peace, and according to the true intent thereof, we declare our- selves to be the Presbytery of Donegal, and members of the Synod of Philadelphia, as before the conjunction of the two Synods. "Signed by us, in our own names, and in the names of our brethren, Joseph Tate, John Beard." §33. Overtures for re-^mion. 1707, p. 306. A letter was brought into the Synod, directed to the Mode- rator, signed by the Rev. Messrs. John Elder, and John Steel, as Moderator and Clerk of a Presbytery which they call the Presbytery of Donegal, re- presenting that they had been forced by sundry petitions to apply to Synod to be erected into two Presbyteries, which petitions not having liad desired success, they were laid under the disagreeable necessity of entering a decli- nature from the jurisdiction of the Synod; and declaring withal their readi- ness to return into communion with the Synod, provided they might be erected by them into a separate Presbytery ; which letter was read, and ordered to lie on the table for a second reading. From all which the Synod observe that the brethren of Donegal Presbytery, who petitioned for being erected into a separate Presbytery, in the year 1765, adopt the declinature entered last year, by Messrs. Beard and Tate, and consequently must not now be considered as members of this body. [This request was refused by the Synod.] — Ibid. p. 372, and 1708, p. 383. § 34. Re-union with the Synod. 1708, p 383. Upon reading the minute of yesterday concerning the brethren who call themselves the Presbytery of Donegal, Mr. Tate said, that he and his brethren with him were not authorized to make any other pro- posals to the Synod besides those mentioned in their petition, yet he be- lieved that if the Synod would allow the Rev. Messrs. Sampson Smith and Beard to join the Presbytery of New Castle, Mr. Thompson that of Donegal, and the Rev. Messrs. Steel, Elder, and McMordie, the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, it might heal the broach ; in the meantime he desired liberty to join the second Presbytery of I'hiladelphia. The Rev. Mr. Lang being present, being asked whether he was willing to be joined to the Presbytery of Donegal, answered, that he rather chose to belong to the second Presby- tery of Philadelphia, but if the Synod judged it the best expedient for peace, and the rest of his dissatisfied brethren would come into the general plan, he would consent. 622 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII Therefore, after due deliberation, the Synod came to this conclusion, viz : That although they highly disapprove of the conduct of these brethren since their departure from the Synod, yet for the sake of peace they author- ize the above mentioned Presbyteries to receive them in the following man- ner, viz : the Rev. Messrs. Thompson and Lang into the Presbytery of Donegal, the Rev. Messrs. Beard and S. Smith into the Presbytery of New- Castle, and the Rev. Messrs. Steel, Elder, Tate, and McMordie, into the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, provided that they apply for admission the first convenient opportunity. But the Synod agree that this regulation is not intended to subject these vacancies that now are or hereafter shall be in the bounds of the Presbytery of Donegal to any other Presbytery, nor shall they apply at any time to any other without express leave obtained from that Presbytery. And it is further agreed, that if any of said brethren comply with said regulations, they shall previously and expressly withdraw their declinature entered at New York, 1766, and without this they shall not be admitted as members of this Synod or of any of its Presbyteries. [The reports of the Presbyteries, at the next meeting of Synod, showed the reception of the seceding members, as above ordered.] — Minutes, 1769, pp. 390, 391. 8E0 34 ] MINOR CASES. 623 PAET III. MINOR CASES, Title 1. — the case of messes.' cowell and tennent. § 35. The action of the Synod. 1738, p. 140. Mr. Gilbert Tennent represented to the Committee [on business] that there had been differing sentiments in some important points of doctrine between himself and Mr. Cowell, upon which there had been sundry large letters passed between them, concerning which he desires the Synod's opinion. It is overtured that this affair be considered by a com- mittee appointed by the Synod, who shall be directed to converse with Mr. Tennent and Mr. Cowell together, that they may see whether they so widely differ in their sentiments as is supposed; and if they find that there be ne- cessity, distinctly to consider the papers ; that Mr. Tennent and Mr. Cowell be both directed to refrain from all public discourses upon this controversy, and all methods of spreading it among the populace, until the committee have made their report to the Synod, and that no other member take notice of and divulge the affair. Ih. An overture was brought in upon the affair between Messrs. Gilbert Tennent and David Cowell, by the committee appointed for that purpose, which is as follow.^, viz : The committee having heard Mr. Tennent and Mr. Cowell explain themselves upon the debate between them, think it proper to take this affair under further consideration, that they may have opportu- nity to peruse the papers that are produced, to give us a fuller view of this controversy, that so we may be prepared to give a report to the next Synod. 1740, p. 148. The committee appointed by the Synod to consider the controversy between Mr. Gilbert Tennent and Mr. David Cowell, brought in the following overture, which being read, the Synod had the great satis- faction to find the contending parties fully agreed in their sentiments upon the point in controversy, according to the doctrine contained in the said overture, viz : Though they apprehend that there are some incautious and unguarded expre.'^sions used by both the contending parties, yet they have ground to hope that the principal controversy between them flows from their not having clear ideas of the subject they so earnestly debate about, and not from any dangerous errors they entertain, since they both own that the glory of God is the ultimate end of all things; and as the point under de- bate concerns an important doctrine of religion, we would take liberty to express our minds with respect to it in a few words, which we hope will be agreeable to the sentiments of the Synod, and readily agreed to by the par- ties concerned in this dispute. AVe apprehend that the glory of God was the only motive that influenced him to all his external operations. For since nothing else had an existence, nothing certainly could influence him (a4 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [llOOK V 11. from without himself. By his glory declarative, we mean the manifestation of his essential and adorable perfections for the great and excellent ends he designed in this manifestation. It is the indispensable duty of every crea- ture, according to its utmost capacity, to aim at the same end which the blessed God has in view, and to endeavour to direct all his actions unto it. The method in which the great God has required us to prosecute this end is by a conformity to his image and example, and a sincere and uni- versal obedience to his laws. In his infinite and astonishing grace he has been pleased inseparably to connect our happiness with the prosecution of this end. This obedience which we are to pay to the divine law, and by which alone we can glorify him, must be performed by us, not only because it is the way to happiness, but because it is infinitely just and reasonable in itself, agreeable to the blessed God, whom we are under indissoluble obli- gations to obey, and carry on the same designs which he has been pleased to propose in all his actions. And these designs of the glory of God, and our own happiness, are so inseparably connected, that they must never be placed in opposition to each other. For in all cases, he that actively glorifies God, promotes his own happiness, and by a conformity to the divine statutes and laws, which is the only way to happiness, we, in the best manner we are capable, glorify God. [With this result Mr. Tcnnent was dissatisfied, and urged the Synod to take up and consider the case. His proposition was rejected.] — Minutes, 1740, pp. 151, 152. Title 2. — case op the rev. samuel harker. § 36. A Committee to deal with Mr. Harker. 1758. p. 283. A reference was brought into the Synod from the New Brunswick Presbytery, respecting Mr. Samuel Harker, one of their mem- bers, as having imbibed and vented certain erroneous doctrines; the further consideration of this affair deferred till the next sederunt. p. 284. The afiair of Mr. Harker resumed. The Synod, after serious consideration had, do agree that inasmuch as Mr. Harker is absent, they can- not proceed to a regular determination of said afiair, and do therefore ap- point Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Richard Treat, Samuel Finly, and John Blair, to deal with him as they shall have opportunity, in such manner as shall appear to them best adapted for his conviction ; and refer the further determination to the next Synod, if there shall be need; and in the mean time the Synod does recommend it to the Presbytery of New Brunswick to take such measures as they shall judge best to prevent the spread and hurt- ful influence of these errors. §37. Report of the Committee. 1760, p. 301. Mr. Harker's afi'air was taken into consideration. The committee appointed last year to converse with him brought in the follow- ing report : " Tliat they met at the llev. Mr. John Pierson's, iili post 'preces sederunt^ Ministers — Messrs. John Pierson, Caleb Smith, Jacob Green, Timothy Jones, Azariah Ilorton, Samuel Kennedy, and Jonathan Elmore, correspon- dent. IMinisters absent — Messrs. Alexander Cummins, Charles Beatty. "Mr. Pierson chosen Moderator, and Mr. Kennedy Clerk. " Mr. Samuel Harker's paper containing his principles, together with some arguments to support thorn, was read and maturely deliberated upon ; and the committee being in doubt what Mr. Harker's real sentiments were, as they appeared not to be clearly expressed in said paper, proceeded to (juery with Lim largely on the several heads, and were well pleased to find, on inquiry, SEC. 35.] barker's case. 625 that Mr. Harker's sentiments in some points, which on first view of his paper appeared erroneous, were in substance ( thougli far from being happily and cautiously expressed) agreeable to the opinion of the generality of our orthodox divines, particularly as to all men's being in the covenant, and the regenerate's not being probationers for heaven; as Mr, Harker means, by the former, no more than this, viz : that the covenant respects the whole human race, in the proposals thereof; and by the latter, only designs, that every regenerate person has a sure and unfailing title to heaven, by virtue of their being interested in the merits of Christ. But the committee were sorry to find, that in two branches of doctrine Mr. Harker appears really to have fallen into an error, particularly in holding, tliat according to the tenor of the covenant of grace, God has buund„iiuufi-UlL-bYJ)romise, to bestoj^gyj/- ing blessings upon _the faith and endeavours of un regenerate m^Q ; and that / God lias predestinated persons to salvation, upon a foresiglit of their faith (_ and good works, or compliance with the terms of the covenant. On both which heads, the committee laboured to convince Mr. Harker of his mistake, but without being so happy as to succeed in their endeavours, at least from what then appeared. Finally, they recommended to Mr. Harker greater caution in his phraseology, and that where he could with a safe conscience, he would aim at the common forms of sound words, without affecting to de- viate from the usual modes of expression among orthodox divines. Con- cluded with prayer." As the Synod apprehend they had some success, but find him mistaken in the two above propositions, still it is thought expedient to try yet whether further converse may convince him ; the Synod agree that he meet with Messrs. Samuel and James Finly, Blair, Kobert and Sampson Smith, at Nottingham, the second Tuesday of November next. And in his return meet with Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Treat, Ewing, and Dr. Alison, in this city, to converse on these points. § 38. The cai^e further continued. 1761, p. 308. Mr. Harker's case came to be considered. He declared to the Synod, that he had prepared his sentiments for the press, yet if the Sy- nod would take the trouble to read his performance, and convince him that he is wrong, he would amend what is so, otherwise he would think him- self obliged to print without delay. The Synod have not sufficient time to read and dispute every point in his performance, which they may judge erroneous or suspicious. Several members of this body have heard him discourse on these subjects, and have read some parts of his performance, who think he labours under several mistakes; but as the whole Synod can- not form a judgment upon his sentiments from the report of a few who may understand them, they only at present declare to the world, that as far as they have been acquainted with his opinions, they do not approve of some of them. The Synod further agree, that if Mr. Harker, notwithstanding this dis- approbation, shall proceed to print, every member may bring in their re- marks upon his book to the next Synod in order to their further notice, and that Dr. Alison, Messrs. Treat, Ewing, Samuel Finly, Steel, and McDowell, or any three of them, be in particular a committee for this pur- • pose. . § 39. Mr. Uarhers hooJc condemned. 1762, p. 315. As Mr. Harker has, without the approbation of the Synod, printed a book containing his principles, IMessrs. Spencer, Kodgers, Blair, Lawrence, McDowell, Wilson, and Robert Smith, are appointed as a com- 79 626 HKRESTES ANP SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. inittee to examine said book, and to bring in a report before the Synod breaks up. [Tiie committee did not report until next meeting of the Synod.] 1763, p. 829. The 8ynod proceeded to consider Mr. Barker's princi- ples, collected from his book by the committee, which are in substance as follows : " 1. That the covenant of grace is in such a sense conditional, that fallen mankind in their unregenerate state, by the general assistances given to all under the gospel, have a sufficient ability to fulfil the conditions thereof, and 80, by their own endeavours, to ensure to themselves regenerating grace and all saving blessings. " 2. That God has bound himself by promise to give them regenerating grace, upon their fulfilling what he (Mr. Harker) calls the direct conditions of obtaining it, and upon the whole, makes a certain and an infallible con- nection between their endeavours and the aforesaid blessings. " 3. That God's prescience of future events is previous to and not dependent on his decrees, that his decrees have no influence on his own conduct, and that the foresight of faith was the ground of the decree of election." It is further observed, that he often uses ma£gji0„te,,. uninte]ligible4i.and iy^ dangerous modes of expression, that tend to lead people into false notions in several important matters, as that Adam was the federal father of his pos- terity in the second covenant as well as in the first; that the regenerate are not in a state of probation for heaven, and several such like. The Synod judge that these principles are of a hurtful and dangerous ten- dency, giving a false view of the covenant of grace, perverting it into a new modelled covenant of works, and misrepresent the doctrine of the divine de- crees as held by the best Reformed Churches, and in fine, are contrary to the word of God and our approved standards of doctrine. The Synod called in Mr. Harker and questioned him in many particu- lars, and the further consideration of his afiair is deferred till to-morrow morning. § 40. Mr. Harker deposed. Ibid. Mr. Barker's aifair was resumed, and the Synod, upon mature de- liberation, came to the following judgment, viz: The Synod considering that Mr. Harker has for several years been dealt with in the tenderest manner, and much pains taken by his brethren in private, and in the Presbytery to which he belongs, and by committees which the Synod appointed to confer with him. in order to reclaim him from his erroneous notions ; but that instead of succeeding in these attempts, he appeared to be the rather confirmed and resolute in propagating his opinions among the people, by a variety of methods, to the great scan- dal of the Church, seducing and perplexing the unwary and unstable : and as he has departed from the truth, and opposed this Church in some impor- tant articles, and misrepresented the Church of Scotland, his doctrine and practice have a schismatical tendency. On the whole, though the ex- clusion of a member be grievous, yet we judge that the said Mr. Samuel Harker cannot consistently be continued a member of this body, and accordingly declare him disqualified for preaching or exercising his ministry in any Congregation or vacancy under our care; and do hereby order, that all be duly warned not to receive his doctrines, nor admit his ministrations, until it shall please God to convince him of his mista:kes, and to bring him to the acknowledgment of the truth, and recover him from the error of hia ways. SEC. 39.] DISORDERS IN .VIUNODON rUKSBYTERY. 627 Upon hearing tlie forciroing minute read, Mr. Hurker requested a copy, which the Synod ordered to be given him, properly attested. After somn time Mr. llarker came in, and desired to be informed by the Synod, what they designed by tlieir determination respecting him as to its nature and extent. Tlie Synod were much divided in tlicir opinions; but the majority of the Synod returned the fuHowing answer : That as by our determination in the forenoon, he is declared disqualified for exercising any part of the ministerial office in any of the Congregations or vacancies under our care ; so by a parity of reason we judge him disqualified to exercise it anywhere, while he retains his present sentiments. Title 3. — disorders in abinodon presbytery. § 41. ^ Commission of tJic General Synod. 1786, p. 525. The Synod being informed that several disorders, and dis- agreeable eircumstances h;ive taken place in some of the Chnvclies in the western parts, especially within the bounds of the Presbytery of Abincdoii, to the great prejudice of the interests of religion in those parts, did appoint Mr. McCorkle, Mr. Scott, Mr. Moses IJoge, Mr. Francis Cumming,s, 5jr. John Smith, and Mr. Vance, or a majority of them, with an Elder to accompany eaeh, as a committee, in the name of the Synod, to meet at Salem Church, oil the waters of Nolachucky, on the second Wednesday of October next, with power to them to call before them such persons concerned in these dis- turbances, as are members of or under the authority of this Synod, to hear and consider what shall be represented to them, and take proof of disputed allegations, if necessary; to endeavour with prudence and meekness to ac- eoiiimodate the differences; where this cannot be wholly efi'ected, and niat- ters appear to them to be ripe for decision, and they be unanimous, to give judgment; if not unanimous, that they cite all whom they think necessary, to appear before the Synod or General Assembly* at the next meeting, to have the matter fully judged ; only taking care in any case where proof is necessary, that it be taken upon the spot that there may be no unnecessary delay of a final and effectual settlement. They are also empowered, if there appear to them any urgent, or very doubtful censures inflicted by any of the parties upon others, to suspend the execution till the meeting of the Synod or (ieiieral Assembly. The members of the Presbytery of Abingdon are required by Synod to read flit' above appointment publicly in their Congregations, at least four weeks before the meeting of the committee, and this reading shall be considered as a citation to all parties concerned, to appear; and if any fail to appear, the committee, however, shall proceed to take evidence as they shall see cause ; and no evidence pretended to be produced afterwards, shall be admit- le(l to invalidate the measures of the committee, or to prevent the decision \>f S\ nod. § 42. The snLjert in the Si/nod fhc next i/enr. 1787, p. 536. OnlerecJ. To put off till the afternoon the further considera- tion of the draught of a plan of government and discipline, in or earth. The Sun of Righteousness appears to be rising with iiealing in his wings. In Africa, Asia, and the islands of the South Sea. tlie tiamc of Jesus begins to be known, the standard of the great Redeemer is erec- ted, and man}' are flocking to it; in America also, the Lord seems in a remarkable man- ner to be visiting his heritage. " By eoiisultiug that part of the Extracts of the minutes of the General Assembly, pui). lished w'th this address, you will see what strenuous and unremitting ende.ivours arc making by that body, to promote the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. God seems to be uld persuade you to reject all written or printed creeds and forms of discipline, alleging that those whc> adopt such, substitute them for divine inspiration. But, dear brethren, we presume ydu need scarcely be informed of the absurdity of such insinuations. You know that we, you know tliat you yourselves consider them differently. Confessions or creeds are only tiie doctrines which we believe to be revealed to us from heaven, collected from different parts of sacred Scripture, and brought into one view. Must not all who read their Bibles and believe them, form some opinion of what is taught therein? And where can be the criminality, when they have thus searched and collected, to publish what they believe to be the truths of God? In so doing, we act in open day, as cliildren of tlie liglit, and do not leave the world to conjecture whether we be Pelagians, Semi-Pelagians, Catholics, Arniinians, or Calvinists ; or whether we differ essentially from them all. We do not leave those with whom we would unite in the most tender and endearing bonds, at a loss to know whether we believe or disbelieve what they esteem the essential doctrines of Cliristianity. Reject all written creeds! and why not with the same propriety all verbal ones? Wliat must then follow ? Those who believe our blessed Saviour to be no more than a mere man, and those who believe in his divine nature ; those who believe that God will manifest an eternal displeasure against sin, and those who believe he will finally receive all wicked men and devils into his favour; in short, those who believe the truth, and those whose creed exliibits the most glaring errors and contradictions, may all unite togetlier, enjoy the same privileges, and surround the same board of communion. Can liglit and darkness have fellowship together ? Or can there be concord between Christ and B"lial ? Is there no necessity for a people, about to put themselves under the pastoral care of a shepherd, to know what kind of doctrines they are to be taught ? Or is it per- fectly indifferent which of the above contradictory systems they receive ? ' But if we attend to tiieir sentiments on church government and discipline, we will find tliern no less anti-scriptural, and subversive of all good order in Christ's kingdom. Their own declaration is, ♦ Christians have no power over one another to cut off, exclude, or unite.' " But it will be seriously asked, dear brethren, in what light these suspended members are to be considered ? As private Christians, we hope you will esteem them just so far as their sentinients and practice correspond with the word of God. But they are not to be considered by you as clothed with any ministerial authority, or leg.illy qunlified to ad- minister any of the ordinances of God's house— of such authority these men can give no evidence. As to an internal call, God only is judge. The external evidence, by which alone tiie world can juflge, is the testimonials of licensure and ordination, ' by tiie laying on of the hands of tlie Presbytery.' 1 Tim. iv. 14. It is true, these men were once set apart to the ministry in the usual way; but it is likewise true, that several Presbyteries, constituted into a Synod, have suspended them from tlie exercise of their ministerial func- lion. " Th.-it God has invested the Church judicatories with such a power, is evident from SEC. 55.] THE NEW-LIGHT HERESY. 6o9 the Holy Scriptures. The keys of God's visible king;clom :ire put intotlie iiands of Church officers; and they have power, not only to invest men with authority, but to suspend, depose, and cut otf, wlicn their sentiments and conduct are contrary to tlie word of God, and the received doctrines of tlie Church. 'A man tliat is an horutie, after the first and and second admonition, reject ' Titus iii. 10. Tlie evident desijrn ot" Church censure, is to reclaim otfenders, and prevent offences in those who have not yet transjrressed. 'Them who sin, rebuke before all, that others may fear.' 1 Tim. v. 20. And in order to produce these effects, the members of the Church are commanded, in the name of ("hrist, to withdraw from such as walk disorderly, that they may be ashamed : ' Now we coiinnand you, bretln-en, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw your- selves from every brother who walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received from us ; atid if any obey not our word, by this epistle, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.' 2 Thes. iii. 6, 14. " It cannot be reasonably denied, that it is disorderly for any person to preach the word, or administer the ordinances of the g;ospel, who is not clothed with ministerial authority. Compare 2 Chron. xxvi. 18, with Heb. v. 4. To attend, therefore, upon such ministrations, is at least to encourag-e disorder. Such conduct is a breach of God's law, and is a moral evil. If it be admitted that God has instituted the exercise of discipline as a mean of reclaiming oifenders, those who take persons under Church censure into their bosom and caress them, defeat the intention of the ordinances of God, harden such otfenders, and endanger their souls. " Dear brethren, we are very unwilling to say anything respecting their great zeal and apparent engagedness in preaching the word, and administering the ordinances. But, however disagreeable it may be, yet a regard for your souls and the cause of truth, obliges us to observe, that gravity and apparent zeal have been usually attempted to gain the ear and confidence of the public, by a great variety of sects that have sprung up in the Christian Ciiurch since the Reformation. We apprehend, many honest persons among you have great difficulties in your mind, arising from yonr former attachment to the men who have been suspended. You are anxiousl}' desiring to obtain liberty to commune and hold Christian intercourse with them. We would wish to gratify you in this particular, could we without violating the precepts of the gospel ; we refer you on this subject to Matt. chap. X., and Rom xvi. 17, 18, together with the passages of Scripture already quoted, and to the uniform practice of all well regulated churches. "Dear brethren, as we take no pleasure in depreciating the characters of others, we forbear to make further remarks, but entreat you in the name of Jesus Christ, to remem- ber that men who have renounced the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Cinirch, cannot with propriety be countenanced by those who are friendly to order; and consequently those who attend on their ministrations must be considered as opening afresh the wounds with which the Church has been made to bleed, and causing the children of God in many parts of the world to weep in distress. Grieve not your aged brethren, who have long borne the burdens of the Church, and laboured to maintain peace and unity therein. Beware lest you wound the lambs of Christ's flock, and cast a stumbling block in the way of sin- ners. Let us not tear down the barriers by which order has long been preserved. Open not the door by which men of corrupt principles may enter and disseminate their poison- ous sentiments among our unguarded youth, who are b}' nature more prone to imbibe error than truth. We therefore pray you, dear brethren, as you regard the glory of God, the peace of Zion, your own comfort, the salvation of your dear offspring, and the happi- ness of your fellow men, that you do not countenance or aid in any way, what may ap- pear inimical to the peace and prosperity of Zion. " ' Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Ijord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever. Amen,' James Kemper, Moderator. John P. Campbell, Clerk." —Minutes, 1805, p. 326. § 56. Sequel of the Seceders. [In 1805, Matthew Houston sent to the Presbytery of Transylvania a declinature of its authority, designing to join the New-Light party. He was at once suspended by the Presbytery. Ot' these men, Houston, MeNemar, and Dunlavy, before the end of the year 1805, had joined the Shakers; Stine repudiated the doctrine of the divinity of (Christ, and being left the sole leader of the party, finally carried it into the bosom of the sect of Campbellitcs. Some congregations still retain their separation under the name ot " Chris, tians." Messrs. Marshall and Thompson, in 1811, presented themst-lves at the bar of Synod, and declaring their penitence for their share in these transactions, and submitting 640 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. to a satisfactory examination upon the doctrines which had been culled in question, were restored. The snbsei)uent lile of Mr. Marshall, vindicated the sincerity of these proles- sions-. !\Ir Thompson united in the New-scliool secession of 1838.] TiTr,E G. — THE Cumberland schism. § 57. Ori(/!n of the disorders -in Cumhcrland Preshytery. ( a) [At a meeting of the Presbytery of Transylvania held in the fall of 1801, in th Cumberland region, and at which, owing to the great distance, but few members from th upper part were pn^seut, Messrs. Alexander Anderson, Finis Ewing, and Samuel King uneducated men of advanced age, "offered themselves to the Presbytery for the service of the Church " After a long discussion, the Rev. David Rice was appointed to heai them read in private discourses, wliich they had prepared under the advice of the " revi val preachers" of the body. Mr. Rice reported favourably, and the candidates were "ap[)ointed to tlie business of exhortation and catechizing;" and directed to present other discourses at tiie next meeting, which was appointed to be held in the same region in the following spring. These men immediately divided the vacant churches of the Cumber- land county into three circuits, which tliey regularly traversed, and " without the formality of announcing a text of Scripture," addressed the assemblies which were congregated at their appointments. At the spring meeting of Presbytery, Messrs. Anderson, Ewing, and King, read the pieces assigned them; and Mr. Anderson was ordered to ])reparc a sermon for the next meeting, on Luke xiii. 24. The next meeting of Preshytery was held in the same region, and within a few days of the first meeting of the Synod ol' K«n- tuclcy, so that the distance, together with the duty of attending the meeting of Synod, again prevented the attendance of any but the Cumberland members. By this meeting the above named persons were licensed as probationers for the ministry, "having adopted the Conression«oi' Faith of the Presbyterian Cliurch, with the exception of the idea of fatality, which tlicy believed to be taught in that book under the high and mysterious doctrine of election and reprobation." "They adopted the Confession of Faith as fir as they understood it; meaning that they did not understand what is taught concerning eternal election and reprobation."* Tiiree ministers and two elders dissented from this action. Ephraim McLean and Hugh Kirkpatrick were received as candidates for the ministry, and Lawrence Robison, Robert Bell, and James Farr, were licensed as exhorters and catechists " Mr. James Hawe, a regular member of the Republican Methodist Chiirch, made application to connect himself with Presbytery, and was cordially received," without examination, or adoption of the standards. ( /> ) During the sessions of the Synod, which met a kvj days afler these transactions, and in entire ignorance of them, the members residing in the Cumberland region, and by whom these proceedings had been enacted, were detached from the Transylvania Presby- tery, and constituted tlie Presbytery of Cumberland. By it tlie system previously com- menced by the members whilst connected with Transylvania, was so efficientlv carried forward, tliat by the fall of 1805, it had licensed fifleen exhorters and six candidates, and ordained six persons to the ministry; the parties being, with few or no exceptions, unedu- cated, and required to adopt the Confession of Faith, no farther than it seemed to them to agree with the word of God. (c) Li 1803, no member was present in the Synod of Kentucky from the Cumberland Presbytery ; nor were the records sent up. Tlie next year a remonstrance against their proceedings was tabled witli Synod, over the signature of three members of Cumberland Presbytery. The Presbytery was cited to appear before the Synod at its next meeting, to answer to the complaint ; and a committee was appointed to attend its next meeting, and inquire into the case. But one member of this committee attended, and consequently nothirig was done. At the next meeting of the Synod, in October, 1805, the Cumberland Presbytery sent up its records, but failed to appear, to answer to the citation ; no member being present, except two of' the minority. By the showing of the records, though defective, and by information otherwise obtained, it was apparent to the Synod, that if prompt and decisive action were not laken, the malady would soon be incurable.] § 58. A Commission of the Synod of Kentucky. " Resolved, That the Rev. John Lyle, John P. Campbell, Archibald Cameron, Joseph P. Howe. Samuel Rennals, Robert Stuart, Joshua L. Wilson, Robert Wilson, Thomas Cleland, and Isaac TuU, together with Messrs. William McDowell, Robert Brank, James * [History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. F. J. Simpson, pp. 21, 33.] SEC. 56.] THE CUMBERLAND .sCfllSM. 641 Allen, James Henderson, Riclmrd Gaines, and Andrew Wallnce, Ruling Elders, or any seven Ministers of them, willi as many Elders as may be prt'sent, be a Commission, vested with full Synodical powers, to confer with the members of the Cumberl.ind Pros- bytery, and adjudicite on their Presbyterial proceedings which ;ippear on the Minutes of said Presbytery, and taken notice of by the committee appointed by Synod to examine eaid Minutes. That the said Commission meet on the first Tuesday in December next, at Gasper Meetiiifr House, Logan county, in the bounds of said Presbytery, for the pur- pose aforesaid. Tliat notice be given to the members of said Presbytery, by the Stated Clerk of Synod, to attend on the day and at the place aforesaid ; so that a full, fair, and friendly investigation may take place. That the said Commission take into considera. lion, and decide upon a letter [the remonstrance] from the Rev. T. B. Craighead and others," »&c. § 59. Proceedings of the Commission. ( a ) [Among other action] " The Commission requested, in a friendly manner, the ma- jority of the Cumberland Presbytery to give the reasons, why in licensing and ordaining persons to preach the gospel, they required them to adopt the Confession of Faith, so far onl}', as they in reason think it corresponds with the Scriptures " The reply was, " that the Confession of Faith was human composition and fallible, and that they could not in conscience feel themselves bound any farther tlian they believe it corresponds with Scrip- tures." [Hereupon it was voted that] ( 6 ) " Whereas, It appears to the Commission of Synod, from the records of Cumber- land Presbytery — from tlie dissent of the minority of said Presbytery — and from the open confession of those who were at the time of the dissent a majority, that they did license a considerable number of men to preach the gospel, and administer the ordinances in the Church, contrary to the rules and regulations of the Presbyterian Church, in such cases made and provided; and whereas, those men have been required to adopt the Confession of Faith and Discipline of said Churcli, no farther than they believe it to be agreeable to the word of God, by which no man can know what they believe in matters of doctrine : and whereas, it is alleged by said Presbytery, that those men possess extraordinary talents, by which they have been induced to license and ordain them, without attending to the method prescribed by the Book of Discipline ; therefore, on motion, " Resolved, That the Commission of Synod now proceed to examine those irregularly licensed, and those irregularly ordained by Cumberland Presbytery, and judge of their qualifications for the gospel ministry." ( c ) [The Presbytery utterly refused to submit to this resolution ; and the parties them- selves being individually called upon, severally refused to he examined ; whereupon, the Commission adopted the following :] ( c? ) " Whereas, Tiie Commission of Synod have, in a friendly manner, conferred with the Cumberland Presbytery, and have examined into the proceedings of the said Presby- tery, in licensing men to exhort and to preach the gospel, and in ordaining some to administer ordinances, and have found that those proceedings were very irregular : and whereas those men irregularly licensed, &.C., were called upon to come forward to be ex- amined by the Commission ; Messrs. William Hodge, James McGready, William McGee, John Rankin, and Samuel McAdow, interposed to prevent the examination ; and also, that the Moderator called upon the following persons, viz: Robert Guthrie, Samuel Hodge, James Porter, David Foster, Finis Ewing, Hugh Kirkpatrick, Thomas Nelson, Thomas Calhoun, Samuel Donnel, Jr., Samuel King, Samuel Blythe, and Robert Bell, to come for- ward and stand an examination as to their qualifications for the gospel ministry; they refuse to comply, thereby virtually renouncing the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Cimrch; and it being proclaimed by conunon fame, that the majority of these men are not only il- literate, but erroneous in sentiment, " Resolved, That as the above named persons never had regular authority from the Pres- bytery of Cumberland to preach the gospel, &c., the Commission prohibit the said persons from exhorting, preacliing, and administering ordinances, in conse([uenceof any authority which they have obtained from the Cumberland Presbytery, until they submit to our jurisdiction, ane^ undergo the requisite examination; and it is farther " Resolved, That the following persons, viz : James Farr, Lawrence Rawlinson, Robert Houston, James Crawford, Reuben Doolcy, Robert Wilson, James Duggins, Michael Findlcy, Ephraini M'Clain, John Hodge, Alexander Chapman, William M'Clure, Sti-phcn Clinton, and William Moore, who are now absent, together with James Hawe, be laid under the same prohibition. ( e ) " Althougii we conceive the Commission have Synodical powers to adjudicate upon the conduct of the Rev. James McGready, William Hodge, William McGee, John Rankin, and Samuel McAdow, in not submitting to the examination of those men who liad been irregularly licensed and ordained, when solenmly adjured by the Moderator, agreeably to the resolution of the Commission, yet we decline pronouncing sentence, and remand said 81 642 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. persons to the Synod of Kentucky ; and tliey are licrcby cited to appear at our next annual session, to be held in the Presbyterian Church in Lexington, on the third Tuesday of Octo- ber next, to account for said conduct." " Whereas, A majority of the Cumberland Presbytery are involved in charges which appeared before the Conunission of Synod, and whereas it appears to the Commission that there is not a sufficient number of members who are disinterested, to adjudicate upon matters of common fame, " Therefore, as common fame loudly proclaims that the Rev. William Hodge, William McGee, and John Rankin, hold doctrines contrary to those contained in our Confession of Faith, viz: That they in effect deny election, and hold that there is a certain sutR- ciency of grace given to every man, which if he will improve, he shall obtain more, &c., until he arrive at true conversion : — this grace has sometimes been expressed by the Ibllowing phrases, or phrases of a similar import with the following : ' a power to accept the otfer of salvation,' ' a spark of light given to every man in his natural state,' ' talent,' &.C., &.C : — " Resolved, That the above named men be cited, and they are hereby cited, to appear at our next annual session of Synod, to be held in the Presbyterian Church in Lexington, on the third Tuesday in October next, to answer the above charges." § 60. Fur the)' action of the Synod. [The Synod approved the proceedings of the Commission. The persons who had been cited to be here present, upon being called oii declared their perfect readiness to submit themselves to an examination ; bnt utterly refused to submit to the decisions of the Com- mission, relating to the examination of the young men. After endeavouring in vain to persuade them from this resolution, the Synod at length proceeded to suspend them seve- rally from the exercise of the ministry. The suspended members being asked, in regard to an appeal from this sentence, replied that they should take none. Although, however, they declined to take the course, which they all knew, could alone open the way to a ju- dicial investigation by the General Assembly ; they addressed to that body a memorial remonstrating against the action of the Synod in their case.] § 61. Remonstrance from the Cumherland party, to the Assembly. 1807, p. 378. A remonstrance from Messrs. Samuel McAdow, William Hodge, John Kankin, and William McGee, (formerly members of the Pres- bytery of Cumberland,) ligainst an act of the Synod of Kentucky, in sus- pending them from the ofl&ce of the holy ministry, was handed in by the Committee of Overtures, and read. [The following answer was adopted :] p. 392. Brethren — The Assembly have received your address, in which you inform them, that the Synod of Kentucky have suspended you from your ministerial office, and in which you request this Assembly to interpose in your case without delay. The Assembly are grieved at finding, that any unhappy difierences exist in that part of the Church of Christ in which you reside. The conduct of the Presbytery of Cumberland, in licensing and ordaining a number of persons not possessing the qualifications re- quired by our Book of Discipline, and without explicit adoption of the Con- fession of Faith, appears to have been the origin of the evils of which you now. complain. The Assembly are constrained to express their decided disapprobation of this conduct, as being highly irregular and unconstitu- tional, leading to the most dangerous consequences in introducing into our Church as teachers illiterate men, and men of any religious principles, however erroneous. But inasmuch as you have not regula];ly appealed to this Assembly, they do not consider themselves as called on judicially to decide on your case. The Assembly have advised the Synod of Kentucky to review their proceedings with regard to you, and to their decision we refer you. We exhort you, brethren, to return to a strict and steady adherence to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and that you sincerely endea- vour to promote the peace and best interest of the Redeemer's kingdom. SEC. 59.] THE CUMBERLAND SCHISM. 643 § 62. Letter to the Si/nod of Kentucky. 1807, p. 389. Dear Brethren, — The record of your i:)roceedings in regard to the dissolution of the Presbytery of Cumberland, and other measures connected with that act, has attracted the marked attention of this Assem- bly, and been the subject of much discussion. The Assembly have truly sympathized with your Synod in reviewing the very interesting circum- stances in which you have been placed, and the embarrassing concerns which you have been called to manage. While the Assembly have found it their duty, on the one hand, to approve of many of your proceedings on the very irregular and censurable conduct of that Presbytery, and even to commend the zeal and decision with which you have acted ; they are constrained, on the other, to suggest, that your proceedings in demanding that the young men irregularly licensed, be given up to your body for examination ; in suspending the irregularly ordained Ministers without process in their case, and in suspending Messrs. Hodge and Rankin, for not submitting to the re-examination of the young men, are at least of questionable regularity. They, therefore, advise that you seriously review these proceedings, and consider whether some of them ought not to be rescinded, and steps speedily taken to mitigate the sufferings which your censure appears to have produced, and to remove at least a part of the complaints which it has excited. In doing this, we cannot be supposed to recommend that any demands of our constitutional standards of doctrine, discipline, and government, should be violated or disregarded. These demands are equally binding on us and on you, and the recognition of their justice and obligation ought to be considered as indispensable in all who are to exercise the holy ministry in connection with our Church. But there is, and ever must be supposed in those who are vested with power, the right and the duty of exercising a sound discretion; which will consult the spirit as well as the letter of the law ; which will sometimes forbid the exercise of power which is possessed ; which will en- deavour with equal caution to avoid the extremes of rigour and of laxness ; which will yield something, yet not concede everything to circumstances ; which, in a word, will recollect that power is given for edification and not for destruction, and endeavour to be guided by this rule. We hope, bre- thren, that in the exercise of this discretion you may soon be able to re-es- tablish the Presbytery of Cumberland, and to restore to Christian commu- nion, and ministerial usefulness, some of its former members and licentiates, without sacrificing either the doctrines or the government of our Church. Of this you must judge ; and we pray that the great Head of the (Church may enable you so to judge and act, as that the true and lasting interests of his Church may really be promoted by your measures. Signed by order of the Assembly. § 63. Another Cumhcrland jyetition, and the reply. 1808, p. 406. A petition from Messrs. Samuel McAdow, William McGee, and William Hodge, formerly members of the late Cumberland Presbytery, was handed in and read; and Drs. McKnight, Hall, and Wilson, were ap- pointed a committee to prepare a letter in answer to said petition. [The Assembly adopted the following reply :] p. 408. Dear Brethren — We have received your address, and have care- fully marked its contents. We are glad to discern your regard to the order of the Church in not constituting yourselves into a ]^resbytcry. In your letter you seem to expect the Assembly to adopt measures which do not be- long to them, and to aft'ord you relief in a case which is not constitutionally in their power. Had the matter in which you are concerned come before 644 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK Vll. a former Assembly, in the form of an appeal to them from the proeeedinsjs and decisions of the Synod of Kentucky, and their Commission, they could have taken it up judicially, and afforded you all that relief to which you should have appeared entitled. This not having been the case, reduced the Assomhly to the necessity of adopting the only alternative which was in their power, namely, that of advice and persuasion. The business is not before the present Assembly in any circumstances more favourable for granting you that relief which you solicit. As the case now stands, the Synod of Kentucky are the only constitutional body compe- tent to your relief. To them we would again recommend to you to apply. We know of no way in which the matter can be regularly brought before the General Assembly, so as to enable them to act upon it, but by your ap- plying to the Synod to review their proceedings, and to reverse what is wrong in them ; and in case they either refuse to review or rectify them, you know it is your privilege to appeal to the General Assembly, who will then be empowered to act judicially upon it. And, brethren, we beg leave to remind you, that divisions of this nature are not to be healed, or union and peace restored, unless the parties respectively divesting themselves of partialities and prejudices, and yielding to the benign influence of truth and grace, are mutually disposed candidly to acknowledge and retract their er- rors and mistakes. We are disposed to hope and believe that, from what has been suggested, you will readily excuse the Assembly for not extending to you that relief for which you have applied ; and that you will be exceedingly cautious of taking any such steps as would tend to increase alienation, and to render the breach irreparable. § 64. The Synod fuJly justified hy the Assembly. 1800, p. 416. The Assembly took into consideration a letter from the Synod of Kentucky, and having carefully reviewed the same, and having also read another letter from their records, which by accident was detained from the last Assembly, were of opinion that the Synod have in these let- ters exercised their unquestionable right of explaining their proceedings ; which they have done in a respectful and able manner, and to the full sat- isfaction of this Assembly ; and the Assembly think it due to that Synod to say, that they deserve the thanks of the Church for the firmness and zeal with which they have acted in the trying circumstances in which they have been placed. § 65. Letter to the Rev. J. W. Stephenson, regarding the Cumherlands. 1811, p. 473. Rev. and Dear Sir — The General Assembly have attended to the contents of your letter with peculiar interest. They need hardly ob- serve that the situation of the Church in your quarter has excited their sympathy for a long time back. They fondly hope that the time is not far distant, when the evils you have experienced will be completely remedied. Plitherto the Lord hath helped you, and your duty is to persevere, main- taining faith and a good conscience. We cheerfully admit the apology you offer for the absence of a Commissioner and the want of a report. With sentiments such as you profess, if cherished, your temporary difficulties will soon be overcome. The diversified character of the people with whom you are connected in social intercourse, is one of those circumstances which, as they are unavoidable, so they will call for the exercise of forbearance, patience, firmness, and watchfulnoss. Look to a covenant God in taith for his direction, and with filial confidence leave the issue with him. Adhere sacredly to your own adopted standard, whilst you extend the hand of fel- SEC. 63.] THE CUMBERLAND SCHISM. 645 Icwship to others, who, jou have reason to hope, love our Lorrl Jesus Christ. In tliis way alone do we conceive peace can be cultivated, and union in the end established between differing Christians. To relinquish principles for the sake of peace, is too dear a sacrifice ; and every overture made to us from any quarter to produce a union at such an expense, we unhesitatingly re- ject. The men of whom you speak, went out from us because they were not of us. The objection they make to our Confession of Faith, as if it taught the doctrine of fatality, we fear is not so much the result of a defect of understanding, as of a disposition to misrepresent. For who could dream that the doctrine of fatality was taught in an instrument, in which it is declared expressly, that the liberty of second causes is not impaired'/ Vn'c do not object to your appointment of a committee to confer with these men, but we wish you to be careful not to yield any principle either in doc- trine or government. You will readily perceive the propriety of this ad- vice, when you recollect that our standards constitute our bond of union. Neither individuals nor judicatories can alter them, for the whole Church is interested. If you modify any part of our standards to suit these men, you are bound by the precedent to modify another part for another set of men, if they should make objections. Take your stand, therefore, on the ground of the Confession of Faith and the Book of Discipline. Keep that ground. If these men wish to join our Church, they know the terms. Their wish to alter these terms, is not very modest; for it is requesting the majority to yield to the minority. As we force no one to adopt our stnn- dards, there is no oppression exercised over any by our adherence to our own principles. The contrary practice, in fact, is the intolerance of a few over the many, and must produce ruinous effects. The history of your part of our Church is a warning. Whilst we thus exhort you to receive none upon any modification of our standards, we recommend to you a conciliatory, mild, and forbearing conduct to those who are out of our communion. We are your affectionate brethi'en in the Lord. Signed by order of the General Assembly. § 66. Attitude toicard the Cumberland hody. 1814, p. 551. The committee to which was referred the consideration of the manner in which certain persons should be treated, who formerly be- longed to the late Cumberland Presbytery ; and who, since the dissolution of said Presbytery, continue to style themselves the Cumberland Pres- bytery, reported ; and their report being read, was adopted, and is as fol- lows, viz : That those persons were under the censure of the Church at the time of their constituting as a Presbytery; that they had neglected to take the regu- lar steps for the removal of that censure, though advised and urged to this course; that they erected themselves into a judicatory, contrary to the rules of our discipline ; that the grounds of their separation from us were, that we would not relax our discipline, and surrender some important doctrines of our Confession of Faith ; wherefore, Ri'sohcd, That the aforesaid persons be viewed as having derived no author- ity from us to exercise discipline, or administer the ordinances of the Church , and that our regular members cannot treat with them as a body, but only as individuals. § 67. Later relations. 1825, p. 263. The following question was brought in by the Committee of Overtures, and after some discussion was dismissed, viz : Is a Minister liable U) censure, for inviting a Minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomi- 646 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII nation to preach in his pulpit; or for communing in a Congregation of that denomination ?" p. 2G6. " Can a Presbytery consistently acknowledge as valid the ordi- nance of baptism as administered by those who are regularly suspended by a higher judicatory of the Church? If not, how are we to regard the baptism of the Cumberland Presbyterians ?" 1 In reply the following report was adopted :] p. 275. 1. That in the opinion of this Assembly, Ministers of the Pres- byterian Church, when regularly suspended by the competent judicatories, have no right to exercise the functions of a Minister during that sus- pension. 2. That while those persons styling themselves the Cumberland Pres- bytery were under suspension, their administrations are to be considered as invalid ; but after the General Assembly have declared them as no longer connected with our Church, their administrations are to be viewed in the same light with those of other denominations not connected with our body. This decision is grounded on the opinion, that the act of the Assembly of 1814 precluded the propriety of deposition, or any other process in the ease. Title 7. — case of the rev. william c. davis. § 68. Origin of the process. [In the Synod of the Carolinas, during the sessions of 1807, the Second Presbytery of South Carolina represented that the Rev. W. C. Davis is permitted by the First Presby- tery of South Carolina to pass without censure, although known to teach erroneous doc- trines on some fundamental points. The Synod, thereupon, ordered the First Presbytery to attend to this matter. In September, 1808, the Presbytery held a conference with Mr. Davis, and after hearing his explanations, concluded to do nothing further in the case, but sent up to Synod an inquiry, " Whether the holding and propagating any and what doc- trines, apparently repugnant to the letter of the Confession of Faith, will justify a Pres- bytery in calling a member to public trial?" By the Synod it was] " Resolved, That the Second Presbytery of South Carolina be directed to meet imme- diately on this ground, and if they have any charges to state against Mr. Davis, that they be immediately exhibited, according to the discipline of our Church, before the First Pres- bytery of South Carolina, together with the names of the witnesses, should they deem it necessary to call witnesses in the case. And that the foregoing purposes may be answered, the First Presbytery of South Carolina is directed to constitute immediately, to receive such charge as the Second Presbytery may think dutiful to lay before them ; and to fur- nish Mr. Davis with a copy of the charges, together with the names of the witnesses." [The following charges were accordingly tabled by the Second Presbytery :] " 1. That the Rev. William C. Davis affirms and industriously propagates — That what has been termed the passive obedience of Christ, is all that the law of God can or does require in order to the justification of the believer, and that his active obedience is not imputed. " 2. He affirms and teaches that saving faith precedes regeneration, and has nothing holy in its nature as to its first act. " 3. That the divine Being is bound by his own law; or, in other words, by the moral law. '' 4. That Adam was never bound to keep the moral lavs', as the federal head and repre- sentative of his posterity ; or, in other words, that the moral law made no part of the con- dition of the covenant of works." [The Second Presbytery did not appear to prosecute the charges. Mr. Davis admitted their truth, and entcnd into a lengthy development and defence of his views. The Pres- bytery decided that the doctrines held bj' Mr. Davis were contrary to our standards and tlic word of God, but did not regard tlicm as dangerous; and on the ground of liberty of opinion, excused Mr. Davis from any formal censure ; though blaming him for imprudence, in rashly preaching such ojjinions without consulting the Presbytery. When the Synod again met, the question was again raised, " Whether tlie decision of Presbytery does pre- elude Synod from immediate access to Mr. Davis ?" which was decided in the negative. Against this decision Mr. Davis appealed. The Synod, after spending some time in a SEC. 68.J AV. C. DAVIS'S CASE. 647 judicial investigation of the case, finally referred it to the General Assembly, sending up with it an overture callin(j- tlie attention of that body to tlie doctrines contained in " The Gospel Plan," a book published by Mr. Davis shortly before the nieetin|r of Synod.] § 69. The action of Synod pronounced irregxdar. 1810, p. 447. An appeal by the Rev. William C. Davis, from a decision of the Synod of the Caroliuas, in relation to a decision in his case by the First Presbytery of South Carolina, and a reference from said Synod on the same case, which had been before overtured, were called up and read. The parties were heard at full length, and agreeably to the vote of the Assembly, withdrew. p. 448. The Assembly having maturely considered the appeal of Mr. Davis from the proceedings of the Synod of the Carolinas in his case, Rewhed, That although they highly approve of the zeal of the Synod to preserve the purity and peace of the Church within their bounds ; yet they cannot but decide that in their proceedings in the above case, in deciding that they had a right to try Mr. Davis, when there was no reference nor appeal in his case before them, they have not strictly adhered to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church. 1811, p. 468. The committee appointed to report on the petition of the Presbytery of South Carolina, relative to a reconsideration of a decision of last Assembly, reported, and recommended the reconsideration. Their re- port was rejected, and the committee was discharged. Whereupon, Remlmd, That though the General Assembly regret the dissatisfaction of the Presbytery of South Carolina, in the case of Mr. Davis, yet they can- not see it to be expedient or proper to reconsider the judgment of the Gen- eral Assembly of last year on the case in question. § 70. Tlie Assemhli/ examines and condemns " The Gospel Plan." 1810, p. 448. (a) The overture from the Synod of the Carolinas, which had been laid on the table, referring to the Assembly an overture laid before that Synod, requesting their attention to a late publication of the Rev. William C. Davis, denominated " The Gospel Plan," was read ; and Messrs. Robert G. Wilson, Calhoun, and Anderson, were appointed a committee to examine said book, and report to this Assembly the doctrines it contains, if any such they find, that are contrary to the standards of the Presbyterian Church. p. 452. The report of the committee appointed to review Mr. Davis's book, entitled, The Gospel Plan, was again read, and the vote being taken on the whole, it was adopted, and is as follows. The resolution laid on the table in the morning was adopted, and follows the report : ( i ) The committee, presuming that a complete and perfect enumeration of all the objectionable parts of said book is not expected, called the atten- tion of the Assembly only to the following doctrines, supposed to be contrary to the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church. Doctrine I. " That the active obedience of Christ constitutes no part of that righteousness by which a sinner is justified." pp. 257, 261, 264, od corollary. Doctrine II. '' That obedience to the moral law was not required as the condition of the covenant of works." pp. 178, 180. These pages being read, the Assembly resolved that they do consider these doctrines as contrary to the Confession of our Church. (c ) Doctrine III. " God himself is as firmly bound in duty (not obedi- ence) to his creatures, as his creatures are bound in obedience or duty to him." pp. 164, 166. Also, "that God's will is not the standard of right and 048 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. wronir. If Grod's will is the primary rule of his own actions, he Avould be 1st, entirely void of holiness; 2d, there would be no justice in God; 3d, it would be impossible for God to be unchangeable ; 4th, if the will of God is the standard of right and wrong, then it would be no infringement on the divine character to be unfaithful to his word and promises." pp. 168, 171. These pages were read, Resolved, That without deciding on the question whether these senti- ments are contrary to our Confession of Faith, the Assembly consider the mode in which they are expressed as unhappy, and calculated to mislead the reader. ( fZ ) Doctrine IV. '* God could not make Adam or any other creature either holy or unholy." Compare page 194 with 166. Doctrine V. '' Re- generation must be a consequence of faith. Faith precedes regeneration." p. 352. Doctrine VI. " Faith, in the first act of it, is not a holy act." p. 358, &c. These pages being read. Resolved, That the Assembly do consider the three last mentioned doc- trines contrary to the Confession of Faith of our Church. ( e ) Doctrine VII. " Christians may sin wilfully and habitually." pp. 532, 534. These pages being read, Resolved, That the Assembly consider the expressions very unguarded ; and so far as they intimate it to be the author's opinion that a person may live in an habitual and allowed sin, and yet be a Christian, the Assembly considers them contrary to the letter and spirit of the Confession of Faith of our Church, and in their tendency highly dangerous. (/) Doctrine VIII. " If God has to plant all the principal parts of sal- vation in a sinner's heart to enable him to believe, the gospel plan is quite out of his reach, and consequently does not suit his case ; and it must be impossible for God to condemn a man for unbelief, for no just law condemns or criminates any person for not doing what he cannot do." p. 413. This page, and several others on the same subject, being read, Resolved, That the Assembly do consider this last mentioned doctrine as contrary to the Confession of Faith of our Church. ( ^ ) On the whole, Resolved, That this Assembly cannot but view with disapprobation, vari- ous parts of the work entitled " The Gospel Plan," of which William C. Davis is stated in the title-page to be the author. In several instances in this work, modes of expression are adopted so different from those which are sanctioned by use and by the best orthodox writers, that the Assem- bly consider them as calculated to produce useless or mischievous specu- lations. (/«)!" several other instances, there are doctrines asserted and advocated, as has been already decided, contrary to the Confession of Faith of our Church, and the word of God ; which doctrines the Assembly feel constrain- ed to pronounce to be of very dangerous tendency ; and the Assembly do judge, and do hereby declare that the preaching or publishing of them, ')ught to subject the person or persons so doing to be dealt with by their re- spective Presbyteries according to the discipline of the Church, relative to the propagation of errors. [Against this decision, a protest was tabled, and placed on file.] — Ibid. p. 456. § 71. Mr. Davis suspended and deposed. [At the next meetings of the Synod of the Carolinas, the First Presbytery of South Carolina was dissolved ; and Mr. D:ivis was attached to the Presbytery of Concord. A pro rr nnfii mci^'ting wns cr.\\ci\, to rntcr on the eonsideration of hi.s case. When the Pre.sbytr.y ...it, a letter was received from him, declining its jurisdiction. Charges were SEC. 70.] Craighead's cast:. ' C,-\? however tabled, and Mr. Davis cited to appear for trial. Tiiis wns answered by :> rt- .•-. sertion of independence. A second citation wasanswered in a siniihir iniiniicr. Wiieie- upoii the Presbytery suspended him, for contumacy, from the exercise of the Ministry. He was a^ain cited, with notice that if he still fkih'd to uppijar, he would be ])f()ceeded against with the hig^her censure. Accordingly, witli the approbation of Synod, the Pres- bytery proceeded, in October, 1811, to depose him from the gospel ministry.] Title 8. — case op the rev. thomas b. craigiiead. § 72. Origin of the case. [The Commission of the Synod of Kentucky, upon the Cumberland difficulties, was also directed to investigate the truth of reports wliich imputed erroneous doctrines to Mr. Craighead. Accordingly, written questions were proposed to him on the topics involved in the Pelagian controversy, to which he returned answers, some of them ambio-uous, but upon the wliole satisfactory. At the next meeting of Synod, in 1806, Mr. Cruio-head preached a sermon which created much dissatisfaction on account of the inconsistency between it and his answers to the Commission. The subject was taken up, and the fol- lowing resolution was adopted, viz : " Resolved, That the Rev. Thomas B. Craighead be entreated, and he is hereby ear- nestly entreated, to be cautious in future, as to the matter of his sermons, and careful not to offend against the doctrines of the Confession of Faith, and the feelings of his Chris, tian brethren; and that the Moderator be directed to read this minute to Mr. Craighead." — Ddvidsoti's Kentucky, p. 266. Three years after this, Mr. Craighead set at naught this admonition, by publishing the objectionable sermon, which, from an extemporaneous discourse of ordinary length, was amplified to a pamphlet of 54 pages ; to which was added an offensive Address to the Synod, and an Appendix, on the subject of liberty and necessity. The Presbytery took up the subject, and afler an investigation, referred the case to Synod, by whom Mr. Craig- head was suspended from the ministry. From this decision he appealed to the Assembly.] § 73. Mr. Craighead fails to prosecute his appeal. 1811, p. 481. The committee to which was referred the letter and appeal of the Rev. Thomas B. Craighead, reported, that after having carefully at- tended to the duty assigned them, they did not discover any sufficient reason why he has not come forward to prosecute his appeal before the Assembly, nor why his case should not now be brought to issue; and therefore recom- mended that the representation from the Synod of Kentucky be permitted, if so disposed, to enter their protest in proper time against a future prose- cution of his appeal, and thus give effect to a standing order of the General Assembly, that the sentence of the Synod be considered as final. Resolved, That the foregoing report be accepted, and that Mr. Craighead be furnished with an attested copy of this decision in his case. The members of the Synod of Kentucky brought forward their protest, which being read, was accepted, and is as follows : " The Rev. Thomas B. Craighead having appealed to the General Assembly from a de- cision of the Synod of Kentucky, made in the month of October last, by which decision the said Synod directed the Presbytery of Transylvania to depose the said Thomas B. Oaighead from the gospel ministry, which was done accordingly ; and wiiereas the said Mr. Craighead has not prosecuted his appeal to the General Assembly, and the sub- scribers, members of the Synod of Kentucky, have waited till the last day of the sessions of the Assembly, to afford opportunity for the prosecution of said appeal; we do therefore now protest, in our own name, and on behalf of the Synod of Kentucky, against the lu-' lure prosecution of said appeal, and declare the sentence of the Synod to be final, agree- ably to a standing order of the General Assembly. "Signed, James Hoge, M. G Wallace, J. P. Campbell." § 74. A memorial from Mr. Craighead. 1812, p. 494. A letter from Mr. Thomas B. Craighead, late a member o* the Presbytery of Muhlenberg, containing a complaint of grievances rcla 83 650 HEBESIES AND SCHISMS. [rOOK VII tive to his deposition from the gospel ministry, was received, and being read. was committed to Dr. Hall, and IMessrs. Richards and Hughes, who were instructed to report as soon as practicable, what order, if any, they deem necessary shall be taken'on the letter by the Assembly. p. 511. The committee to which Mr. Craighead's letter had been referred, reported, and their report being read, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : That in said letter Mr. Craighead complains, that he was suspended by the Synod of Kentucky without ever being cited before it ; that if he was deposed by the Presbytery, it was done while the power of that Presbytery was suspended by his appeal to the General Assembly. He also complains, that no mark of brotherly attention, conference, or admonition had been administered him by any of the judicatories, or any of their members. But inasmuch as these allegations are not in proof before your committee, as the truth of them is disputed by a member of that Synod, and no testimony can be had in the case before this Assembly, the committee are of the opin- ion, that for these reasons nothing can be done in his case by the present Assembly ; and that the regular course for Mr. Craighead is to bring his grievances before the Synod of Kentucky, and if he there support his alle- gations by proper testimony, that Synod is fully competent to grant him such redress as the merits of his case may demand j and that until this step be taken, it will not be orderly for the General Assembly to take any further notice of his case. Ordered, That the Stated Clerk forward a copy of the above minute to Mr. Craighead. § 75. Mr. Craighead's case restimed in 1823. 1822, p. 24. The business left unfinished in the morning, viz : the con- sideration of the report of the committee to which had been referred the Eev. T. B. Craighead's letter, was resumed, and the report was adopted, and is as follows : (a) In the year 1811, an appeal from a decision of the Synod of Ken- tucky by T. B. Craighead, accompanied by a letter from the same, was laid before the General Assembly. But Mr. Craighead not appearing in person to prosecute his appeal, permission was given by the Assembly on the last day of their sessions to the members of the Synod of Kentucky, who were present, to enter a protest against the prosecution of the aforesaid appeal at any future time. This was supposed to be required by a standing rule of the Assembly. The appeal of Mr. Craighead was therefore not heard, and the sentence of the Synod of Kentucky was rendered final. ( ^ ) It moreover appears, that the General Assembly of the year afore- said having adopted the protest of the members of the Synod of Kentucky as their own act, did declare that Mr. Craighead had been deposed, whereas, the decision of the Synod was suspension ; and although the Synod did direct the Presbytery to which Mr. Craighead belonged, to depose him, if he did not, at their next stated meeting, retract his errors ; yet this sentence could not have been constitutionally inflicted, because Mr. Craighead ap- pealed from the decision of Synod ; the effect of which was to arrest all further proceedings in the case until the appeal should be tried ; therefore, the sentence of the Assembly declaring jMr. Craighead deposed, does not accord with the sentence of the Synod, which was suspension. ^ (c) From the above history of facts, your committee, while they entirely dissent from many of the opinions contained in jMr. Craighead's letter, and consider its publication befire it was presented to the Assembly indecorous and improper, are of opinion that he has just ground of complaint in regard to the proceedings of the General Assembly of 1811, in his case; and "that SEC. 74.] Craighead's case. ^^ the construction put upon the standing rule of the Assembly was not cor- rect; for personal attendance on the superior judicatory is not essential to the regular prosecution of an appeal. Moreover, the sentence of the As- sembly, being founded in error, ought to be considered null and void, and Mr. Craighead ought to be considered as placed in the same position as be- fore the decision took place, and as possessing the right to prosecute his ap- peal before this judicatory. § 76. The case again postponed. 1823, p. 150. The appeal of Mr. Craighead from a decision of the Synod of Kentucky was taken up, and being read, it appeared on inquiry that the Synod of Kentucky was not ready for trial, because Mr. Craighead had failed to give them notice that he intended to avail himself of the privilege granted by the last Assembly, by prosecuting his appeal; therefore 1. Resolved, That the further consideration of this appeal be postponed ; and that Mr. Craighead be informed, that if he wishes to prosecute his ap- peal before the next General Assembly, he must give notice of his inten- tion to the Synod of Kentucky. . 2. Resolved, That the Synod of Kentucky and the Presbytery of Tran- sylvania be directed, and they hereby are directed, to send up to the next Assembly a copy of their minutes in Mr. Craighead's case. § 77. The final decision in Craighead's case. 1824, p. 218. [By this Assembly the case was finally issued, and the following report of a committee adopted :] 1. The General Assembly are of opinion, that the conduct of Mr. Craig- head in preaching such a sermon, and in such circumstances, before the Synod of Kentucky, especially as he had been suspected by his brethren of holding erroneous opinTon^7^wis''Kiwyy-rcprelie1Jsible7 " ~* 2. Tlie General Assembly approve the conduct ?5f~the Synod in relation to this matter. While they were firm and zealous in maintaining what they believed to be the truth, they were, to an uncommon degree, respectful and affectionate in their manner of dealing with Mr. Craighead. As the sermon was delivered in their hearing, believing, as they did, that it contained dan- gerous error, they were bound to take notice of it, and express their opin- ion to the preacher. 3. But they cannot approve the conduct of Mr. Craighead when before the Synod. He indeed manifested a lofty and independent spirit, that would not be controlled by authority, and there was not exhibited a due re- spect for the Synod, as an acknowledged judicatory of the Church of Christ. His conduct was not respectful and conciliatory; which certainly wa-s a re- turn that their tenderness to him called for ; but it was. that of a bold and confident controvertist, who sets his opponents at defiance. 4. The publication of this sermon and defence by Mr. Craighead, after he had been so earnestly entreated by the Synod " not to offend against the doctrines of the Confession and the feelings of his Christian brethren," was even more reprehensible, as far as evidence is before us, than the first preaching of it. 5. The Presbytery of Transylvania, to which Mr. Craighead belonged, ill the faithful discharge of their duty, could not have connived at such con- duct. They acted properly, therefore, in calling upon Mr. Craighead to answer for this publication. Indeed they deserve much commendation for their watchfulness, zeal, and firmness, in promptly meeting an evil which threatened greatly to injure the welfare of the Church. And when it is considered, that the man with whom they had to deal was distinguished for G52 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. his learning and eloquence, reputable in his character and standing in socie- ty, and venerable for his age, it was a duty of no small difficulty and self- denial which they were called to perform. But they did not shrink from it. Therefore, whatever may have been their errors in the manner of con- ducting this business, or the errors of the Synod, it is the opinion of the General Assembly, that they performed their duty in difficult circumstances ; and that their whole proceedings were prompted by pure and conscientious motives. 6. It is not surprising, that in a case so new and difficult, some consid- erable errors in point of form should have occurred ; the principal of these, the (jreneral Assembly will now briefly point out. ( a ) There was a great deficiency in the charges preferred against Mr. Craighead as it relates to precision. All charges for heresy should be as definite as possible. The article, or articles of faith impugned, should be specified, and the words supposed to be heretical, shown to be in repugnance to these articles ; whether the reference is made directly to the Scriptures, as a standard of orthodoxy, or to the Confession of Faith, which our Church holds to be a summary of the doctrines of Scripture. But in none of the charges against Mr. Craighead is this done; and in two of them, (third and fourth,) it would be very difficult to say what articles of faith are supposed to be contravened in the errors charged on Mr. Craighead. And the last two charges appear to be so vague and indefinite as to be incapable of proof. In the fifth, Mr. Craighead is charged with perverting, &c., the sentiments of the preachers and writers in our connection. Now, in our connection, there are a multitude of preachers and writers differing by many shades of opinion from each other. How then can this be a just ground of accusa- tion ? In the sixth, he is charged with the false colouring of facts, &c. But no facts are established by evidence ; none are specified in the charge ; and to make it a just ground of accusation, it ought to have been a designed and malicious discolouring of the facts, &c. ( 6 ) In the progress of this case, the Presbytery proceeded regularly to cite the accused, once and again, and upon his not appearing, they pro- ceeded to the trial, and having gone through the evidence, they referred the whole to the Synod to adjudicate upon it, with the expression of their own opinion, that Mr. Craighead ought to be suspended. The Synod met immediately after Presbytery, and took up the case, and in concurrence with the opinion of the Presbytery, suspended Mr. Craighead from the gos- pel ministry. ( c ) In this proceeding, the General Assembly are of opinion, that there was too much haste. Mr. Craighead was not guilty of contumacy, for he wrote two letters to the Presbytery, excusing himself for non-attendance ; and if he had been guilty of contumacy, he ought to have been suspended on that ground. Perhaps no man ought to be tried on charges preferred, and to be supported by evidence, who is not present, without his own con- sent. A trial, in the nature of things, cannot be impartial, when there is but one party heard. And in this case no injury would have been sustained by delay, for the Synod might have pi'oceeded instantly to condemn the errors of Mr. Craighead's book, as the General Assembly did in the case of The Gospel Plan of W. C. Davis ; the process against the author, however, did not commence till some time afterwards. But, however this may be, the General Assembly think that the Synod were in too much haste. It was reasonable that Mr. Craighead should have been informed of this trans- fer of the cause to a higher tribunal. (icandalous ;" " that no opinion can be either more pernicious or more absurd, than that which brings truth and falsehood upon a level, and represents it as of no consequence what a man's opinions are ;" and that it is " ne- cessary to make effectual provision that all who are admitted as teachers be sound in the fait!) " Notwithstanding, however, the adoption and promulgation of the above, among other general principles, with all the care that has been taken, and all the means that have been employed fof their correct application, they are oftentimes evaded or violated by the ad- mission, into this Church, of Ministers who have not given that security which its consti- tution expressly dejiiands. Ord^iiaed Ministers of other denominations, with whom we are on terms of friendly correspondence, coining witli dismissions as ministers in good standing, are now by a number of oar Presbyteries reciivod, as a matter of course, with- out incurring those obligations by whicii we ourselves are bound ; nor does even the form of instalment provide for the omission. Tiiere is also aoundant reason to apprehend tliat tiie admission of such is becoming still more common; from which encouragement has been taken, even to require their reception as a privilege they have a right to demand. Although it is believed, that with every correct mind, the very act of uniting with an\' ciiurch constitutes a tacit adoption of its doctrine and discipline, and ought to be deemed prima facie evidence of the sentiments of the party bring in accordance with those of the body with which he unites; yet we are too well aware of the evasions which are often used on such subjects, as well as with facts which have transpired, not to see the absolute necessity of the most explicit avowdls,w\\exQ ministerial consistency, harmony, and sound- ness in the faith are so deeply involved. It cannot for a moment be sup])osed, that our ecclesiastical reputation, or even our strength, depends on or consists in the number of our adherents ; but, under the guardian care of our Church's Head, on our unity, purity, and piety. Where then shall we find a reason, or even an excuse, for the anomaly which now appears in the Presbyterian Church ? Here we see her sons, nurtured in her bosom, fostered by her care, and instructed in all her doctrines and rites of worship, /M.s^Zy re([uired, before entering into her ministry, by a public profession of their faith, to give a pledge of the purity of tlieir sentiments, and ihc correctness of those doctrines they are likely to inculcate ; while those wiio have been raised under the influence of otlier principles, forms, and prepossessions, are admitted without any such assurance. Surely, if an explicit and solemn guarantee be requisite from those who have been instructed in all the doctrines and forms of our ritual, much more is it necessary from those who are in a great degree strangers to us and to them. But if it is not proper nor necessary from the latter, then tiiey are right who would ex- terminate all creeds and confessions from the Church of God. We do not therefore affect to conceal our deep and growing concern, under the appre- hension of that danger to whicli our constitutional standards, ecclesiastical institutions, and doctrinal purity arc exposed, by receiving ministers of religion as constituent mem- bers of our juilicatories, and connnitting to tlieir government and instructions, our rising congregations, wlio have not incurred the same obligations by which their brethren have plighted their liiith. Although we can, without any dereliction of principle or reluctance of feeling, cherish the most frieiuily sentiments toward those who differ from us in many particulars, and cultivate a friendly intercourse with them ; we do not therefore believe, that either principle, prudence, or courtesy requires us to invest them with the direction of our ecclesiastical concerns; and the harmony, order, and beauty of tliis branch of the Zion of God imperiously forbid it. Indeed, wlien our judicatories shall have been in a great measure composed, as from the present practice may at no distant period be realized, of those who have not submitted to our regulations, do not feel our obligations, and whose attachment to our doctrines may frequently and justly be questioned; we may see our sciiools, our funds, and all our resources translirred toother hands, and emplo}'ed for other pur|)oscs than those for which they have been bestowed and accumulated, and we may in vaia regret the apatliy which has been indulged, while surrendering, inch by inch, tiie very foundation on which our ecclesiastical institutions are based. We are not indeed prepared to specify the precise number of those Ministers who may have been admitted into our Churcli in the manner already noticed ; but should the num ber be smaller, and the danger less than many apprehend, it is now the proper time to guard against their increase, while no inconvenience can result from tlie precaution. On 'OGJ HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. tliu coiitr.iry, sliould the number of those who have been so received be greater than others sii])j)i.se, ;ind should they feel a^r^^ricved by the adoption of a suitable remedy, it would only atfurd a more striking evidence that the danger is pressing, and thatthe prompt adoption and inuiicdiate application of such a remedy are the more imperiously required. Neither are we pnepared to believe, that any one, who has with good faith adopted our Confession and Discipline, wiH object to the act of subscription hereafter proposed, how- ever offensive it should be to tliose wlio might wish to evade its obligations, and for their own reasons, retain a regular standing in our Church. To guard, therefore, as far as practicable, against consequences of so serious a character as those to which we have adverted, the Synod of Pittsburgh respectfully, yet most ear- nestly, recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following, or some other adequate rule, for the more effectual application of the "general principles" avowed and published in the constitution of our Church, viz : Resolved, 1st. That it shall henceforth be the duty of every Presbytery under the care of this Assembly to keep a book in which shall be transcribed the obligations required of Ministers of this Church, at- their ordination ; which shall be subscribed in the following form, viz : I, A. B., do ex animo, adopt, receive and subscribe the above obligations as a just and true exliibition of my principles and faith, and do resolve and promise to exer- cise my ministry in conformity thereto. 2d. That every Minister of the Presbyterian Church shall be required to subscribe the above obligation, and that every individual who shall hereafter become a Minister of this Church, whether by ordination or admission from any other ecclesiastical body, shall, be- fore taking his seat in Presbytery, in like manner subscribe the same. 3d. Tiiat the books or catalogues thus formed, shall be annually submitted to the in- spection of the respective Synods, as the other minutes of Presbyteries are ; and the Sy- nods shall form the rolls of their members from the catalogues thus formed and laid before them. 4th. That as, in the opinion of this Assembly, no Minister of this Church who is not unfriendly to our doctrines and discipline will refuse to subscribe the above obligations, it is the manifest duty of all who cannot conscientiously enter into these engagements, peaceably to withdraw. Resolved, That the Stated Clerk of Synod forward a copy of this overture by some commissioner from the Presbytery of Ohio to the next General Assembly." — Minutes of the Synod of Pittsburgh, Oct. 18, 1826. § 84. The Congregational Boards set upon a level loith our oicn. 1829, p. 374. While the Assembly would affectionately solicit the co-op- eratioa of the Churches with its own Board of Missions ; yet, as many of our Churches have already united their efforts with the American Home Missionary Society, and the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions ; therefore. Resolved, as the sense of the Assembly, that the Churches should be left entirely to their own unbiassed and deliberate choice of the particular chan- nel through which their charities may flow forth to bless the perishing. 1833, p. 21. While the Assembly would thus commend its own Board of Education to the Churches under their care, yet, as many of our Churches have already united their efforts with other Education Societies ; therefore, Resolved, That the Churches and Presbyteries should be left to their own unbiassed and deliberate choice of the particular channel through which their charities shall be given in aid of this great department of be- nevolence. § 85. Proposed geographical division of the General Assembly. [The controversy in regard to the management of missions in the west, is developed in Book V. §§ 81, 85, 86. Probably this was the occasion of a memorial which came up in 1830, from the Presbytery of Cincinnati, proposing a geographical division of the Church, and the erection of a General Assembly of the y^esi.— Minutes, 1830, p. 16. In reply the following report was adopted :] 1830, p. 30. The committee recommend to this General Assembly, to dismiss the overture for the organization of a General Assembly in the west- ern country, for the following reasons : SEC. 83.] NEW SCHOOL. BARNES's FIRST TRIAL. G61 ' 1. In this land of liberty, where religion depends on moral influences, it appears to your committee to be a matter of very great importance, that all who agree in their views of fundamental Christian doctrine, government, and discipline, should be united in promoting their common principles and sus- taining common interests, and one General Assembly is surely best suited to form a bond of union for the whole Church. 2. In the prevalence of local feelings and sectional jealousies, there is reason to apprehend that the measure proposed might soon utterly destroy the unity of the Presbyterian Church, and form into two great rival and contending bodies those who ought ever to hold " the unity of the Spirit, in the bonds of peace." 3. From the geographical position of the Presbyterian Church, it appears to the committee, utterly impossible to form any division which would not subject both the eastern and western branches of the Church to the same evils which are now felt by this body ; and when once the measure of divi- sion is resorted to as a remedy for the evil, it is impossible to conjecture where such a measure will terminate. CHAPTER II. BAKNES'S FIRST TRIAL § 86. Mr. Barnes's removal to Philadelphia. [In the year 1830, a call was laid before the Presbytery of Philadelphia, from the First Presbyterian Church in that city to the Rev. Albert Barnes, then a member of the Pres- bytery of Elizabcthtown. The allowance of this call was resisted in the Presbj-tery, upon tlie ground of errors contained in a sermon recently published by him on " Tiie Way of Salvition." These objections were disreg-arded, the call was forwarded and accepted by Mr. Barnes. On the 18th of June a called meeting was had " for the purpose of consid- ering the reception of the Rev. Mr. Barnes, and to do wliat may be deemed proper in his installation." At this meeting,] " The Rev. Albert Barnes presented a certificate of dismission from the Presbytery of Eliziibethtowii, to join tlie Presbytery of Phiiadrlplii.i. The minutes of the Presbytery, at their last stated meeting, in relation to the case of the Rev. Albert Barnes, were then read. " It was then moved and seconded, that Mr. Barnes be received as a member of this Presbytery ; and after some discussion, it was moved [by Dr. Ely,] and seconded, that the motion now under discussion be postponed, tliat before deciding on it, any brother of the Presbytery, who may deem it necessary, may ask the Rev. Mr. Barnes such explanations of his doctrinal views as said brethren m;iy deem necessary." [This motion was rejected by Yeas 18, N:iys 20; and Mr. Barnes was received, by Yeas 30, Nays 16. Cliargcs were then formally tabled against Mr. Barnes, for unsoundness in the faith as a bar to tiie installation ; but the Moderator decided that they were out of order as new business at a. pro re nata meeting, and the Presbytery sustained the deci- sion and installed Mr. Barnes.] § 87. Action of the Synod on this case. [The minority complained of these proceedings to the Synod of Philadelphia, which after a full hearing of the parties, adopted the following resolutions:] " 1. Resolved, That the Presbytery of Philadelpliia, in not allowing the examination of Mr. Barnes, in connection with his printed Sermon, previously to his reception as a mem- ('iG2 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. be;- o ■ Presbytery, and especially before his installation as Pastor of the First Presbyte- rian C'lmrch, gave just ground of complaint to the minority." "2. Kt'solved, That tlic complainants be relirred back to tlie Presbytery of which they are members, witii an injunction to tliat Presbytery, to liear and decide on their objections to tlic ortliodo.xy of tlie sermon of Mr. Barnes, and to take such order on tlie whole sub- ject, as is required by a regard to the purity of tlie Church, and its acknowledged doc- trines and order." § 88. Presbytery's examination of Mr. Barnes's Sermon. [Under these instructions the Presbytery entered into an examination of Mr. Barnes's sermon, and the following minute, offered by Dr. Green, was read by paragraphs, dis- cussed, and adopted, viz:] " Tlie Presbytery of Piiiladclpliia, agreeably to the direction of the Synod at their recent meeting in Lancaster, having considered the sermon of tlie Rev. Albert B.irnes, entitled ' The Way of Salvation,' are of the opinion that it contains speculations of dan- gerous tendency on some ot' tlie principal points in Christian theology, and ought not therefore to be sanctioned as expressing that view of the great truths of God's word, which the Presbyterian Church has uniformly adopted, and which is exhibited in their author- ized Confession of Faith. •' In stating the doctrine of original sin, the authot employs a phraseology which is cal. culated to mislead, and which appears evidently to conflict with the spirit and letter of the standard of the Presbyterian Cimrch. " 1. He denies that the posterity of Adam are responsible or answerable for Adam's first sin, whicii lie committed as the federal head of liis race. Thus, p. 6, ' Christianity docs not charge on men crimes of which they are not guilty. It does not say, as I suppose, that tlie sinner is held to be personally answerable for the transgressions of Adam, or of any other man.' Although the word transgressions is here used plurally, yet it is evident from the whole tenor of this division of the discourse, that the prime sin of Adam, which constituted his apostasy from God, is meant. Again, he says, p. 7, ' Neither the facts, nor any proper inference from tlic facts affirm, that I am in either case personally responsible for what another man (referring to Adam) did before I had an existence.' And he ex- plicitly declares that if God had charged upon mankind such a responsibility, it would have been clearly unjust, vide p. 6. The doctrine of res]>onsibility here impugned is clearly expressed. Confession of Faith, chap. vi. 6. — 'Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of tlie righteous law of God and contrary thereunto, dotii in its own nature bring guilt upon the sinner, whereby he is bound over to the wratli of God and curse of the law, and so made subject to death, witli all miseries spiritual, temporal, and eternal.' y " 2. In accordance with the above doctrine, that mankind are not responsible for Adam's sin, he aflirms, p. 7, tiiat ' Christianity affirms the fact, that in connection with the sin of Adam, or as a result, all moral agents will sin, and sinning will die.' And tlien proceeds to explain the principle upon which the uiiivers:;lity of sin is to be accounted for, by re- presenting it to be the result of Adam's sin, in the same sense as tlie misery of a drunk- ard's family is the result of his intemperance. Here it would seem, the author maintiiins that the same relationship subsists between every man and his family, as subsisted between Adam and his posterity ; tliat the same principle of moral government applies to both cases alike, or in other words, that mankind hold no other relationship to Adam, than that of children to a natural progenitor. The public federal or representative character of Adam is thus denied, contrary to the explicit statement in the answer to the 22d question of Larger Catecliisin : 'Tlie covenant l)eing made with Adam as a public person, not for himself only, but for his posterity ; all mankind descending from him by ordinary gene- ration sinned in him, and fell with him in tliat first transgression.' " 3. He declares, p. 7, that ' the notion of imputitig sin is an invention of modern times,' contrary to Confession of Faith, chnp. vi. 3. ' Tlie.y being the root of all mankind, the guilt of tills sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity, descending from tliein by ordinary generation.' "4. In p 5, lie admits that his language on the subject of original sin differs from that used b}' tiie Contission of Faith on tlie same subject, and then accounts for this difference on tile ground of the difficulty of affixing any clear and definite meaning to tlie cxpres- siun 'we sinned in liim and (ell witli him.' This expression he considers, as far as it is cap^ible of interpretation, as 'intended to convey the idea, not tiiat the sin of Adam is imputed to us, or set over to our account, but that there was a personal identity constitu- ted between Aihim and his |)os1erity, so tliat it was really our act, and ours only, after all that IS cliargcable on us.' The wliole of this statement is exceedingly incautious and im- proper. Tiie language of the Contession of Faith on one of the cardinal doctrines is iield up as obscure and unintelligible, or, if jiossessing any meaning, as expres.«ing an absurd- ity. The Iramers of this confession are charged witli the absurdity of maintaining the SKC. 87.] NEW SCHOOL. UARNES's FIRST TRIAL. 663 personal identity between Adam and his posterity, wlieu tlieir languag-e conveys no more tl.an a tederiil or rei)reseiitative relationship. Tliis wliole view ot'tlie doctrine of original sin, is, in the opinion of Presbytery, obscure, perplexed, fruitful of dangerous consequences, and, therefore, censurable. " Tlie statements of this sermon on the doctrine of atonement, are also in the opinion of Presbytery, in some important features, erroneous, and contrary to the orthodox views. " 1. At p. 11, he says, 'The atonement was for all men. It was an offering made for the race. It had not respect so much to individuals, as to the law and perfections of God. It was an opening of the way of pardon, a making forgiveness consistent, a pre- serving of truth, a magniiying of tlie law, and had no particular reference to any class of men.' "Here it is denied that the atonement had any special relation to the elect, which it had not also to the non-elect. But if it be true that the atonement offered by Christ, had no ' respect to individuals,' ' no particular relerence to any class of men,' upon what princi- ple can it be regarded as a satisfaction to divine justice for the sins of men ? or in what proper sense can Christ be considered as a vicarious sacrifice ? Unless the atonement be a satisfaction for tlie sins of individuals, upon what principle can it open the way of pardon, make forgiveness consistent, preserve truth, or magnify the law ? The special reference of the atonement to a chosen people in opposition to this view is taught, (Confession of Faitii, cliiip. viii. 5 : 'The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he, through the Eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father, and purchased not only reconciliation but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of Heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.' Again, in answer to question 44 in Larger Catecliism, 'Christ executeth the office of a Priest in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people,' &,c. "2. At p. 11, he says, 'The atonement, of itself, secured the salvation of no one;' and again, 'The atonement secured the salvation of no one, except that God had promised iiis Son that he should see of the travail of his soul, and except on the condition of repent- ance and faith.' This language is incautious and calculated to mislead, as it seems to im- ply that the atonement of itself does not secure its own application, and tlierefore may by possibility fail in its design. It is improper to suspend its efficacy upon conditions, when the conditions themselves are the results of its efficacy ; see Confession of Faith, cliap. viii. 8, ' To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them in and by the word the mysteries of salvation ; effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey,' &c. " 3. At p. 10, he unequivocally denies that Christ endured the penalty of the law. ' He did not indeed endure the penalty of the law, for his sufferings were not eternal, nor did he endure remorse of conscience ; but he endured so much suffering, bore so much agony, that the Father was pleased to accept of it in the place of the eternal torments of all that should be saved.' Here it seems to be inculcated that Christ did not satisfy the precise claims which a violated law had upon the sinner, but that he did what might be consid- ered a substitute for such satisfaction ; or it is implied that God remitted or waived the original claim and accepted of something less. And that this is the sentiment of the autlior, is evident from his language, p. 11, 'Christ's sufferings were severe, more severe than those of any mortal before or since ; but they bore, so far as we can see, only a very distant resemblance to the pains of hell, the proper penalty of the law. Nor is it possible to Conceive that the sufferings of a few hours, however severe, could equal pains, though far less intense, eternally prolonged ; still less that the sufferings of human nature in a single instance, for the divine nature could not suffer, should be equal to the eternal pain of many millions.' Here it is affirmed that Christ was not capable of enduring that pen- alty which the justice of God had exacted of the sinner, that his sufferings bore a very distant resemblance to it, and by consequence that the penalty of the law has been eitlier relaxed or is yet unpaid, and that the justice of God has waived its original demand or is yet unsatisfied. " The whole of this language seems derogatory to Christ as an all-sufficient Redeemer; it judges of the human nature of Christ as if it were a common human nature, it leaves out of view the infinite support whicli the divine nature was capable of imparting to the human nature of Christ, and is very different from the view of this subject given by the framers of our standards in the answer to the 38th question of Larger Catechism, " It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God and the power of death ; give worth and etficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and intercession ; and to satisfy God's justice, &.C., &LC. " In discoursing on human ability the sermon contains expressions which do not seem 6G4 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. to be well judg^ed. In p. 14, it is said, ' It is not to any want of physical strciio;th that this rejection is owing, lor men liave power enough in themselves to hate botli God and their fellow men, and it requires less physical power to love God than to hate liini ;' and on the same page he represents man's inability as solely in the will; and on p. 30, that men are not .-^aved simply because they ivill not be saved. Here physical ability is re- presented as competent to the pcrfiirmance of a moral action, which is an improper appli- cation of terms ; and human inability as resulting merely from the will, and not from total depravity, which is contrary to Confession of Faith, chap. vi. 4 : ' From this original cor- ruption, whereby we are totally indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and ' wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all actual transgressions;' and Confession of Faith, chap. ix. 3, 'Man by his fall into a state of sin, has wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation, so, as a natural man being altogether averse from that wliich is good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself^ or prepare himself thereunto.' " Still further, the language of the sermon, on the subject of conformity to the standards of the Church, if sanctioned, would give to every individual, after adopting these standards, the liberty of dissenting from them as much, and as often as he might desire. Thus p. 6, he says, ' It is not denied that this language varies from the statements which are often made on this subject, and from the opinion which has been entertained by many. And, it is admitted, that it does not accord with that used on the same subject in the Confes- sion of Faith, and other standards of doctrine,' And again, p. 12, 'The great principle on which the author supposes the truths of religion are to be preached, and on which he endeavours to act is, that the Bible is to be interpreted by all the honest helps witliin the rtach of the preacher, and then proclaimed as it is, let it lead where it will, within, or without the circumference of any arrangement of doctrines. He is supposed to be respon- sible not at all for its impinging on any theological system ; nor is lie to be cramped by any frame- work of faith that has been reared around the Bible.' This language would seem to imply, that an individual may enter the bosom of a Church by a public reception of its creed, and continue in the communion of that Church, although he should subse- quently discover, that its creed was not founded on the word of God. Whilst the liberty of every man to accept or reject any particular creed, is fully acknowledged by this Pres- bytery, yet, they do deny, that any Minister, whilst he remains in the communion of the Presbyterian Church, has a right to impugn its creed, or to make a public declaration that he is not bound by its authority. " In fine, a whole view of this discourse seems to Warrant the belief, that the grand and fundamental doctrine of justification, as held by the Protestajit Reformers, and taugiit clearly and abundantly in the standards of the Presbyterian Church is really not held, but denied in this sermon. For the imputation of Adam's sin is denied ; and the endur- ance of the penalty of the law by Clirist is denied; and any special reference of the atonement to the elect of God is denied ; and the righteousness of Christ, as the meritorious ground of our acquittal and acceptance with God, is not once mentioned, although the text ol'the discourse naturally points to the d(jctrines; and when it is considered that the imputation of Adam's first sin to his posterity, and the imputation of the sins of God's people to their surety Saviour, and the imputation of his finished righteousness to them, do all rest upon the same ground, and must all stand or fall together ; and that it has been found in fact, that those who deny one of tliese, do generally deny the whole, and to be consistent, must necessarily do so, it is no forced conclusion, but one which seems inevi- table, that the sermon does really reject the doctrine of justification as held by the Re- formers, and as taught iu our Confession of Faith and Catechisms ; that it does not teach, as the answer to the question on justification in our Shorter Catechism asserts, that 'Jus- tification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ, imputed to us, and re- ceived by faith alone.' " It is not satisfactory, that the sermon says, that ' Christ died in the place of sinners ;' that it speaks of 'the rt)erits of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ' — of ' the love of Christ,' of ' putting on the Lord .lesus Clirist,' of 'being willing to drop into the hands of Jesus, and to be saved by his merit alone,' of God 'sprinkling on the soul the blood of Jesus, and freely pardoning all its sins;' since this language may be used, and is actually used by some who explicitly deny that Christ took the law place of sinners, bore the curse of God's law in their room and stead, and that they are saved only by the imputa- tion to them of his i)erf<'Ct righteousness. " On the whole, the Presbytery express their deep regret, that Mr. Barnes should have preaciied and published a discourse so highly objectionable, and so manifestly, in some Df its leading points, opjiosed to the doctrines of the Confession of Faith and Catechisms )f the Presl)yterian Chuich ; tiiey earnestly recommend to Mr. Barnes, to reconsider and renounce the erroneous matter contained in his printed sermon, as specified in the fore- going decisions of Presbytery ; and with a view to afford time to Mr. Barnes for reflection SEC. 88.] NEW SCHOOL. — B.4RNES's FIRST TRIAL. 665 and reconsideration, in reference to the errors of his sermon, and for opportunity for such of tlie brethren as may choose to converse freely witli him on the subject, the Presbytery do suspend their final decision on tiie case, until tiie ne.xt stated meeting.' ^^ Resolved, That Dr. Green, Mr. MeCalla, and Mr. Latta, be a committee to wait on Mr. Barnes to communicate to him the result of the deliberations of this Presbytery in the examination of his sermon, and to converse with him freely and affectionately on the points excepted to in that sermon ; in the hope and expectation, that the interview will result in removing or diminishing the difficulties which have arisen in his case ; and that they report at the next meeting of Presbytery." [When this committee waited on Mr. Barnes he informed them that he considered the whole proceeding unconstitutional, and therefore refused to hear them in performance of their appointment.] § 89. Reference of the case to the General Assemhly. Under these circumstances the Presbytery adopted the following Minute :] " Resolved, That the whole of the proceedings, from first to last, of this Presbytery, in the case of the Rev. Albert Barnes, be carried by reference to the next General Assembly ; and that that judicatory be, and it hereby is respectfully and earnestly requested to adju- dicate upon, and finally to issue the same, in such manner as, in its wisdom, it shall judge to be most conducive to the purity and peace of the Church, and to the promotioa of the glory of God. " And whereas, in considering and acting on the case of Mr. Barnes, in this Presbytery, a serious and unhappy difference of opinion has arisen, as well in regard to various ques- tions of constitutional order, as in relation to doctrinal orthodoxy ; and considering more- over, that tlie subjects which have occasioned controversy and division in this Presbytery, may and do produce the like lamentable effects in other Presbyteries, so that it has be- come a concern of deep interest to the whole Presbyterian Church, that a correct course of procedure in relation to these subjects should be clearly ascertained, and distinctly de- lineated ; therefore it is further, " Resolved, That this Presbytery, agreeably to a • constitutional privilege, do hereby most respectfully and earnestly entreat the supreme judicatory of our Church, however it may be thought that some of the points, hereafter specified, have already been settled by the constitution of the Church and the decisions of the General Assembly, to express an. unequivocal opinion on the subjects embraced by the following inquiries, viz: " 1. Whether it follows as a matter of course, and of constitutional right, when any member in good and regular standing with one Presbytery, presents to another Presby- tery unquestionable evidence of such standing, and requests to be admitted as a member of this latter Presbytery, that he must be received without further question or inquiry ? Or whether, on the contrary, it is not the privilege of every Presbytery to judge, primarily, of the qualifications of cacli and all of its own members; and to inquire and examine, if it be deemed proper so to do, not only into their moral character, but into their soundness in the faith and other ministerial qualifications ; and receive applicants, or refuse to re- ceive them, according as reception or rejection may appear to the Presbytery to be de- manded, by a regard to its own welfare, and to the purity and peace of the Church ; it being understood that every decision of a Presbytery in such cases, is subject to be ap- pealed from or complained of, to a higlier judicatory, by any individual wiio may con- sider himself to have been aggrieved or injured ; and tiie Presbytery to be liable to have it.s doings in such cases reversed and censured, provided that on ajjpeal or complaint, or any other review of its proceedings by a iiiglier judicatory, such Presbytery shall be found to liave acted oppressively, capriciously, partially, or erroneously. " 2. Whether, by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Clmrch, it is not competent to any Presbytery, to take up and examine any printed publication, and to pronounce it to be erroneous or dangerous, if so they find it, without in the first place commencing a formal prosecution of tlie author, even supposing it to be known and admitted that the author is a member of its own body: or whether a Presbytery in every such case, must, when disposed to act on the same, forthwith commence a formal prosecution of the author of the publication which is believed to contain erroneous and dangerous opinions, or doctrines. "3. Whether, when a case is in process before a Presbytery, a party implicated, or his friends in his behalf', can by objecting to the process as unconstitutional, or to the manner in which it is conducted as irregular, and by taking an appeal, on both or either of these grounds, to a higlier judicatory, stay the [irocess of the Presb^'tery, till the constitutional question or that of order shall liave been decided by the higher judicatory: or wliethcr a Presbytery fully satisfied tliatbotii tlie process conniienced, and the manner in which it is conductcd,*are clearly constitutional and orderly, may not proceed with tlie party to whom the process relates, although such party or his friends, may object to the measures as un- 84 666 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. constitutional and disorderly, and express a desire to appeal from it to a higher judicatory , it being understood and admitted, that when the process is tcrminatod, it is tlie unques tiondblo right of any party to take an appeal, or make a complaint to a higher judicatory and seek a reversal of the whole proceedings believed by tlie appealing or complaining party to be unconstitutional or disorderly. " 4. Do tlie doctrinal standards of the Presbyterian Church embrace the Larger and Siiorter Catechisms, as integral and essential parts of the same; or is that which i? entitled " The Confession of Faith," in the book containing our standards, to be eonsid cred as alone obligatory; so that in taking his ordination vows, a Minister in the Presby tcrian Church, atter solcnmly professing " sincerely to receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of this Church," is still at liberty to object to, and reject, certain parts of the Catechisms, without any implication of his sincerity or orthodoxy? "5, Whether in tlie judgment of the General Assembly, the objectionable points of doctrine, found by this Presbytery in the printed sermon of the Rev. Albert Barnes, en- titled " The Way of Salvation," as expressed in their Minutes, of December last, have been truly and justly found. If the finding of the Presbytery has been erroneous, it is iiumbly requested that the errors may be pointed out; and if the Assembly decide that the Presl)ytery are to act furtlicr in this important case, that the manner in which their proceedings ought to be conducted and issued may be distinctly indicated." [The reference was accompanied with complaints on the part of the minority against the action of the Presbytery in all its stages.] § 90. Actio7i of the General Assembly/. 1831, p. 176. The whole proceedings of the Presbytery in the case com- plained of, and the printed sermon of Mr. Barnes, entitled " The Way of Salvation," which led to these proceedings, were read. * * * The consideration of the complaint of the minority of the Presbytery of Philadelphia was resumed, and the complaint was read. The parties then agreed to submit the case to the Assembly without argument, when it was resolved to refer the whole case to a select committee. Dr. Miller,. Dr. Mat- thews, Dr. Lansing, Dr. Fisk, Dr. Spring, Dr, John McDowell, Mr. Bacon, [Delegate from the Connecticut Associa'tion,] Mr. Ross, Mr. E. White, Mr. Jessup, and Mr. Napier, were appointed this committee. p. 180 [Their report was adopted, viz :] That after bestowing on the case the most deliberate and serious consideration, the committee are of opinion that it is neither necessary nor for edification, to go into discussion of all the various and minute details which are comprehended in the documents relating to this case. For the purpose, however, of bringing the matter in contro- versy, as far as possible, to a regular and satisfactory issue, they would recom- mend to the Assembly the adoption of the following resolutions: 1. Resolved, That the General A.ssembly, while it appreciates the consci- entious zeal for the purity of the Church, by which the Presbytery of Phila- delpliia is believed to have been actuated in its proceedings in the cas-e of Mr. liariies ; and while it judges that the sermon by Mr. Barnes, entitled " The Way of Salvation," contains a number of unguarded and objectionable passages ; yet it is of the opinion that, especially after the explanations which were given by him of those passages, the Presbytery ought to have suffered the whole to pass without further notice. 2. Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly, the Presbytery of Philadelphia ought to suspend all further proceedings in the case of Mr. Barnes. 3. Resolved, That it will be expedient, as soon as the regular steps can be taken, to divide the Presbytery in such way as will be best calculated to promote the peace of the Ministers and Churches belonging to the Presby- tery. With respect to the abstract points proposed to the Assembly for their de- cision, in the reference of the Presbytery, the committee are of the opinion, that if they be answered, they had better be discussed and decided in thesi, separate from the case of Mr. Barnes. JJEC. 89.] NEW SCHOOL. — " ELECTIVE AFFINITY" COURTS. 667 CHAPTER III. "ELECTIVE AFFINITY" COURTS ERECTED. § 91. Erection of the Elective Affinity Preshytery, [Tlic third resolution upon the issue of the trial of Mr. Barnes, declared the mind of the Assembly th;it a new Presbytery should be erected in which the doctrines held by Mr. Barnes might be uiiniolistcd In accordance with this sug^g-estion a memorial was laid before the Synod of Philadelphia, requesting that a Second Presbytery should be consti- tnted so as to contain the Rev. Messrs. McAuliy, Ely, Barnes, Hoover, Eustice Scott D.isliiel, John Smith, Bacon, Skinner, Patterson, Sanlbrd, Belville, Boyd, Steel, Chandler, Judson, Hotchkiss, Ncill, Grant, Bertron, Nassau, and Moore. Tiic Synod declined granting the petition, whereupon a complaint was carried up to the Assembly. Tiic complaint was accompanied by a petition from the same parties praying for an entirely different division, based on an enumeration of thirteen names, instead of the twenty-three above stated. The complaint was sustained. Mr. R. J. Brtckinridcre then moved that " Whereas the com[)laint had been sustained, and the petition before tlie House was not the petition which had been before the Synod of Philadelphia, therefore the Synod should take their seats, aud vote on the remaining clause of the motion before the house. This and similar motions which were made at different stages of the pro- ceedings, were rejected, and the following minute adopted :] 18.S2, p. 320. 1. i?e*vj/i-er/, That the complaint be sustained, without casting censure on the Synod of Philadelphia; and that the prayer of the petitioners be fjjranted. 2. Resolved, That the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia hereby erected shall consist of the Rev. Messrs. Ezra Stiles Ely, D. D., Thomas McAuley, D. D., James Patterson, Thomas PI. Skinner, D. D., Albert Barnes, John L! Grant, Alfred II. Dashiel, John W. Scott, Thomas Eustace, George Chand- ler, William Bacon, Albert Judson, Samuel R. Bertron, and John Smith • with one Ruling Elder, from each of the following Churches, viz: the First Third, Fifth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Churches in Philadelphia; the First Church in the Northern Liberties; the First Church in Southwark • the Churches of Ashton and Rockland ; the Church in Kensington ; the Church in Reading; the First African Church in Reading, and the second African Church in Philadelphia; which Churches are hereby declared to be under the watch and care of said Second Presbytery ; but if the Sessions of any of these Churches prefer to continue their present connection with the ex- isting Presbytery of Philadelphia, they may be allowed to do so ; and shall not be compelled against their wishes to be attached to the New Presbytery : and that said Presbytery is hereby directed to meet in the Fifth Presbyte- rian Church in this city, [Philadelphia,] on the Wednesday immediately following the rising of this Assembly, at 10 o'clock, iV. M., then and there to be constituted with prayer by the oldest Minister present, who shall pre- side until a new Moderator is chosen. .3. Resolcrd, That said Second Presbytery of Philadelphia is hereby de- clared to belong to the Synod of Philadelphia, and is attached to the same as an integral part thereof- [Ayes, 158, Nays, 83.] 668 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. § 92. This Freahytery restored after dissolution. [The Synod of Philatlel])lua, having in 1833 reunited the two Presbyteries of Phila- delphia, and divided tlicm into two by geographical lines, an appeal was taken.] 1S34, p. 17. Resolved, 1. That the appeal and complaint of the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia against the Synod of Philadelphia be, and the same are hereby sustained ; and the act of said Synod, so far as it was in- tended to unite the said Second Presbytery with the Presbytery of Phila- delphia, is hereby declared void. 2. That this resolution shall not be so construed as to aifect the integrity of the Presbytery which was constituted under the order of the Synod of Philadelphia in November last ; but the same is hereby recognized as a con- stituent part of the Synod of Philadelphia. The Assembly however re- commend to the Synod to change the name of said Presbytery. § 93. Protest against this restoration. 1834, p. 32. The subscribers dissenting from the judgment of this As- sembly in the case of the complaint and appeal of the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, hereby embrace their constitutional right to protest, and to assign their reasons on the minutes of the house. '' 1. We believe the power exercised by the General Assembly of 1832, and now re-exercised by this Assembly, to form a Presbytery within the bounds of the Synod, and against her decision, is without foundation in our Form of Church Government. " In the constitutional distribution of powers and checks, and designation of rights and duties, among the several judicatories of the Church, the power to ' erect new Presbyteries, and unite or divide those which were before erected,' (Form of Government, Chap. xi. Sec. 4.,) is distinctly and exclusively secured to Synods. And the practice of the General Assembly from the establishment of this body, till the present, has been, we believe, in accordance with these views. The principle assumed by the majority in this body, and recognized by the Assembly in the above decision, and on which the appellants rest their plea, that the duty ' of superintending the concerns of the whole Church,' (Form of Government, Chap. xii. Sec. 5,) invests the Assembly with all powers necessary to accomplish that object, at her own discretion, tends to abolish the constitutional rights of Synods, Presbyteries, and church Sessions ; to confound and contravene those origi- nal and essential principles of ecclesiastical government and order, which constitute and characterize the Presbyterian Church. " 2. While we disapprove the act performed by the Assembly as being unconstitutional, we solemnly protest against the practice, whether by the Assembly or Synods, of forming Presbyteries on the principle of elective affinity, distinctly avowed, and recognized as the basis of this act, being fully persuaded that the tendency of this principle will be to impair the standards of our Church, to open a duor to error, and to violate the purity, good order, and peace of the Church. Loyal Young, J. P. Vandyke, Alexander McFarlane, Jacob Coon, Wm. Wylie, James Scott, Daniel L. Russell, Simeon H. Crane, William Wal- lace, Cyrenius Beers, A. D. Hepburn, S. McFerren, B. F. Spilman, W. A. Gr. Posey, Isaac V. Brown, Samuel Boyd, William L. Breckinridge, Francis McFarland, William Sickles, E. H. Snowden, H. Campbell, A. Bayless, J. W. Scott, Robert Love, William McCombs, D. R. Preston, J. N. Candee, ]?enjamin McDowell, Alexander A. Campbell, George Mar- shall, Oscar Harris, James McFerren, William Craig, James Remington, . George Morris, James Carnahan, James Blake, Williamson Dunn. I approve and assent to the protest as set forth in the first part. J. Clark" SEC. 92.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1834. 669 § 94. Answer to the protest. Ihid. p. 38. In answer to the first specification of the protest, the Assem- bly reply :— 1. That the Form of Government vests in the General Assembly the power of " deciding in all controversies respecting doctrine and discipline ;" and to " issue all appeals and references brought before them from the infe- rior judicatories." See Form of Government, Chap. xii. Sec. 5 Now as the fjucstion, as to the erection and existence of the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, came regularly before the Assemblies of 1832, and 1834, by appeal and complaint, from the lower judicatories, the said Assemblies not only had a right to " decide" finally, but were imperiously called upon to " issue" the case. 2. The Minutes of the General Assembly for 1794, 1802, 1805, and 1826, show that the Assembly has in extraordinary cases claimed and exercised the right of organizing new Presbyteries, and such Presbyteries have always been regarded as regularly and constitutionally organized. 3. The Form of Government vests the right of deciding questions of con- stitutional law, not in the Synods, but in the General Assembly, consequently if it be proved, which is not the fact, that the General Assembly had ex- ceeded their powers in organizing the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, it would by no means follow that the Synod of Philadelphia had authority to rejudge and disannul the solemn acts of the highest judicatory of the Church. In this view of the subject the General Assembly were bound to sustain the appeal and complaint of the Second Presbytery, from respect to the grave decision of former Assemblies, as well as from regard to the rights of the complainants. 4. In regard to the existence of two or more Presbyteries on the same ground, the Assembly have already expressed their opinion. For sixteen years, in the city of New York, Presbyteries have existed on this principle without those evil results anticipated by the protestants ; yet here the As- sembly would repeat what they have elsewhere said with more solemnity, that " except in extraordinary cases, Presbyteries should be formed with geographical limits." § 95. Erection of the Synod of Delaware. 1834, p. 37. Resolved, That the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, and the Presbyteries of Wilmington and Lewes be, and the same are hereby, erected into a new Synod, to be called the Synod of Delaware. [The Second Presbytery of Philadelphia had 22 Ministers, Wilmington 10, and Lewes 6 ; so that a controlling majority of the whole Synod, was in the elective affinity Presbytery. The other Presbyteries, however, assimi- lated with it in sentiments.] 670 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. ("BOOK VII. CHAPTEE TY. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1834. § 96. The Western Memorial. •' To tlic Moderator and Members of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ii. the United States, to meet in the city of Philadelphia, on the 15th of May, 1834 : " Reverend Fathers and Brethren, — We, the subscribers, Ministers and Elders of the Presbyterian Church, respectfully present to you tliis our memorial, praying you to take into your most serious consideration, the subjects to which it asks your attention. ( a ) " It would be inconsistent with the opinion which we entertain of the intelligence of your reverend body, to offer any proof of what is too lamentably notorious, that from sundry causes, our once united and harmonious Church, for some time past, has been afflicted with alienations, strifes, and divisions. These evils have greatly disturbed the peace of our Zion, paralyzed its strength, and exposed it to reproach ; and notwithstand- ing the efforts which have been made to arrest their progress, nothing satisfactory has been accomplished. It is the deliberate opinion of your memorialists, that these evils and their causes, are so deeply rooted and so widely spread, that unless speedy and decisive measures are adopted for their removal, divisions and separations of a more distressing and permanent character must inevitably ensue. To prevent, if it be tlie will of God, an issue so much to be deprecated, your memorialists call upon your reverend body, as the supreme judicatory of tlie Presbyterian Ciiurc]i,to exercise your constitutional powers of 'deciding in all controversies in doctrine and discipline — of reproving, warning, or bearing testi- mony against error in doctrine, or immorality in practice, in any Ciiurch, Presbytery, or Synod — and of suppressing sehismatical contentions and disputations.' " Plainly as the path is marked out in our excellent Constitution, it is with grief that we feel constrained to say, that for some years past a policy of an evasive cliaracter has distinguislied many of the proceedings of the General Assemblies, as also a number of inlerior judicatories, wherein they have, apparently at least, sought to avoid a prompt dis- charge of tlieir constitutional duties, and have substituted a course of procedure unknown and repugnant to the prescribed order of our form of government. Although this has been applauded as a policy wisely calculated to prevent evils and preserve peace, yet we are compelled to view it in a different light, and as indicating that there is a widely spread principle of evil operating in the Presbyterian Church, to the general change of its form of government, and the character of its creed. lb) " We feel alarmed at the evidences which press upon us, of the prevalence of un- soundness in doctrine, and laxity in discipline; and we view it as an aggravating consid- eration, that the General Assembly, the constitutional guardian of the Church's purity, even wlien a knowledge of such evils has been brought before it, in an orderly manner, has, within a few years past, either directly or indirectly refused to apply tlie constitu- tional remedy. Appeals, references, complaints, and memorials, from individuals. Pres- byteries, and Synods, Jiavc been dismissed on some slight grounds, perhaps not noticed at all, or merged in some compromise which aggravated the evils intended to be removed. But that your reverend body may be convinced of the justice of our complaints on these subjects, we shall come to particulars, and present distinctly to your consideration cert.in acts and proceedings, in our opinion unsound and unconstitutional in themselves; son,e of which have been the precursors and inlets of other evils. " That we may not be misunderstood, we premise here oi^r free admission, tliat some of the nieasures about to be compbiined of, were adopted at the time with the l)cst intention.s, and it the results could have been foreseen by the autliors of those measures, they would never have been carried into effect. ( c ) " I. We believe tliis to have been particularly the case with regard to the ♦ Plan of Union' with Congregational Churches, adopted in 1801. A careful comparison of that plan, with the Constitution of our Churcli, will make it evident, that tlie General Assem- bly of 1801, in adopting it, assumed power nowliere assigned to them in the constitution. SEC. 96.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1834. 671 They established an ccclcsiastic;il tribunal for the government of a part of tlic Presbyterian Cliurch, such as is not acknowledged by the constitution, and is plainly re|)ugiiant to it. We allude to the ' Mutuul Council' recognized in thai I'lan. In tile same act tlie As- sembly also granted the powers and privileges of Ruling Elders to ' Comuiiltee-men,' which was contrary both to the spirit and letter of the constitution, as is now generally conceded. But a ' mutual council' as an ecclesiastical court for Presbyterians, is, if possible, more evidently unconstitutional than the powers of committee-men. Without dwelling on the details of tlie ' plan,' we merely pkee in opposition to the whole of it, chap. xii. sec. 6, of our Form of Government, viz : ' Before any overtures or regulations proposed by the Assembly to be establislied as constitulional rules, shall be obliu-atory on the churclies, it shall be necessary to transmit them to all the Presbyteries, and to receive tiie returns of at least a majority of them, in writing, approving thereof.' Tliis provision ot' our constitution was not attended to then, nor at any subsequent period ; and still the '|)lan' is in force, and acted upon, to the annoyance and injury, both of the purity and of the peace of the Presbyterian Church. "In the original adoption of this measure, it was intended for application in those 'new settlements,' the inhabitants of whicii literally consisted of Presbyterians and Congrega- tionalists ; and had the ' plan' been strictly confined in its operations to its first and only object, tlie evils resulting Irom it would have been less, although its unconstitutional cliarac- ter would not have l)een changed. For a short period, it was probably thus limited to its primary object; but as tlie whole plan was a real departure from Presbyterian principles, it was soon found convenient to apply it to congregations where there was not a single Presbyterian, and to others where tliere was but a solitary individual or two of tliat deno- uiiriation. A little further extension of the plan led to the formation of entire Presbyte- ries, consisting of Congregationalists, in wiiich neither the Ministers adopted our Confes- sion of Faitli, nor the C'ongregations our Form of Government. Although remaining strictly Congregational, yet they appointed committee-men to represent them, and to de- liberate and vote in Presbyteries, Synods, and General Assemblies. The Western Reserve Synod, with its Presbyteries and Churclies, strongly testified to the truth of these state- iiKiits. A larger proportion of the Cliurches in that Synod are, or very recently were, rr.iUy and truly Congregational, in principle and practice ; and we fear that the same is true, of nearly as large a proportion of the Ministers. W^e could refer to other Presbyte- ries in tlie East, North, and West, almost in the same circumstances, exhibiting the same practical results. This want of conformity to Presbyterianism, is defended and justified by an appeal to the terms of the ' Plan of Union.' This course of things was, at first overlooked, and then connived at, until the leaven so fermented the whole mass, as in a great degree to change the tone and character of Presbyterianism. {d) "II. Closely connected with the influence of Congregational prepossessions and principles introduced gradually into our Church, we regard the existence of a sentiment now avowed by numbers who bear the Presbyterian name, that every man in professing to receive and adopt our ecclesiastical formularies, has a right to put thereon his own con- struction, without being responsible for the construction, or the character of his explana- tions. They who hold this principle, practise accordingly ; and thus an unnatural mix- ture of Conflicting elements is brought into the bosom of tlie Church, unfavourable alike to its purity and peace. ( e) " III. We next notice another course of unconstitutional proceedings, which adds to the evils that now afflict us. We refer to the practice of Presbyteries in ordaining men, sine titulo, to preach and administer the ordinances of the gospel, in other parts of the Presbyterian Church, where Presbyteries already exist, and are ready to perform their constitutional functions, as the necessities of the Churches under their care require. There is also just ground to suspect, that in many cases of such ordination, it is done to suit the convenience of men who are not prepared to pass tlirough the constitutional ordeal wiicn applied by those Presbyteries, within whose bounds they expect to labour, eitlier on account of their lack of ministerial furniture, or because tliey do not cordially receive, eitlier our Creed, or Form of Government; hence, they prefer to receive licensure and or- dination in such Presbyteries as are known, or supposed to be, not particular on these points. " Especially do wc complain of, and testify against, what has more than once occurred during the last few years, viz: the ordaining of six, eight, or ten young men at a time, most of them just licensed, who have been reared up from infancy to manhood, in Con- gregational views, feelings, and habits, and who are thus suddenly, nominally, and geo- graphically converted into Presbyterian Ministers, before it was possible, in the nature of things, that they could have clear and just views of Presbyterianism. For where could tliey acquire them? Certainly not in tlie Congregational Churches, in which they were trained up; and not in Congregational Theological Schools; for in them no provision is made for expounding the Doctrines of the Presbyterian Confession of Faith and Form of Government. The fact is, that, every year, numbers of these Congregationalists come 672 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. directly into Presbyteries and Presbyterian Churches, in the west, with certificates o^ their standing as Ministers of the Presbyterian Church, while in many instances, it is evident that they are almost entire strang^crs to tliat Confession of Faith, which, unless their certificates be an imposition, they musi in tlie most solemn manner, have 'received and adopted' as their confession of faith. Among^ the many references which migiit he made an illustration of the justice of our representations under this head, we point only t.i the instances afFurded by the Newburyport Presbytery, and the Third Presbytery of N. w York: the Jormer of which, a few years ago, ord;iined nine young men at one time as evangelists, for the A. Home Missionary Society, six or seven of whom were in a short time located in Ohio, in which state there were, at that time, fourteen Presbyteries exer- cising ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Tiie latter Presbytery, in the fall of 1831, ordained ten young men at one tmie, for the A. H. Missionary Society, most of whom were sent di- rectly into the bounds of Presbyteries in the West. The same Presbytery, in 18.32, re- ceived the Rev. L. Beeehcr, D. D., from a Congregational Association, and forthwith, at the same meeting, dismissed him to join the Presbytery of Cincinnati, to whicli place he was journeying to take charge of the Lane Seminary, upon condition that he should be acknowledged as a Minister of the Presbyterian Church. Tlie Third Presbytery of New York, moreover, did this without his personally appearing before them, and upon his written request simply ; although they knew at the time they received him in this man- ner that he was not to be a day related to them as co-presbyter ; and although they were well aware of the existence of the Cincinnati Presbytery, in connection with which Dr. Beecher intended to labour, and to wliich, of riglit, and according to all propriety, his credentials should have been primarily submitted. " These and sin)ilar abuses of the power of Presbyteries, are great evils, and a gross infringement of the rights of those Presbyteries to which, and into whose Churches, these men are immediately sent. Such a practice occasions just offence, and inevitably creates jealousies, suspicions, and divisions, where otherwise they might never have existed. (f) " IV. We also ascribe to the principles of Independency, introduced through the medium of the compact already noticed, another departure of the General Assembly, from the due discharge of its own constitutional duties, first, in conniving at an irrespon- sible, voluntary association in assuming to a great extent, the management of domestic missions within tlie Presbyterian Ciiurch ; and secondly, in that when the General As. sembjy had become convinced of the duty of giving increased energy to the exercise of their appropriate functions, in this matter, they nevertheless not merely connived at the continued exercise of the powers which the American Home Missionary Society had usurped, but actually encouraged them by a recommendation, in 1829 — a measure which, at the time, deceived many Presbyterians, as to the nature of that institution, inducing a belief tliat its operations and influence were compatible both with the constitution and interests of the Presbyterian Church. " By these means, distractions and divisions within the Church were greatly increased : and in 1831, instead of putting an end to the divisions from this source, by causing the operations of that institution to cease in all the Churches under their care, the General Assembly almost forced upon the western Churches, by their compromising resolution of that year, the measure of consulting and determining upon the best mode of carrying on domestic missions in our destitute and feeble Churches. This did not produce the requi- site remedy ; for although the implied pledge wrs given, that the determination to which the western Churches should come, would be confirmed ; when, with this understanding, said Churches decided by a large majority, that the best and only way to be pursued by the General Assembly, was to get the Church to do her own work, by her own responsi- ble functionaries; y6t this decision, made almost under the injunction of the Assembly, was wholly disregarded, and the former divisive courses were permitted to proceed. iff) "We sincerely lament the indecisive proceedings of the Assembly upon this sub- ject ; and we are constrained by a sense of duty, to declare our solemn conviction, that the General Assembly, by recommending an irresponsible asssociation to the Churches. and encouraging it to conduct missionary operations in Presbyterian Congregations, and in its own name to commission missionaries to labour in these Congregations, wiiose oflicial reports of labours performed are returned to this association, and not to the su- preme judicatory of the Church itself, or to an organ under the control and oversight of the supreme judicatory— is a relinquishment by the Assembly, of a solemn trust, specially and unalien;;bly c.imiiiitted to them by the I,oVd Jesus Christ, and by the express terms of that constitution, under which the Assembly exists and acts. (See Form of Gov. chap, xii. sect. 5 ; also chap, xviii.) We do not hesitate to declare it as our decided opinion, that every Minister, or lieentiate, labouring as a missionary, in any part of the Prcsbyte- rian Clnirch, ought to bo there only as commissioned by the General Assembly, or by some of its constitutional organs, directly amenable thereto, and to which alone he should report his labours, let his compensation come from what quarter it may. The Church ought to do her own work, and by her own functionaries; otherwise she puts herself SEC. 96.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1834. 673 under, at least, the indirect influence of those who do her work, by stepping into her place. " It is in the very nature of things that the missionaries commissioned and compen- sated by, and amenable and reporting to, a society independent of tlie Cburch, should be under an intlueiiee from that society jjaramount to that of the Church, whose Ministers they profess to be: and this influence will extend to the particular t'hurches aided, and even to the Presbytery within whose limits this irresponsible society thus operates. The influence is not the less powerful or real, because it may not be seen : it is felt, and is effective, and probably the more so, because it operates unseen Any ])erson who has at- tentively noticed the course of things within the Presbyterian Church for tlie last five years, can be under no mistake as to the fact, that the American Home Missionary So- ciety exercises a ' patronage,' within that Church, detrimental to her true interests, and subversive of her whole system. Without detailing all the facts and arguments wliich might be produced in support of this view of the eflfects arising from the influence of tliat society, we urge any one who has doubts, to examine the matter candidly ; and he will perceive that, on almost all questions, involving departures from the doctrines, or vio- lations of the order of our Church, which have been discussed and acted upon in the General Assembly for these four or five years past, the missionaries and agents of the American Home Missionary Society, and those known to be the exclusive adherents of that institution, have, with a very tew exceptions, voted and acted in a way to favour these departures and innovations. Witness the arguments and votes, in 1828, against re-organizing the Assembly's Board of Missions, upon a more eflicient plan ; the bitter and vehement attack upon the report of the Assembly's Board, in 1829; the arguments and votes for several consecutive years, on the subject of committee-men ; the discussions and votes, in 1831, on the Barnes' case; on the report of the Assembly's Board for that year; and on the election of a new Board. Witness moreover, the discussion* and votes in 1832, respecting the unconstitutional division of the Presbytery of Pliiladelphia. la some of tlie cases referred to, the votes are on record, an examination of which will show, that our statenient is correct; and it may be added, that the same men, or men of similar character, in about the same proportions, took a similar course on all other questions of a nature involving the purity and order of the Cliurch. ( A ) " Again ; let it be well observed, that the American Home Missionary Society com- missions in its own name, and by its own authority, men, nominally Presbyterian, it is true, to officiate in various parts of the Presbyterian Church, under responsibility to that institution ; and in a number of instances, these men are found labouring for months, within the limits of some Presbytery, without having put themselves under its care. Now, if any Presbytery should act in this manner towards a co-ordinate Presbytery, it would be unconstitutional, and that Presbytery would be justly liable to censure. (See Form of Gov. c. xviii. and Digest,* p. 60. sect, vi.) And shall a voluntary association be coun- tenanced in doing what would subject any Presbytery in our connection to merited rebuke ? The conduct of the Presbyterian Church, as it respects this point, presents a singular anomaly among Ciiristian denominations. All others, consistently and honourably, claim and exercise the right of managing tlie internal concerns of their own Churches, without the intervention of foreign and irresponsible hands, whom they will not trust for an hour witii what they feel to be a most important duty, and a vital interest. Against the con- duct that consigns the duties and interests of the Cliurch, to foreign and irresponsible in- stitutions, to the evident injury of the purity and peace of the Church, we solemnly pro- test and remonstrate. (t) "V. We now proceed to show, that these relaxing principles, which are under- mining the beauty and order of our Zion, have developed themselves in the proceedings of the (ieneral Assembly, and we may add, of inferior courts also, when called upon to decide on points of doctrine. That we may not be tedious, we shall confine ourselves to one case, which occurred in the proceedings of the General Assembly. " In order to understand the real nature and influence of these relaxing principles, the operations of which we are attempting to illustrate, let the proceedings of the Assembly, in 1831, in tlie Barnes' case, be contrasted with the proceedings of former Assemblies, in the cases of Mr. Balch, in 17i)8, and of Mr. Davis, in 1810. For a full account of these cases, see Digest, pp. 12!»— 134, 144—148, and the Minutes of 1831, for that of Mr, Barnes. In Mr. Balch's case, two of the most prominent errors charged uj)on him were, 1st. His ' setting aside, in {'ffect, the idea of Adam's being the federal head, or representa- tive of his descendants, and tlie whole doctrine of the covenant of works.' 2d. His 'asserting that the formal cause of a believer's justification is the imputation of the fruits and effects of Christ's righteousness, and not that righteousness itselt'.' In the issue, he was required to acknowledge, before the Assembly, that he was wrong in publishing these sentiments, and to renounce the errors charged upon him ; which he did accordingly * [The Digest referred to throughout this memorial is that of 1820.] 85 674 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VIT. Some of the errors held by Davis iind condemned by tlie Assembly, were that ' God could not make Adam, or any other creature, either holy or unholy ;' that ' regeneration must be a consequence ol' fiiith — taitli precedes reijenerution ;' and that 'if God has to plant all the principal parts of salvation in a sinner's lieart, to enable him to believe, tlie gospel plan is quite out of his reach, and consequently does not suit his case, and it must be im- possible for God to condemn a man for unbelief; for no just law condemns or criminates any person for not doing wiiat he cannot do.' The Assembly, on the whole, resolved, 'That this Assembly (iannot but view with disapprobation, various parts of the work en- titled " The Gospel Plan," of which Wijliam C. Davis is stated in the title page to be the author. In several instances, in this work, modes of expression are adopted, so different from those which are sanctioned by use, and by the best orthodox writers, that the As- sembly consider them as calculated to produce useless or mischievous speculations. In several otiier instances there are doctrines asserted and advocated, as have been already decided, contrary to the Confession of Faith of our Clmrch, and the word of God ; whicli doctrines the Assembly feel constrained to pronounce to be of very dangerous tendency ; and the Assembly do judge, and hereby do declare, that the preaching or publishing tlieni ought to subject the person, or persons, so doing, to be dealt with by their respective Pres- byteries, according to the discipline of the Clmrch relative to tlie propagation of errors.' In the result, Davis was deposed. In these two cases, we perceive what, in those days, were the regard far truth as exhibited in our stiindards, and the deep sense of obligatioii to discharge ponstitutional duly, so as to suppress error, and preserve doctrinal purity. (/) "But, what a marked declension is observable in 1831 ! The Presbytery of Phila- delphia had found, in Barnes's sermon on the 'Way of Salvation,' the following erroneous sentiments, viz: A denial of the federal and representative character of Adam — an asser- tion that ' the notion of imputing sin is an invention of modern times' — that ' Christ did not endure the penalty of the law' — that ' the atonement secured the salvation of no one' — that it was made equally for all — and that 'if God requires more of men, in any sense, than they are able to perform, then in the practical judgment of all men, he is unjust.' These sentiments, on the whole, appear to be quite as exceptionable as those for which Balch and Davis were censured. Yet, wlien the case of Mr. Barnes was referred by the Presbytery to the General Assembly, they evaded a decision of tlie question upon its doc- trinal merits, and smothered the claims of the truth in their well known compromise. Instead of judging, as the Assembly in 1810 had done, that the preaching or publishing of such sentiments ' ought to subject the person, or persons, so doing, to be dealt with by their respective Presbyteries, according to the discipline of tlie Church relative to the propagation of errors,' they expressed tlieir opinion tiiat ' the Presbytery ought to have suffered tiie whole to pass without further notice,' and judged that the Presbytery 'ought to suspend all further proceedings in the case.' The Assembly proceeded even a step farther in favour of error and innovation, by resolving, 'That it will be expedient, as soon as the regular steps can be taken, to divide the Presbytery in such a way as will be best calculated to promote the peace of the Ministers and Churches belonging to the Presby- tery.' Here, the Assembly broached the principle of 'elective affinity,' for the accommo- dation of the unsound, or the factious, as the case might be; than which, a principle more subversive of order and good government was scarcely ever advanced. " We could easily add other cases, recently decided in a manner something similar to that now adduced, by Synods and Presbyteries ; all showing most undeniably, that the duty of 'judging Ministers' for their errors is little regarded, however flagrant may be their departures from the trutli ; and that to 'reprove, warn, and bear testimony against errors in doctrine,' which was formerly considered a special constitutional obligation upon church courts, has bcqome a strange tiling among us. (k) "VI. In connection with these tokens of the prevalence of a relaxing and corrupt- ing influence in the Presbyterian Churcli, we complain of a course of procedure, in church courts, comincnced and sanctioned by tlie General Assembly, which has a tendency to render all the principles of our constitution nugatory, and the government of the Churcli no better than a spiritual anarchy. We refer to the compromising plan, brought into signal o])oration, in 1831, in the case of Mr. Barnes, and on the question of the election of the Board of Missions for that year. In both cases, this plan was evidently resorted to, in order to avoid the direct and decided course, which would have been agreeable to the spirit of pure Prcsbyterianism. A committee of compromise, in sucli cases, is otthe same nature as a council among the Congregationalists, with this peculiar disadvantage attending it, that by the aid of the Assembly adopting tlie report of the committee, it be- comes authoritative, precluding all appeal except to first principles : whereas, among the Congregationalists, after such a committee or a council has decided, it is optional with the parties at issue, to acquiesce in the decision, or not. We testify against this innovu- tion, as a perversion of the constitution, a violation of ordination engagements, and a virtual denial of the rights of individu.d church members, and of the subordinate judica. tories. By showing that the latter is true, the truth of tlie allegations will be established SEC. 96.] NEAV SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1834. 075 Suffer us, therefore, to take a brief view of the rights srcurcd by tlic constitution to mem- bers and infi'rior jiuiicatories of tiic Prcsbj'tirian Chnrcli. "In the Form of (lovcrmncnt, c. viii. sect. 1, it is declared 'absolutely necessary that the government of tlie Cimrch be exercised under some certain and definite form.' This is just and reasonable. An uncertain, undefined exercise of govern mental powers will inevitably result in tyranny, and gross injustice Therefore to relinquish our clear and well defined rules, for adjudications upon the shifting principles of temporary expediency ; and to substitute the action and reports of committees of com[)romise, for tlie regular action and decisions of the judicatory, is to leave tiie certain fjr tlie uncertain mode of goverinneiit, which, as we see, is most unequivocally unconstitutional. Again; in the Book of Discipline, c. iv. sect. 15, it is said, that 'trials shall be fair and impartial.' But on the compromising plan, tiiis is impossible. Very generally, on this plan, the really guilty escape either witli impunity, or under a censure by no means proportionate to the degree of tlicir offence ; wliile, on the other hand, the innocent are unjustly implicated, and subjected to evils of a vexatious nature irom which a proper administration of gov- ornment would have protected them. Again; Form of Government, c. xxii. sec. 2, it is made tlie duty of eacli commissioner to tlie General Assembly, 'to consult, vote, and det rniinc on all things that may come before that body, according to tiie principles and constitution of this Church and the word of God.' Now, to substitute compromise tor the regular action of our judicatories, in tlie legitimate application of the laws of our consti- tution, is no principle of Prcsbyterianism, or article of our Form of Government. It is something approximating to, but worse than Congregationalism, being destitute of its re- deeming finalities. [1) "VII. We solemnly remonstrate against the act of the General Assembly, in 1832, for dividing tlie Presbytery of Philadelphia. Aside from the principle upon wliich tliey separated the Ministers and Cliurches, we consider that act, under tlie circumstances in wliich it was passed, as a gross violation of the constitution, being an evident usurpation of a power vested exclusively in the Synod. Sec Form of Government, c. xi. sect. 4. No such power is given to tlie Assembly co-ordinately with Synods. In the act of the Assembly of 1833, confirmatory of the act ot' tlie preceding year, we perceive the same principle of disregard to the constitution, aggravated by the refusal to consider the remon- strances from distant Synods against tlie said act. Against these unconstitution il pro- ceedings we complain and testify; and call upon your reverend body to apply the proper remedy, and rectify what has been done amiss. (m) "\III. In the last place, we remonstrate and testify against the following errors, which are held and taught within tlic Presbyterian Church, and whicli tlie General As- sembly are constitutionally competent to suppress, by warnings, recommendations, arid injunctions to the Churches, Presbyteries, and Synods under tlieir care, and by faitlitully and constitutionally deciding on cases brought belbre them by reference, complaint, or ap- peal. '* 1. That Adam was not the covenant head, or federal representative of his posterity, and sustained no other relation to them than tiiat which subsists between every parent and his offspring. For proof that this error is held and taught within the Presbyterian Church, see Barnes's Sermon on t!ie Way of Solvation, p. 7. Dutheld on Regeneration, pp. 288, 2iil, 292, .301, 302, 369, 374, 387, 3;)1, 3i)2. "2. That we have nothing to do witli the first sin of Adam more than witti tiie sin of any other parent; and thtit it is not imputed to his posterity. Sec Barnes's Sermon on the Way of" S.ilvation, j)p. 6, 7. Duffield on Regeneration, pp. 287, 288, 371, 373, 389, 390, 391,.3:i3. " 3. That infants have no mora] character — that they arc neither sinful nor holy. See Du;lield on Regeneration, p]). 378, 379, 397. "4. TJiat all sin consists exclusively in voluntary acts or exercises, and consequently tliat there is no innate, ii:herent, i»r dstitute and surety of sinners — Tiiat the atcnement of Christ was not strictly vicarious — Tliat the atonement is made as mueli for the non-elect as fiir the elect.' " VVe i)rotest against tlie refusal to consider and act definitely upon the above resolution : 1. Because the errors alluded to ;'.rc contrary to the Scriptures and to our Confession of F.iith, and are of a very pernicious tendency. 2. Because the Assembly w:.s inlurmed that such errors, to a great extent, pervade (>ur land, and are constantly circulating through our Churcli, in books, pamphlets, and periodicals. 3. Because in the refusal to consider, :'.id ainend, if necessary, and adopt tlie above resolution, tliis Assembly lias, in our opin- io :, refused to discharge a solemn duty enjoined by the Confession of Faitii, and loudly a!id imperiously called for by the circumstances of tlie Church. " David M'Kinney, James Magraw, Ashbcl Green, Samuel Boyd, E. H. Snowden, Simeon II. Crane, George Morris, A. Baylcss, Robert Love, H. Campbell, Alex. Al'Farlanc, Wm. L. Breckinridge, Isaac V. Brown, James Scott, I. N. Candee, D. R. Preston, Loyal Young, William Sickles, William Wylie, Benjamin F. Spillman, James Blake, W. A. G. Posey, Cyrus Johnston, Benjamin M'Dowell, Edward Vanhorn, William M'Comb, George IMarshall, James M'Farren, S. M'Farren, Wm. Craig, James Reming- ton, Jacob Green, C. Beers, Charles Woodward, J.Clark, Jacob Coon, Jcdm P.^'andyke, John W. Scott, James W. M'Kennan." [By a vote of 5G to 42, this protest was excluded from the minutes. A motion was made to record the Yeas and Nays, so as thus to bring the paper upon the record. Tins motion tlie Moderator pronounced out of order, in which he was sustained by the house.] § 102. The minority appeal to the Church at large. ''Philadelphia, May ^h, 1834. " At a meeting of a number of Ministers and Elders of the Presbyterian Church, con- vened for the purpose of deliberating on the best method of promoting tile interc sts of said Church in the present crisis, the house was called to order, and the Rev. William Wylie appointed Chairman, who addressed the throne of grace for theblessimr and direc- tion of God. The Rev. D. R. Preston was appointed Secretary of the meeting. " After a free interchange of views on the objects of tlie meeting, Rev. Messrs. J. V. Brown, Alexander A. Campbell, W. D. Snodgrass, and A. B. Dodd, and Messrs. [Wil- liamson] Dunn and [Samuel] Boyd, were appointed a eominittee to prepare a protest airainst the judgment of the General Assembly this day rendered in the case of the Second Presbytery of Piiiladelphia against the Synod of Philadelphia, for adoption and signature by members of the present General Assembly.* " A committee of nine was a])pointedt to prepare an Act and Testimony to the Ciiurches, on the present crisis of the Church, consisting of the following persons, viz: Rev. R. J. Breckinridge, Dr. Green, Dr. Snodgrass, and Messrs. Gray, Alexander M'Farlane, Boyd, Winciiester, Dr. II. Campbell, and William Wylie. " The meeting adjourned to meet in the Seventh Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evening at half past seven o'clock. Concluded witli prayer, * [See this protest above, § 03.] + [Upon motion of Dr. Snodgrass.] 684 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [nOOK VII. " Wcdiii-sday evcnhu/, May 28lh, TJ o'clock. "The committee appointed to prepare an Act and Testimony to the Churches reported. Dr. Green, Dr. H. Campbell, and Messrs. Eiigles, Wm. Latta, Steel, and Gray, were ap- pointed a connnittee to take into consideration the report, with power to offer such amend- ments as may be necessary, and to rejiort to the next meeting'. " Adjourned to meet on Friday morning at six o'clock. Concluded with prayer. " Friday, May ?>Olh, 6 o'clock, A. 31. " The committee appointed to take into consideration tlie Act and Testimony, reported several amendments. The Act and Testimony was then adopted. "Rev. Messrs. Engles, Winchester, H M'Keen, and Dr. Mitchell were appointed a committee to superintend tlie publication and circulation of the Act and Testimony. "Adjourned to meet at eight o'clock this evening. Concluded with prayer.* D. R. Preston, Secretary." — Minutes of the Conftrence, in the Baltimore Magazine, 1839, p. 454. [The names subscribed to the following copy of the Act and Testimony are those of the original signers. It was ultimately adopted in terms by about 374 Ministers, 1789 Elders, and 14 Licentiates ; and either entirely or substantially, by five Synods, and thirty Presbyteries.] § 103. Tim Act and Testimony. ^'■Brethren beloved in the Lord : — In the solemn crisis, to which our Church has arrived, we are constrained to appeal to you in relation to the alarming errors vs'hich have hitherto been connived at, and now at length have been countenanced and sustained by the acts of the supreme judicatory of our Church. " Constituting, as we all do, a portion of yourselves, and deeply concerned, as every portion of the system must be, in all that afft-ets the body itsdf, we earnestly address our- selves to you, in the full belief, that the dissolution of our Church, or what is worse, its corruption in all that once distinguished its peculiar testimony, can, under God, be pre- venti'd only by you. " From t!ie highest judicatory of our Church, we have for several years in succession eougiit the redress of our grievances, and have not only sought in vain, but with an ag- gravation of the evils of which we have complained. Whither then can we look for re- lief but first to Him who is made Head over all things, to the Church which is his body, and then to you, as constituting a part of that body, and as instruments in his hand to de- liver the Church from the oppression which she sorely feels ? " We love the Presbyterian Church, and look back with sacred joy to her instrumen. tality in promoting every good and every noble cause among men; to her unwavering love of human rights; to her glorious efforts for the advancement of human happiness; to her clear testimonies for the truth of God, and her great and blessed efforts to enlarge and establish the kingdom of Christ our Lord. We delight to dwell on the things which our (iod has wrought by our beloved Church ; and by his grace enabling us, we are resolved that our children shall not have occasion to wee[) over an uniaithfulness which permitted us to stand idly by, and behold the ruin of this glorious structure. "' Brethren,' says the Apostle, ' I beseccji you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in tlie same mind, and in the same judgment.' In the pre- sence of that Redeemer by whom Paul adjures us, we avow our fixed adherence to those standards of doctrine and order in their obvious and intended sense, which we have here- tofore subscribed under circumstances the most impressive. In tlie same spirit we do therefore solemnly acquit ourselves in the sight of God, of nil responsibility arising from the existence of those divisions and disorders in our Church, which spring from a disre- gard of assumed obligations, a departure from doctrines deliberately professed, and a subversion of forms publicly and repeatedly approved. By the same high authoritj^ and under the same weighty sanctions, we do avow our fixed purpose to strive for the restora- tion of purity, peace, and scriptural order to our Church; and to endeavour to exclude from her communion those who disturb her peace, corrupt her testimony, and subvert her established forms. And to the end that the doctrinal errors of which we complain may be fully known, and the practical evils under which the body suffers be clearly set forth, and our purposes in regard to both be distinctly understood, we adopt this Act and Tes- timony. * [The subsequent meetings were mere conferences.] SEC. 102.] NEW SCHOOL — THE ACT AND TESTIMONY. 685 " AS REGARDS DOCTRINE, " 1. We do bear our solemn testimony against the right claimed by many of interpret- ing- the doctrines of our standards in a sense difFrrcnl fioin the general sense of tlie Clmrch for yjars p^st, whilst they still continue in our connnunion : on the contrary, we aver, that they who adfipt our standards, are bound by candour and the shnplcst integrity, to hold them in tlieir obvious, accepted sense. " 2. Wo testify ag.dnst the unchristian subterfuge to which some have recourse, when they avow a goner. l1 adlkrence to our standards as a system, while they deny doctrines essential to the system, or hold doctrines at complete variance with the system. " 3, We testify agr.inst the reprehensible conduct of those in our communion, who hold, and preach, and publish Arminian and Pelagian heresies, professing at tlie same time to embrace our creed, and pretending that these errors do consist tlierewith. " 4. We testify against tlic conduct of those, who, while they profess to approve and adopt our doctrine and order, do, nevertheless, speak and publish, in terms, or bv neces. sary implication, that which is derogatory to both, and which tends to bring both into disrepute. " 5. We testify against the following as a part of the errors, which are held and taught by many persons in our Church : "errors. / "1. Our relation to Adam. — That we have no more to do with the first sin of Adam than will) the sins of any other parent. " 2. Native Depravity. — That there is no such tiling as original sin ; that infants come into the world as perfectly free from corruption of nature as Adam was when he was cre- atcii ; tliat by original sin notliing more is meant tlian tlie fact that all the posterity of Adam, thougli born entirely ti^ee from moral defilement, will always begin to sin when they begin to exercise moral agency, and that tiiis tact is sonieliow connected with the full of Adam. " .3. Imputation. — That the doctrine of imputed sin and imputed righteousness is a novelty, and is nonsense. • "4. Ability. — That the impenitent sinner is by nature, and independently of tlie aid ot' tiie H;)!}' Spirit, in full possession of all the powers necessary to a compliance with the commandsof God : and that if he laboured under any kind of inability, natural or iiioral, which he could not remove himself, he would be excusable for not complying with God's will. "5. Regeneration. — That man's regeneration is his own act; that it cc^isists merely in the change ot' our governing purpose, which change we must ourselves produce. "6. Divine Influence. — That God cannot exert such an influence on the minds of men as shall make it certain that they will choose and act in a particular manner without destroying tlieir moral agency ; and that, in a moral system, God could not jjrevent the existence of sin, or the present amount of sin, however much he might de- sire it. " 7. Atonement. — That Christ's sufferings were not truly and properly vicarious. " Wliich doctrines and statchients are dangerous and heretical, contrary to the gospel of Gud, and inconsistent with our Confession of Faith. W'e are painfully alive also to the conviction that unless a speedy remedy be applied to the abuses wiiich have called forth this Act and Testimony, our Theological Seminaries will soon be converted into nurseries to foster the noxious errors which are already so widely prevalent, and our Church funds will be perverted from the design for which they were originally con- tributed. " AS REGARDS DISCIPLINE. "The necessary consequence of the propagation of these and similar errors amongst us has been the agitation and division of our (Iluirches, and ecclesiastical bodies; the sepa- ration of our Ministers, Elders, and people into distinct parties; and the great increase of causes of mutual alienation, "Our people are no longer as one body of Chrislians ; many of our Church Sessions are agitated by the tumultuous spirit of party; our Presbyteries are convulsed by collisions growing out of the heresies detailed above, and our Synods and our Assembly are made theatres for the open display of humiliating scenes of human passion and weakness. Mutual confidtnce is weakened ; respect fir the sui)rcme judicatory of our Cliurch is impaired ; our hope that tlic dignified and impartial course of justice would flow steadily onward, has expired; and a large portion of tlie religious press is made subservient to error. The ordinary ciurse ot discipline, arrested by compromises, in which the truth is always loser, and perverted, by organized combinations, to personal, selfish, and party •nds, ceases altogether, and leaves every one to do what seems good in his own eyes. 686 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. Tlie discipline of the Church rendered more needful than ever before, hy the existence of nunilHTJess cases, in vvhicli Christian love to errinjr brethren, as well as a just reg.ird to the interests of Zion, imperiously call for its prompt, firm, nnd temperate exercise, is ab- solutely prevented by the operation of the very causes wbicli demand its employment. At the last meeting' of the General Assembly, a respectful memorial presented in behalf of eleven Presbyteries, and many Sessions, and individual members of our Church, was treated williout one indication of kindness, or manitistation of any disposition to concede a single request that was made. It was sternly frowned upon, and the memorialists were left to mourn under tlieir grievances, with no hope of alleviation from those who ought to have at least shown tenderness and sympathy, as the nursing fathers of tiie Church, even when that which was asked was refused to the petitioners. At the same time, they, wlio h.ivc first corrupted our doctrines, and then deprived us of the ordinary means of correct- ing tlic evils tliey have produced, seek to give permanent security to their errors and to themselves, by raising an outcry in tlie churches, against all who love the truth well enough to contend for it. "Against this unusual, unhappy, and ruinous condition we do bear our clear and de- cided testimony in the presence of the God of all living ; we do declare our firm belief, that it springs "i^rimarily from the fatal heresies countenanced in our body ; and we do avow our deliberate purpose, with the help of God, to give our best endeavours to ccr- rect it. " AS REGARDS CHURCH ORDER. " We believe that the form of government of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, is, in all essential features, in full accordance with the revealed will of God ; and therefore whatever impairs its purity, or changes its essential character, is repugnant to the will of our Master. In what light then shall we be considered, if professing to revere this system, we calmly behold its destruction, or connive at the conduct of those engaged in tearing up its deep foundations? " Some of us have long dreaded the spirit of indifference to the peculiarities of our Church order, which we supposed was gradually spreading amongst us. And the devel- opments of later years have rendered it most certain, that as the perversion of our doc- trinal formularies, and the engrailing of new principles and practices upon our Cliurch constitution, have gone hand in hand, so the original purity of the one cannot be re- stored without a strict and faithful adlierence to the other. Not only then for its own sake, do we love the Constitution of our Church, as a model of all free institutions, and as a clear and noble exhibition of the soundest principles of civil and religious liberty; not only do we venerate its peculiarities, because tiiey exhibit the rules by which God intends the affairs of his Church on earth to be conducted; but we cling to its venerable ramparts, because they afford a sure defence of those precious, though despised, doctrines of grace, the pure transmission of which has been entrusted as a sacred duty to the Church. " It is therefore with the deepest sorrow that we behold our Church tribunals, in vari- ous instances, imbued with a different spirit, and fleeing on every emergency to expe- dients unknown to the Christian simplicity and uprightness of our forms, and repugnant to all our previous habits. It is with pain and distrust that we see, sometimes, the helpless inefficiency of mere advisory bodies contended for and practised, when the occa- sion called fjr the free action of our laws; and sometimes the full and peremptory exer- cise of power, almost despotic, practised in cases where no authority existed to act at all. It is witii increasing alarm that we behold a fixed design to organize new tribunals upon principles repugnant to our system, and directly subversive of it, for the obvious purpose of establisliing and propagating the heresies already recounted, of shiehiiiig from just process tlic individuals who held them, and of arresting the wliolesome discipline of the Church. We do therefore testify against all these departures from the true principles of our Constitution; against the formation of new Presbyteries and Synods, otherwise than upon the established rules of our Church ; or for other purposes than the edification and enlargement of the Church of Christ; and we most particularly testify against the for- mation of any tribimal, in our Church, upon what some call principles of elective affinity ; against the exercise by the General Assembly of any power not clearly delegated to it; and the exercise even of its delegated powers for purposes inconsistent with tiie design of its creation. " RECOMMENDATION TO THE CHURCHES. " Dear Christian Brethren, you who love Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, and ad- here to the plain doctrines of the cross as taught in the standards ]>repared by the West- iiinster Assembly, and constantly held by the true Presbyterian Church; to all of you vho love your ancient and pure Constitution, and desire to restore our abused and cor- rupted Church to her simplicity, purity, and truth, we, a portion of yourselves, MiniNters SEC. 103.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ACT AND TESTIMONV. 6S7 and Elders of your churches, and servants of one common Lord, would propose, most re- spectfully and kindly, and yet most earnestly, " 1. Tliat we rcl'usc to give countenance to Ministers, Eiders, agents, editors, tenciiers, or to those wlio are in any otlier capacity engaged in religious instruction and elfort, who hold the preceding or similar heresies. "2. Tliat we make every lawful effort to subject all sucli persons, especially if they be Ministers, to the just exercise of discipline by the proper tribunal. " 3. That we use all proper means to restore the discipline of the Church, in all its courts, to a sound, just, Clu-istian state. •'4. Tiiiit we use our endeavours to prevent the introduction of new principles into our system, and to restore our tribunals to tlieir ancient purity. "5. That we consider the Presbyterial existence or acts of any Presbytery or Synod formed upon the principles of elective athuity, as unconstitutional, and all Ministers and Churches, voluntarily included in such bodies, as having virtually departed from the stand- ards of our Church. "6 We recommend that all Ministers, Elders, Church Sessions, Presbyteries, and Synods, who approve of this Act and Testimony, give their public adherence thereto, in such manner as they shall prefer, and communicate their names, and when a Clmreii court, a copy of their adhering act. " 7. That inasmuch, as our only hope of improvement and reformation in tlie affairs of our Church depends on tlie interposition of Him, who is King in Zion, that we will unceasingly and importunately sup]>lieate a Tlirone of Grace, for tlie return of that purity and peace, tlie absence of which we now sorrowfully deplore. "8. We do earnestly recommend that on the second Tlmrsday of May, 183.5, a Conven- tion be held in the city of Pittsburgh, to be composed of two delegates, a Minister and Ruling Elder from each Presbytery, or from the minority of any Presbytery, who may Concur in the sentiments of this Act and Testimony, to deliberate and consult on the present state of our Church, and to adopt such measures as may be best suited to restore her prostrated standards, "And now, brethren, our whole heart is laid open to you, and to the world. If the majority of our Churcli are against us, they will, we suppose, in the end, either see the intatuation of their course, and retrace their steps, or they will, at last, attempt to cut us off. If tlie former, we shall bless the God of Jacob; if the latter, we are ready lor tlie sake of Christ, and in support of the Testimony now made, not only to be cut off, but if need be, to die also. If, on the other hand, the body be yet in the main, sound, as we Would fondly hope, we have here, frankly, openly, and candidly, laid before our erring brethren the course we are, by the grace of God, irrevocably determined to pursue. It is our steadfist aim to reform the Church, or to testily against its errors and defections, until testimony will be no longer heard. And wc commit the issue into the hands of Ilim who is over all, God blessed lor ever. Amen." " .V/wM^?rs. — .lames Magraw, Robert J. Breckinridge, James Latta,Ashbcl Green, Samuel D. Blythe, S. H. Crane, J. W. Scolt, William Latta, Robert Steel, Alexander A. Camp- bell, John Gray, James Scott, Joshua L. Wilson, Alexander M'Farlane, Jacob Coon, Isaac N. Caiidee, Robert Love, James W. M'Kennan, David R. Preston, William Wylie, William M. Englcs, Cornelius H. Mustard,* James C. Watson, William L. Breckinridge, John A. Synuncs, J, V. Brown, David M'Kinney, George Marshall, ElxTiezer II. Snowden, Oscar Harris, William J. Gibson, William Sickles, Benjamin F. Sjjilhnan, George D. McCuenn, George W. Janvier, Samuel G. Winchester, George Junkin. " Elders. — Samuel Boyd, Edward Vanhorn, Williamson Dunn, James Alo-po, James Ai;:new, Hcnr}' McKeen, Cliarles Davis, William Wallace, A. I). Hepburn, Joseph P. Engles, James M'Farren, A. Symington, A. Bayless, Wm. Agnew, George Morris, Hugh Campbell, Thomas McKeen, James Wilson, Daniel B. Price, Carver Hotelikiss, Charles Woodward, W. A. G. Posey, James Carnahan, Moses Reed, James Steel, George Durfor, John Sharp." * [Mr. Mustard subsequently revoked his signature.] 688 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII CHAPTER Y. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1835. § 104. The Act and Testimony Convention. [The Convention called by the signers of the Act and Testimony, met in Pittsburgli, on Thursday, May 14, 1835, a week before the meeting- of the Assembly. The members represented forty-one Presbyteries, and tliirteen minorities of Presbyteries. By tliis body, a memorial was prepared, and sent in to the General Assemby, presenting a list of griev- ances, and earnestly demanding redress.] * § 105. Memorial of the Convention. 1. [The First grievance stated, is the denial to the Presbyteries of the right of examin- ing suspected Ministers, who come to them as applicants for membership.] " The last General Assembly, by an act recorded in page 26 of their printed Minutes, has denied this right to the Presbyteries, and by that denial has opened the flood-gates of error, which, if not soon stopped, must sweep away the fiir fabric of our Churcli's purity, and leave us to sorrow over the melancholy wreck of ourZion, without a willow on which to hang our harps. In behalf of the Presbyteries to which we respectively belong, and of all other true Presbyteries of our beloved Church, we invoke a return to the genius of the Constitution ; a restoration of the right and power of selflpreservation ; a re])eal of the obnoxious act, and a distinct recognition, by this Assembly, of the inalienable right in every Presbytery, of examining every applicant for admission into their number, be his credentials what they may, and of rejecting him, provided they think his admission would endanger their own purity and peace. "II. Intimately connected with, and nearly allied to this, is our Second grievance, viz: an act of the last General Assembly, recorded in their minutes, page 26 ; whereby tlie right and propriety of a Presbytery's taking up and censuring a printed publication, irre- spective of its author, is denied." » * * * " III. The Third item of grievance and petition, which we beg leave to present, is at the same time an aggravation of the second ; viz: The erection of Church Courts, espe- cially of Presbyteries and Synods, upon the principle of ' elective affinity,' so called by its primitive advocates; that is, having regard, not to geographical limits ; not to conve- nience for attendance of the meml)ers; not to the expedition of business; but to diversi- ties of doctrinal views and Church policy in those elected to such bodies, from their brethren and from the standards of the Church ; to personal animosities and antipathies growing out of such diversities; and to the consequent enlargement of this alienated in- terest of sentiment and feeling." * # * * "IV. Nearly allied to this is our Fourth item of grievance, viz: The existence and operation witliin our Church of a missionary society in no sense amenable to her ecclesi- astical jurisdiction. And here you will bear with us, first, in pointing out the connection with the preceding. If Presbyteries do exist, on the avowed principle of diversify in doctrinal opinion and feeling, and have the power of licensing and ordaining (in niany instances sine titulo) men of thejr own creeds, then a missionary institution seems recjui- sitc to send such licentiates and Ministers into the field. Such an instituticm does exist, bound by its own rules to sustain missionaries, irrespective of their adherence to or re- jection of the doctrinal standards of our Church. This institution operates largely in our coiigregations ; first, by sweeping away from our own Board the funds which, by the laws of all social order, ought to come into the treasury of tiie body, to vvhieli its possessors belong; and secondly, by tlirowing into our Presbyteries, brethren who, in many instances, have never adopted the standards of our Church at all, and in more, who have only adopted them ' for substance of doctrine;' that is, just as much of them as suits their own views. Thus a separate moneyed interest is created and kept up in the bosom of tlic same Christian community. The Assembly's own Board of Missions, created by herself, governed by herself, and amenable to herself, finds a great and powerful rival in her own SEC. 104 ] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1835. 689 house, with whom she comos in perpetual collision. And rival ajrents meet on the same tiekl, and Ire(|uen11y those of our own Cliurcli arc toiled in their effort.*-- by the iinjjroper interlercncc and influence of an institution wliich owns no alleg^iance to us, and lecls no obligation to our Courts. So violent were these contentions, that tlic Assi'mbly of 18.31 recommended a Convention to be held in Cincinnati, to adjust the difficulties. Tiiis Con- vention was lield. It decided in favour ol' tiie Clmrch's carrying- on her own missions by her own Board. Still, liowever, the foreign society kept the field, and continues to this hour to conflict with your Board." * * * # " V. Your attention is now invited to another part of tlie same system. Before youth looking forward to the gospel ministry can be properly licensed and sent forth, they nmst be educated: and efforts have been already made in this cause worthy of high commen- dation. Nor have we anything to object against efforts either to prepare or to send men to preach to the destitute at home or abroad. Both these causes we desire to see prosper- ing. For both we have laboured and prayed, and for both we will continue to lubonr and pray. But then we desire to see tiiem prospering consistently with regard to the truth and purity and integrity of our own Ciiurcli. The great burden of ministerial duty is to enlighten and save the world. And no obligation more sacred and solemn lies upon them, than tiiat of training the heralds of the cross who are to bear the banner of her faith in triumph round the world. Let the Church give good heed to this great concern, and tlie work of salvation will go on; let lier neglect this, or do it in a careless manner, and the wheels of tiie gospel chariot must move heavily, stop, perhaps retrograde. "Now the question before us is, to whom shall tiiis most sacred and solemn duty be entrusted by the Church ? Shall she do it herself, with her own hands ? or shall she throw it into the hands of a body, self-created, and in no sense amenable to her ecclesi- astical tribunals? a body which niay change in half a generation, and train her sons to her own destruction ? This is the question we would press u])on your consideration : and we would most respectfully suggest, tliat no Church can be safe — safe in her doctrinal standards — safe in her ecclesiastical polity — safe in her financial operations — safe in the independence of her ministry, if that ministry are dependent upon an independent foreign body ; and especially, if llicir houses and lands, their libraries and furniture, are under bonds. Without any impeachment of motives, or imputation of extraordinary weakness, we beg leave to repeat, ' a gift blindetli the eyes,' and to refer to the course of remark under the preceding item. " Similar collisions occur here also. Your agents are met in the field by the agents of a society beyond your control. They are often beaten off the ground, and the six or seven handred young men under the care of your Board of Education are reduced to a precarious dependence; whereas, did the Cluireh, in her highest ecclesiastical court, stand forth in her own defence, her treasury would overflow, and all these collisions and conflicts of varied interests would cease; whilst her own funds would go to her own sons, and not, to their prejudice, for the maintenance of tliose in other Clmrches, wlioare never expected to aid in building up tlie walls of our Zion. We pray and beseech this reverend body to sustain, by all the weight of its influence, the education cause of our own Church. "VI. In the apprehension of your memorialists, not a small proportion of the evils which distract our Zion have grown and do still grow out of 'the Plan of Union' adopted in 1801. We say nothing here of the wisdom of that measure at the time, nor of its constitutionality. We know it was the work of wise and good men. But we must be allowed to express the opinion, that now it leads to alienation, contentions, and disorders. For proof of this we have only to refer to the minutes of prccecHng General Assemblies. It is notorious tiiat very painful conflicts have occurred in the Assembly on tliis very subject. Brethren had long occupied scats in this body, who were not Ruling Elders, and never had been Presbyterians, and, it is believed, never intended to become Presbyterians. Nor was this evil remedied without a long and arduous and painlul struggle. Under the perfect conviction that peace will never dwell with us whilst the jarring elements of tliis discord exist together, we beseech tliis Assembly to annul that act ; and for the simple additional reason tliat the terms of compact are not complied with by our Congregational bretiiren." * * » * "VII. Our next grievance is of similar character, viz: 'The Plan of Union and Cor- respondence with the Congregational Associations of New England, and with otiier Churches.' It is true, that the relinquishment of the right of voting in the General As- sembiy has removed part of the evil. No longer now can our constitutional order be voted down by brethren opposed to it in profession and principle. Still, however, against tiiis union there arc serious objections. It gives weight in counsel and debate, which may command votes, to persons who belong not to our society, and who may have a sectarian purpose to answer by taking a particular side. Sucii things some of us iiavc seen on the floor of the Assembly. Besides the whole matter is unconstitutional. The General As- sembly never had tlie power of granting a seat in this house to any person. — (Form of 87 690 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. Government, Chap. XII., ii.) ' The General Assembly shall consist of an equal delega- lion of Bishops and Elders from each Presbytery.' Nor does our constitution recognize any other mode of acquiring a right to a scat here This is a delegated — it is a repre- sentative body, and in tlie very nature of delegation, unless the delegates are expressly empowered to delegate otliers, they have no such power. Our constitution knows no such anomaly as representatives transferring the power of representation to others. "Wc humbly conceive that our Book (Chap. XII., v.) in conceding to the Assembly the power of corresponding witii foreign Churches on such terms as may be agreed upon by the Assembly and the corresponding body,' does not contemplate the violation of the fundamental principle quoted in the preceding paragraph, by granting seats in this house to persons not delegated by any Presbytery. For if the Assembly have the power of con- ferring a right to deliberate and vote, it may be so exercised as to bring the Church under foreign dominion. Against all this the constitution presents an insuperable barrier in the 6th section of this chapter, where the Presbyteries reserve to themselves the exclusive power of establishing any constitutional rule. Every regulation affecting constitutional principles must be referred to the Presbyteries, and be by a majority of them adopted, before they can be admitted as binding. This in reference to ' the Plan of Union' has never been done. Now, clearly, this power of granting seats in the Assembly vitally affects the constitution, which ought not to be sacrificed either to expediency or courtesy. Hence, with all due respect and affection to the good brethren of other denominations, we pray this General Assembly to restore the constitution, by repealing the act which as- sumes tliis stretch of power. " VIII. Finally, as the object of all ecclesiastical order is Truth, in the belief, love, and practice of it; and as 'to the General Assenibly also belongs the power of bearing testi- mony against error in doctrine,' your memorialists would humbly call your attention to the present state of the Church in this behalf. There is nothing worth contending for but Truth : and, if we are not greatly mistaken, great and fearful inroads are made on the doctrinal standards of our Church: and that too not in reference to matters of minor consequence, but in the very ilmdamental principles of the gospel. One alarming feature of the errors against which we would earnestly entreat this General Assembly to lift up a strong testimony, we beg leave to present. It is their systematic arrangement. Did a solitary individual here and there, in cases few and far between, touch upon a single in- sulated position that is false, and maintain it even with pertinacity, it would not afford ground of serious alarm. But the case is far otherwise. Tiie errors abroad in the Church are fundamental, vital, and systematic. The maintenance of one involves the whole, and must lead a logical mind to embrace the system. Now the system, appears to your memorialists to lead directly toward Socinianism. This language may seem harsh and severe. Alas ! dear brethren ! it is the harshness of love, and the severity of truth. It is not pleasant for us to entertain such an opinion ; but with our eyes and our ears open, it is impossible to avoid it. The evidence rushes upon us from the pulpit and the press, and we have no power of resistance. That which the understanding clearly perceives, the mind, with its fondest desires to the contrary, must believe. It is painful for the convicted sinner to believe that his soul is exposed to the wrath divine ; it is pain- ful for us to believe that our brethren are departing from the foundations of gospel truth. But a dark hour there often is before the bright dawn of heaven's clieering light upon the soul benighted ; may we hope from the action of this venerable body a return to the pure light of Scripture truth, and a strong testimony against the errors that overturn our constitutional standards ? " Another alarming feature is the boldness and pertinacity with which the very exist- ence of these errors is denied. To this General Assembly it would not be information, were we to state that the same system of error has been characterized by the same wily policy in every age of its appearance in the Church. It has ever been its course at first to deny its own existence, and when that was no longer practicable, to assume a mask and clothe itself with zeal as a cloak. Tliis strong feature of the modern singularly iden- tifies it with the ancient iieresy." [A list of errors is here given, corresponding with those enumerated in the Act and Testimony. The memorial concludes as follows :] " In pressing our petition for redress of all the grievances we have enumerated, and such others in regard to measures as the wisdom of this General Assembly may select, wc entreat you to turn your eye upon the aspect of the world. Lo ! what an inviting field for benevolent enterprise. And is there a body of believers in the whole Church milituit, invested with so ma)iy of the qualifications to enter it, and gatlier the rich bar- vest of glory to our divine Redeemer, as the Presbyterian Ciiurcii? The position of our country points us out — the position of our Church (loints as out — the position of the world points us out — tlie voice of unborn and uus.inctified millions calls us to the conflict — the Lord of Hosts himself has gone down into the plain before us, and chides our long delay. Now wc ask, brethren, wliat causes this delay ? Why, when the armies of th« SEC. 105.] NEW SCIIOOT,. — THE ASSKMBf.V OF 1835. 691 living God begin to consolidate, and himself gives the vpatcliword, 'Truth and Victory,' — Oh! why this del.iy? Ah! there is division iii tlic camp ! ' There be some that trouble us.' Iniiovntion distracts our counsels, aliciiutes our affections, turns tlie sword of brother in uiroii brother, and the Master's work remains undone. Do you ask, ' How shall the evil be remedied ?' We reply, ' Let tiiis Assembly come up to tiic work of re- form. Let them establish the ancient landmarks of trutli. Let them unfurl the banner of llie Constitution. Let all who cannot figlit under tiiis, grasp the standard that suits their own views ; put on their own approved armour; descend into the plain, and stand or fill to their own Master.' We pledge ourselves in the fice of high Heaven, the real Presbyterian Ciuirch will not shrink from the conflict; and though our earthen pitchers may be broken, our lights shall shine, and 'the sword of the Lord and of Giduo;!' s!):;)! turn tlie eye of a gazing world to that point of the field where victory perches o;i t;ie ' Banner of Truth.' " Venerable fathers and brethren, we are done. With you, and God, and Christ, and liis Spirit we leave our cause. Tliat He may direct all your counsels in this b'jh df to iiis own glory and the Church's good, is the sincere prayer of your humble memoriali-ts." § 106. Action of the Asseiiihly on the incmorial of the Convention. 1835, p. 27. The committee to whom was referred the memorial and petition of a number of Ministers and Ruling Elders of the Presbyterian Church, and certain other papers relating to the same or allied subjects, leg leave to report, that they have endeavoured to deliberate on the said memorial and petition, and other papers committed to them, with all that respect which the character of those from whom they come, could not fail to inspire; and with all the calmness, impartiality, and solemnity which the deep importance of the subjects on which they have addressed the Assembly, so manifestly demands. « In approaching these weighty subjects, the committee deemed it to be an obvious duty to exclude from their view, all those principles which result from the wishes or plans of different parties in the Church, and to take for their guide simply the word of God, which we consider the only infallible rule of faith and practice ; and those public formularies by which we have solemnly agreed and stipulated with each other, to be governed in all our proceedings. The moment we depart from these, we are not only exposed to all the evils of discord ; but also run the risk of destroying those bonds of union by which we have been so long bound together as an ecclesiastical body. There is certainly no portion of the visible Churcli in which a har- monious accordance with the same adopted formularies, and a uniform sub- mission to the same rules of truth and order, are so essential to the luainte- nance of ecclesiastical peace, and to cordial co-operation in promoting these great purposes for which the ( Uiurch was founded by her King and Head, as among the Churches of our denomination. The committee indeed, by no means expect, and do not suppose, that the Assembly would think of enforcing that perfect agreement of views in every minute particular, which in a body so extended as the j'resbyterian Church, has perhaps never been realized. But that an entire and cordial agreement in a!l the radical prin- ciples of that system of truth and order which is taught in the holy Scrip- tures, which is embodied in the Confession of Faith and Form of (lovern- ment, and which every Minister and Elder of the Presbyterian Church has solemnly subscribed and promised to maintain, may not only be reasonably expected, but must be as far as possil)le secured, if we would maintain '* the unity of the Spirit, in the bonds of peace" and love — it is presumed this General Assembly will be unanimous in pronouncing. If this be not so, it is in vain that we a.ssemble from year to year; in vain that we hope for in- tercourse either plea,sant or edifying. Our judicatories mu.st be scenes of discord and conflict, and the ties which bind the several parts of our extended body to each other, can scarcely fail of being ties of strife and contention. Under convictions which these general principles are adapted to impress, 692 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VI! the committee most deeply feel the importance of some of the conclusions to which the}' are constrained to come; and although some of these conclu- sions are at variance with several acts of the last General Assembly, yet they cannot doubt that they make an essential part of the Presbyterian sys- tem ; and of course cannot be abandoned without seriously endangering both the comfort and safety of our beloved Church. The committee therefore, as the result of their deliberations on the documents committed to them, would respectfully recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the follow- ing resolutions, viz : 1. Resolved, That in the judgment of this General Assembly, it is the right of every Presbytery to be entirely satisfied of the soundness in the faith, and the good character in every respect of those Ministers who apply to be admitted into the Presbytery as members, and who bring testimonials of good standing from sister Presbyteries, or from foreign bodies with whom the Presbyterian Church is in correspondence. And if there be any reason- able doubt respecting the proper qualifications of such candidates, notwith- standing their testimonials, it is the right, and may be the duty of such a Presbytery to examine them, or to take such other methods of being satis- fied in regard to their suitable character as may be judged proper, and if such satisfiiction be not obtained, to decline receiving them. In such case it shall be the duty of the Presbytery rejecting the applicant to make known what it has done to the Presbytery from which he came, with its reasons. It being always understood that each Presbytery is in this concern, as in all others, responsible for its acts to the higher judicatories. 2. Resolved, That in the judgment of this General Assembly, it is the right, and may be the duty, of any judicatory of our Church, to take up, and if it see cause, to bear testimony against any printed publication which may be circulating within its bounds, and which in the judgment of that judica- tory may be adapted to inculcate injurious opinions; and this whether the author be living or dead; whether he be in the communion of the Church or not; whether he be a member of the judicatory expressing the opinion, or of some other. A judicatory may be solemnly called upon to warn the Churches under its care, and especially the rising generation, against an er- roneous book, while the author may not be within their bounds, or imme- diately responsible at their bar; and while, even if he were thus responsible, and within their reach, they may not think it necessary to arraign him as a heretic. To deny our judicatories, as guardians of the Churches, this right, would be to deny them one of the most precious and powerful means of bearing testimony against dangerous sentiments, and guarding the children of the Church against "that instruction which causeth to err." The writer of such a book may reside at a distance from the neighbourhood in which his work is circulating and supposed to be doing mischief, or he may be so situated that, even if it be proper to commence process against him, it may not be possible to commence, or at any rate to issue, that process within a number of months. In the meanwhile, if the right in question be denied, this book may be scattering poison without the possibility of sending forth an eff"ectual antidote. Indeed, it may be indispensably necessary, in cases which may easily be imagined, to send out such a warning, even though the author of the book l)e fully acfjuitted from the charge of heresy. 3. Resolved, That the erection of church courts, and especially of Pres- byteries and Synods, on the principal of " elective affinity," that is, judica- tories not bounded by geoyt; ry, wliile he naturally belonged to an(ither, which is contrary to the Form of Gov., ('!i;p. .\iv.. Sec. 2. But if it be said that Mr. McKim found it more convenient, which I.,, y iippear strange; living, as he did, in the very centre of tlie Presbytery of Carlisle, to I 111 himself under the care of the Wilmington Presbytery, and came as the book requires. vith testimonials of his exemplary piely, and other requi.^ite qualifications, certified by two Ministers in good standing, belonging to tiiat Presbytery from whence lie came; it is ;i. ( at all applicable to his case, for that supp ises an applicant, who had not before been <.ii trial in any other Presbytery. And that this was not his case, tlte Presl)yt«;ry of Wil iiiiniiton had suthcient information, us apjicars Iroin their own aeknowledgments, in tlieii 708 • HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII correspondence with the Presbytery of Carlisle, as well as from the information given by Mr. Dcwitt, to prevent the certificate, signed by him,irom leading the Presbytery of Wil- mington astray. " In this act of theirs, they have gone in opposition to tlie rules of the Assembly. See Digest, Chap, ii.. Sec. 1, 4, on pages 61, 62, 63. See Digest under the head of General Decisions, Chap, ii.. Sec. 2. tlic case of John MeClean, on page 318, and Chap. iii. under the same head, on sundry points of order, Sec. 4. on page 323, also Chap, v.. Sec. 8. Judi- cial sentences of sister Churches to be respected.* " Thus, Rev. Fathers and Brethren, in tliis Memorial and Petition, togetlier with the documents therein referred to, you have a full and fiiithful history of this case, from tht beginning to the end. And to your wisdom and prudence we leave it to judge how far it is proper to meet the views of the Presbytery of Carlisle, in their resolution appointing a committee to memorialize and petition the Synod to revoke the licensure of Mr. J. M. McKim, and to dissolve the Presbytery of Wilmington. Signed by the Committee of Presbytery. John Moody, Henry R. Wilson, James Williamson, Committee." ( h ) Charges relative to the organization of a Church. — Extract from the miiiutes of the Presbytery of New Castle. " Whereas, a, pro re nata meeting of this Presbytery was held on the 19th day of May last, agreeably to a call of the Moderator, to take into consideration an act of the Presby- tery of Wilmington, appointing a committee to organize a Church in the village of New- ark, witliin the bounds of a Church under the care of this Presbytery; and whereas, at that meeting, Messrs Samuel Martin, D. D., White, and Graham, with the Elders, James Kelton and James Love, Sen., were appointed to meet tlie Committee of Wilmington Presbytery, and remonstrate against their proceeding to organize a Church in said village, and take sucli measures as to them might appear necessary and proper, to prevent an act of the Presbytery of Wilmington, so iromediately calculated to produce collision between the two Presbyteries, and to disturb the peace and happiness of the Churches in whose bounds the contemplated Church was to be organized; and whereas, in defiance of the remonstrance, entreaties, and expostulations of the Committee of this Presbytery, the committee, or rather a single member of the Committee of the Presbytery of Wilmington, did proceed to organize a Church, composed of nine persons, or members, several of whom had no fixed residence, thereby evidently setting up altar against altar, to the grati- fication of the enemies of the cross of Christ, and tlie grief of the pious, and laying a foundation for unhallowed collision between the two Presbyteries and Churches; and whereas there now appears to be no means of redress, but for this Presbytery to complain to the Synod of Philadelphia, at its ne.xt session, of the unconstitutional, unchristian, and disorderly conduct of the Presbytery of Wilmington, and its Committee, in organizing a Church in the village of Newark — tliercfore, '■'■Resolved, That the Rev. Samuel Martin, D. D., James Magraw, D. D., Messrs. J. N. C. Grier, James Latta and Thomas Love, be a committee in tlie name, and on the behalf of this Presbytery, to complain of the conduct of the Presbytery of Wilmington, and its Committee, in the premises, to the Synod of Philadelphia, at its sessions in York, Penn- sylvania, and to pursue all necessary measures to issue said complaint before Synod. A true copy, John N. C. Grier, Stated Clerk.''' § 120. The Wilmington Presbytery' a records withheld. [The Presbytery of Wilmington wais required by the Synod, to produce its records, in the case of the Newark Church. In reply, the Clerk of Presbytery commuuicated the following extract :] " At a meeting of the Presbytery of Wilmington, at York, Pennsylvania, October 29th, 18.35, it was " Resolved, That the Stated Clerk of this Presbytery be not allowed to deliver the records or papers belonging to this Presbytery to the Synod of Philadelphia; because in our judgment, said Synod has not and could not have any jurisdiction over this Presby- tery, prior to the 2Sth day of October, 1835. "True extract from the minutes of the Presbytery of Wilmington. Attest, E. W. Gilbert, Slated Clerk. ' York, Oct. 2dlh, 1835." [Whereupon it was by tlie Synod] '■'Resolved, That the above plea to the jurisdiction of * [The Digest here referred to is that of 1820.] SEC. 119.] NEW SCIIOOl.. — THE ASSKMBLY OF 1S36. 709 tliis Synod be considered as no bar to proceeding in tliis cnse. Further Resolved, That the Presbytery of Wilmington be, and it hereby is censured for contumacy in withholding its rL'cords. " And further Resolved, That tlie act of the Presbytery of Wihnington in organizing a Church within the bounds of a Church already existing and connected with the Presby- tery of New Castle, was disorderly and an unkind interference, and that tlie Ciiurch thus formed be, and it hereby is dissolved." [Ill the case of Mr. McKim, tlio Presbytery again, for the same reason, refused to pro- duce tlieir records ; whereupon it was by tlie Synod] " Resolved, Tliat the Presbytery of Wilmington be censured for contumacy in refusing to lay their records on the table of Synod. "A desultory conversation then tooic place, with the view of ascertaining at what time Mr. IMcKiin had been ordained by said Presbytery — when it was resolved, that Mr. J. M. McKim be called upon as a member of this Synod, and as in a court of conscience, to say at what time and place he was ordained. This question was accordingly asked by the Moderator; when Mr. McKim declared that he was ordained on Wednesday morning, the same day the Synod met, in the Session Room of the German Reformed Church, in this borough.* It was then " Ri solved. That the conduct of the Wilmington Presbytery, in the case of Mr. McKim, was unconstitutional and grossly disorderly. " Further Resolved, That the Presbytery of Wilmington be, and it hereby is dissolved ; and tlie Ministers, licentiates, candidates, and Churches, being and residing on the north side of the New Castle and Frcnchtown Railroad, including the Church in New Castle, be transferred to the Presbytery of New Castle ; and the Ministers, licentiates, candidates, and Churclies, being and residing on tlie south side of said line, be transf rred to the Presbytery of Lewes ; and that the Stated Clerk of the said Presbytery of Wilmington be difectod to transfer the records and all other documents belonging to said Presbytery to the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of New Castle."_ [Appeals and complaints on behalf of each of these Presbyteries, in all the cases thus decided, were carried up to the General Assembly.] § 121. These Preshyteries restored, (a) The Assembh/s Presbytery restored and geographically defined 1836, p. 277. Resolved, 1. That the petition of the appellants be granted. 2. That all the Ministers and Churches now connected with the said Presbytery, remain in their present relation until they shall signify their desire to said Presbytery to withdraw from it. 3. The boundaries of the said Presbytery, to be as follows, viz : East, a line running from the Delaware along Tenth street, as far as Coates's street, and thence to the Township line road, where it intersects Broad street, and along said road to the Southern boundary of ]Montgomery county, including all between said lines and the river Schuylkill, and also the whole of the counties of Berks and Schuylkill, and as much of Chester and Philadelphia counties as lies north of the Conestoga turnpike road from Morgantown to the Lancaster turnpike road, and along this latter road to the Schuylkill I'ermanent Bridge : PnArldrd, that the above sl)all not be construed to em- brace the Ninth Church and the Pastor thereof; but the same shall remain a part of the Second Presbytery (Sy nodical) ; and, provided also, that the Tenth Church and the Pastor thereof, be authorized to unite with the First 'Presbytery, if they desire it. Resolved, That the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, defined and bounded as above, be hereafter known by the name of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. (6) The Presbytery of Wilmington restored, 1830, p. 279. The Assembly took up the complaint of Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Pickands in behalf of themselves and others, members of the late * [Mr. McKim published, in 1838, a letter addressed to the Presbytery of Wilmington, in vvhieli, tracing liis views to elementary principles received from Mr. Dnifu Id, in the rour«!e of his tlieologieal training, he repudiates tlie doctrine of the atonement, and other cardinal truths of the gospel ; and abandons the Presbyterian Church.] 710 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII Presbytery of Wilmington, against the Synod of Philadelphia, for dissolv- ing them, and a petition to be restored to thuir former state as a Presbytery Resolved, That the complaint be sustained, and the petition granted — and the Presbytery are hereby restored to the state in which they were at the time of their organization by tlie Synod ; except that the Church of New Castle, if they desire it, shall have the privilege of uniting with the Pres- bytery of New Castle. CHAPTER VIII. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1837. Title 1. — the old school convention. [A Committee appointed by the Old School members of the Assembly of 1836, called a Convention, which met in Philadelphia, on Thursday, the 11th of May, 1837 ; one week before the meeting- of the General Assembly. By it the following Testimony and Memo- rial was drafted, and laid before the Assembly. The coincidence will be readily observed, between the positions assumed in the memorial, and the subsequent acts of the General Assembly ; in which the Old School proved to have a decided majority.] § 122. 3IemortaI of the 'Convention of 1837. " TESTIMONY AND MEMORIAL. ( a) " When any portion of the Church of Jesus Christ is called in his providence to take a step which may materially aifect their Master's cause, and influence for good or ill the destinies of large portions of mankind tlirough successive generations; — it is a very plain, as well as solemn duty, to state clearly the reasons of their conduct — the evils of which they complain — the objects at whicli they aim — and tlie remedies which they pro- pose. Tliis convention, consisting of one hundred and twenty-four members, of whom one hundred and twelve are delegated by fifty-four Presbyteries, and twelve by minorities in eight other Presbyteries, all of which members are Ministers or Ruling Elders of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America ;' after mature deliberation, full con- sultation witli each other, and earnest prayer to God for direction, have agreed on the fol- lowing memorial, and do hereby respectfully lay it before the General Assenibl)' now in session — and tlirougli it before all the Churclies and the whole world, as our solemn, and as we trust effective Testimony against evils, which faithfulness to God, and to the world, will no longer permit us to endure. "That wc have not been rash and hasty, nor manifested a factious opposition to errors and disorders, wliich were only of small extent, or recent introduction, is manifestly proven , by the fact, that these evils have been insidiously spreading through our Clmrch for many years — and that tiiey have at length become so mature, and so diffused, as not only to per- vade large portions of llie Cliurch, hut to reign trimnpliantly over the body itself, through successive General Assemblies. On the otheV hand, that we have not been wholly faithless to our Master and to Irutli, we appeal to the constant efforts of some through the press iind pulpit — to the firm and consistent course of some of our Presbyteries and Synods — to the faithful conduct of the minorities in the Assemblies of 1831-2-3-4, and 6 — to the Act and Testimony— to tiie proceedings of the Conventions of Cincinnati in 1831, and Pittsburgh in 18.35, and to tiie noble Assembly of 1835. " We contend especially .md above all fi)r the truth, as it is made known to us of God, for the salvation of men. We contend lor nothing else, except as the result or support of this inestimable treasure. It is because tliis is subverted, that we grieve ; it is because our stanrliirds feach it, tliat we bewail their perversion ; it is because our Church order and discipline preserve, defend, and difiuse it, that we weep over their impending ruin. It is SLC. 121.] NEW SCllOOh. THE ASSEMBLY OP 1837. 711 ajTiiinst error that wc emphatically be;ir our testimony, — error dangerous to the souls of men, tiiHJiouourinjr to Jesus Clirist, contrary to his revealed truth, and utterly at variance with our standards Error not as it may be freely and openly iield by others, in this age and land of absolute religions freedom ; but error held and taught in the Presbyterian Churcii, [)reached and wrilten by persons who profess to receive and adopt our Scriptural standards — j)roinolt'd by societies operating widely througii our Churches — reduced into form and openly embraced by almost entire Presbyteries and Synods — favoured by repeated acts oi' successive General Assemblies, and at last virtually sanctioned to an alarming ex- tent by the numerous Assembly of 1836 '* To be more specific, wc hereby set forth in order, some of the doctrinal errors against which we bear testimony, and which we, and the Churches, have conclusive proof, are widely disseminated in the Presbyterian Church. ( i ) In relation to doctrine. " 1. That God would have been glad to prevent the existence of sin in our world, but was not able, without destroying the moral agency of man ; or that, for aught that appears in the Bible to the contrary, sin is incidental to anywise, moral system. "2. Tiiat election to eternal life is founded on a foresight of faith and obedience. "3. Tiiat we have no more to do with the first sin of Adam than with the sins of any other parent. " 4. Tiiat infants come into the world as free from moral defilement as was Adam, when he was created. " 5. That infants sustain the same relation to the moral government of God in this world as brute animals, and that their sufferings and death are to be accouuti e afforded? and if afforded, that it would come from a source and in away equally grateful to their feelings? '' 4. We protest against the resolution, as adapted to embarrass two of the greatest enterprises of the age and world. A pious and able ministry is vital to the existence of our country and the salvation of the human race. To provide such a ministry for our land and the whole earth, is the aim of these institutions. In prosecution of this aim, they have already accom- plished much Many of the brightest lights of the Church at home and abroad, and many of its brightest triumphs, arc fruits of their labours. If unobstructed in their operations, they must rapidly advance in efficiency; and in our judgment they promise infinite blessings to the nation and to all mankind. We think that institutions of such generous aim, and such achievements, and at such a time as this, ought to have some very great and obvious imperfection in organization or management, to justify any act cal- culated to impair public confidence, and cripple their efforts, and limit their usefulness. Such imperfections in these societies we cannot di.'-'cern. And while our older as well as new settlements are filled with feeble Churches and wide moral wastes, and whole empires are sunk in ] agitn abominations 756 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII and hopelessness, we cannot look at the late action of the Assembly touching these institutions, without deep pain, nor suffer it to pass without kind but decided remonstrance. " 5. We protest against the resolution referred to, because founded, as we believe, on misapprehension as to the responsibility of said societies. Their funds are all the free-will offerings of the Christian public. Their oflBcers are all elected annually by the members of the societies. Their operations are all subject to the strictest review. Their beneficiaries, before admitted to patronage, are recommended and examined by committees entitled to con- fidence, and scattered all over the land. Their Ministers in the field are members of our own ecclesiastical bodies, or of others in correspondence with us, by the very terms of their appointment, giving all the security for sound orthodoxy and ecclesiastical order which the constitution of the Churcl affords. And we cannot discern any possible hazard arising from lack of responsibility. Indeed, we believe that in all respects the responsibility is equally perfect with that of the two Boards of the Assembly, and much more direct and unembarrassed ; and at the same time, all history lifts its voic( against a concentration of pecuniary power and ecclesiastical judicatories or Church courts. The immediate management of all such institutions must of necessity rest with a few, and the responsibility and incidental influence of the oflicers be great. But in this land of intelligence and wakeful jeal- ousy, as to civil and religious rights, there can in our judgment be no rea sonable apprehension for these institutions. " For these reasons, we think the act referred to not only unnecessary, injurious, and unjust, so far as relates to the institutions concerned, but a permanent reproach to the Presbyterian Church, in view of other Churches in our own country and throughout the world. And therefore we desire to record on the Minutes of the Assembly our solemn protest against it. " Absalom Peters, J. W. M'Cullough, E. Seymour, N. S. S. Beman, John L. Grant, Baxter Dickinson, Thomas M'Auley, John P. Cleaveland, E. W. Gilbert, Robert Stuart, Philip C. Hay, George Duffield, Timothy Stillman, John B. Richardson, S. W. May, James I. Ostrom, R. Camp- Dell, E. Cheever, Obadiah Woodruff, Adam Miller, William Jessup, Jas. R. Gibson, Daniel Sayre, Ambrose White, Wilfred Hall, Jacob Paris, Alexander Campbell, John S. Martin, Ira M. Wead, Samuel Reed, Ben- net Roberts, P. W. Warriner, B. Dolbear, Horace Bushnell, S. Benja- min, Burr Bradley, Nathaniel C. Clark, Nahum Gould, Frederick W. Graves, W. C. Wisner, George Painter, Thomas Brown, F. A. M'Corkle, Ephraim Cutler, John M'Sween, Dewey Whitney, Edwin Holt, Enoch Kingsbury, Calvin Cutler, Bliss Burnap, T. D. Southworth, Darius 0. Griswold, David Porter, Jonathan Cone, Zina Whittlesy, Marcus Smith, Horace Hunt, William B. Stow, Ira Pettibone, Ammi Doubleday, W^illiam Roy, Thomas Lounsbury, John Gridley, Abner Hollister, Washington Thatcher, H. S. Walbridge, Silas West, John M. Rowland, George E. Delavan, Fayette Shipherd, E. M. Gregory, George Spalding, Solomon Stevens, Henry Brewster, Merit Harmon, Felix Tracy, J. B. Preston, John M. Cunningham, John Crawford, James Carnahan, John Leonard, Jacob Gideon, James W. Phillips." § 149. Anxtver to this Protest. 1837, p. 494. The first reason of the protest, viz : that " for many years these societies have existed and operated in our Churches, under the sanc- tion of the Assembly," furnishes no ground why that sanction should any longer be afforded to them, if the Assembly be satisfied that their action upon SEC. 148.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1837. 757 the true interests of the Presbyterian Church is highly injurious. On the contrary, it was the duty of the Assembly to hasten, as soon as it could, to repair, as far as possible, the serious evils which have resulted from its for- mer mistakes upon this point. Of the existence of these evils, the Assem- bly has had sufficient evidence before it to justify fully the expression of disapproval conveyed in the resolution complained of The organization of these institutions is defective, and their management has been such as to awaken many and just apprehensions that they are designed, upon the part of some, to break down our own Boards, and to introduce and propagate opinions at war with the standards of our Church. The recorded sentiments of the principal organ of one of these institutions, the American Home Mis- sionary Society, show that the existence of our own Board of Missions is con- sidered incompatible with the action of the voluntary society — and that such is still the opinion of the advocates of the latter society, is manifest from the deliberate attempt made by them, during the last Assembly, to revolutionize or cripple the action of our own Board, by introducing into it men known to be hostile to its existence. Second. In reply to the second reason, viz: that "said decision is regarded as interfering with the right of every individual in our Church to adopt his own way of doing good," the Assembly denies any such inference. They regard their resolution simply as the expression of their collective opinion upon a subject of great practical moment, coupled with an earnest recom- mendation to the above associations to withdraw from operating in the Churches of our denomination. If the General Assembly be as the consti- tution makes it, " the bond of union, peace, correspondence, and mutual con- fidence among all our Churches," surely it not only has a right, but is bound to recommend to the Churches what, will promote " union, peace, and mutual confidence," and remove the contrary evils. If freed from foreign inter- ference, the Assembly believes that the Churches would find no difficulty whatever in contributing to the two great departments of missions and edu- cation, through the medium of the long established, safe, and efficient or- ganizations of the Church. Nor can they conceive any reason why Presby- terians should hesitate to do this — as soon as they contrast the principles and modes of action of the responsible and irresponsible organizations. The Assembly have no inclination to dictate to any individual, how he shall give, or what amount he shall give — but would earnestly recommend to all to give wisely, and in such a manner as to sustain and not undermine the Church with which they have entered into covenant. Third. To the third reason, they reply in affirmation to the questions of the protestants themselves — " the necessary aid will be afforded :" and, if aff"orded, the Assembly can see no reason why the aid furnished by the Church to its JMinisters, feeble Congregations, and youth, should be consid- ered as coming "from a source or in away" less "grateful to their feelings," than the aid which comes from any other hands. That man can have no very strong predilections for his own Church, who, rather than receive aid from it, would apply to a society that professed to belong to no denomination in particular, and that has never to this day given any pledge to the Church what system of doctrine it will maintain. It is insinuated by the signers of the protest tllat the " way" in which the Board of Education aff'ords aid to its candidates, will be less grateful to their feelings than the way in which it is given by the American Education Society. Their way is one of our most serious objections to the whole system, viz : requiring of the young men bonds to refund all they have received, in a short time after entering the ministry. Above all other men, Ministers, and candidates for the ministry, should shrink with horror from 758 HERESIKS AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. the idea of contracting a debt without any visible resources to meet it. We object most solemnly to a system which sul)jects so large a portion of the ministry of our Church to the control of a power without the Church. The system of our own Board binds our young Ministers only in the bonds of gratitude. If any one chooses to consider what he receives as a loan, and (jiod puts in his power afterwards to furnish an equal sum to aid others, it will be to his honour that he has done it freely ; but if otherwise, he will never be compelled so to shape his course in the ministry as may best enable him to rai.se money to pay a debt under which he groans, being burdened ; nor will he find the proverb exemplified in himself, " the borrower is servant to the lender." Fourth. To tlie fourth reason of the protest, the Assembly replies, that it would seem as if the signers of that protest supposed that the object of the resolution was to overthrow the great enterprises of benevolence, domestic missions, and education : whereas, the action of the Assembly respects altogether the mode of conducting those enterprises. It is hoped, and believed, that this Assembly will not be behind the protesters in this case, in zeal for the spread of divine truth. But they desire that in carry- ing on these great enterprises, the Churches may not be misled to adopt a system of action which may be perverted to the spread of error. To those who are so anxious for the advancement of truth, as we have received it, in the standards of our beloved Church, we earnestly recommend the author- ized and responsible agencies of the Church. If they were once delivered from the ceaseless efforts which have been made to cripple their efficiency, impair their character, and withdraw from them the contributions of our own Churches — why may they not afiord a delightful channel for the benevolence of all who love the Presbyterian name ? Fifth The last reason of the protest is, that the resolution of the Assem- bly is founded upon misapprehension of the responsibility of said societies. To this it is replied, that societies, organized as these are, rarely exercise any control, but leave the management entirely to those who are appointed for that purpo.se; and in the election of officers, those nominated by the Secretary or the officers for the time being, are uniformly elected, and it would be deemed a breach of decorum for any one to make a different nomination. The only control, therefore, that individuals or even com- munities can exercise, is to withhold their contributions; but they must do this silently, or they will be held up as the enemies of these great schemes of benevolence, as is clearly exemplified in the above protest, in regard to this Assembly. It is admitted that their funds are, in some sense, the free-will offerings of the Churches ; but eff"orts are continually making by the agents and friends of these societies, to divert the benefactions of our own Churches from the channels which the Church has made for them. Our own Boards are excluded, almost uniformly, from all the Churches where these societies gain admittance; and it is not doubted that they desire the exclusion of our Board ; for they admit that the operation of two similar institutions in the game field is an evil; and to whom are they responsible for all this ? Indi- viduals may cease to contribute to their funds, that is all. When a large convention was held in lUucinnati, in which a great portion of the Pres>'y- teries in the Valley of the Mississippi was represented, and it was voted, by an overwhelming majority, that it was expedient our domestic missions should be conducted by our own Board, did the American Home IMissionary Society acknctwledge any right in the representatives of these Presbyteries to control their operations ? The subsequent history of the contentions and SEC 149 ] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1837. 759 strifes in that region, growing out of the rival action of those two institu- tions, affords a mournful comment on their irresponsible character. The protestatits say in regard to these societies — " their operations are all subject to the strictest review." lieview by whom? By the Presbyte- rian Church? Some of us have sought in vain, in their published documents, for satisfactory evidence that they were managed with propriety. But how should an institution, which has the centre of its operations in New Eng- land, hold itself responsible to the Presbyterian Church ? But, in regard to our own Board of Education, the Assembly has required it to submit for the inspection of its members, a detailed account of its candidates by name — their places of study, amount received, &c., &c., and they were bound to obey; for had they refused obedience, the Assembly might at once have dis- solved them. Does the American Education Society, or any of its branches, feel responsibilities like these ? But these societies, from the very nature of their organization, are not Presbyterian institutions, while our own Boards are strictly so. The Ameri- can Home Missionary Society is composed of various denominations of Christians, and the American Education Society educates professedly Armi- nians as well as Calvinists — for it aids Methodists, Cumberland Presbyte- rians, and Lutherans, and yet the protestants talk of '< giving all the security for sound orthodoxy and ecclesiastical order, which the constitution of the Church affords." Surely they do not mean that it is Presbyterian orthodoxy and order. Moreover, they sustain beneficiaries at Oberlin, and Yale, and other theological institutions, where doctrines are taught diametrically opposed to our standards, and where is their responsibility to the Presbyterian Church ? Certainly they do not acknowledge themselves responsible to this Assembly. Their friends in the above protest expressly deny this responsibility in their second reason, viz : that the action of this Assembly "is regarded as inter- fering with the right of every individual in our Church to adopt his own way of doing good." Therefore, no matter how they abuse the liberty and the recommendations given them, the Assembly have no right to watch over the Churches, and warn them of danger, and point out to them a more safe channel through which their bounty may flow to bless those who are ready to perish. This may be viewed as their own denial of responsibility to this body, for the first signature is that of the Corresponding Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society. But although this Assembly cannot reach them as it can its own Boards, it holds them responsible, and warns the Churches of the danger of countenancing them. We are aware that there is danger both to Church and State from large moneyed institutions, but this surely does not prove that both Church and State should refuse to countenance the establishment of all institutions which require funds for their support. With the exception of a small fund raised many years ago for missionary purposes, our Boards expect to have no per- manent funds, but spend from year to year what the Church intrusts them with. But the American Education Society has permanent funds, as we understand, which are continually increasing by this refunding system as well as by donations ; and the calculations of this increase, made by them- eelves, are truly alarming. But they are the very same kind of men, Minis- ters and Elders, who manage the pecuniary affairs both of voluntary asso- ciations and ecclesiastical boards, and sometimes the very same individtials. Is there no danger to the Church when they are sitting as a board of mana- gers, but certain ruin when they come together as rulers in the house of God ? The General Assembly, however, as an ecclesiastical body, do not manage the education and missionary funds, but simply appoint persons to 760 HERESIES A\D srnis:\is. [book vr. do it ; and certainly they are as competent to do ttis, as any promiscuous assembly by which a board of managers is elected. Title 9. — other measures. § 150. Discipline enjoined. 1837, p. 472. Reaolved, That in relation to the whole subject of discipline as brought before the Assembly by the Committee on the memorial, the As- sembly enjoins upon all the Synods, Presbyteries, and Church Sessions, to see that a wholesome and Christian discipline be exercised throughout all our bounds, as being one of the surest means of restoring purity to the Church, and maintaining permanent peace. [For other cautionary measures of this Assembly, see Book IV., §§ 46, 123, 140.] § 151. Statistics of the disoioned Si/nods. Ibid. p. 494. In answer to a request of the Stated Clerk, for direction in making out the General Statistical Table, for the current year, the Assembly ordered that he should insert in that table, the statistics in his hands for the past year, of those judicatories that have been declared by the General As- sembly to be no longer parts of the Presbyterian Church, and to insert a marginal note to this effect; and that hereafter the statistics of those judi- catories will not appear in the general table published by the General As- sembly. [By this Assembly the Board of Foreign Missions was erected. Book V., § 112.] § 152. Pastoral Letter to the Churches. 1837, p. 479. Dr. Alexander, from the committee to prepare a pastoral letter, to be addressed to the Churches under our care, made a report, which was read and adopted, [as follows :] p. 499. ( a ) Dear Brethren — As the doings of the present General As- sembly have been of an unusual character, and such as may produce impor- tant consequences, we think it proper to lay an abstract of our decisions and the reasons of them before the Churches under our care. Discerning men have perceived, for a number of years, that the affairs of our beloved Church were hastening to a crisis ; and when the members of the present Assembly came together, the state of parties was such as to make it manifest, that a division of the Church was the most desirable object that could be effected. What are called the Old-school and New-school parties are already separated in fact; in almost every part of our country where those parties exist, they have less ministerial or Christian communion with one another than either of those parties have with Christians of other denominations ; and they are so equally balanced in point of power, that for years past it has been uncer- tain, until the General Assembly was fully organized, which of those parties would predominate in that body. ( i ) From these circumstances, as well as from other things not necessary to mention, it is known to our brethren, that the floor of our highest judi- catory, as well as of our Synods and Presbyteries, has, for years, presented scenes of contention and strife such as many of us never expected to witness in the Presbyterian Church, and such as are highly disgraceful to our Chris- tian character. This spirit of contention deprives the Church of all power for maintaining the purity of her standards, and securing that wholesome instruction, either in our pulpits or presses, which would conduce to the edification of the body of Christ ; and until the parties are separated and formed into different denominations, there is no ground of hope that these contentions can be terminated. SEC. 149.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1837. ' 761 So fully was this Assembly convinced, that a separation of the parties was the only cure for the evils under which we labour, that a committee was appointed by common consent, composed of equal numbers from the difiereiit sides of the house, to adjust if possible the terms of an amicable division of the Church into two separate and independent denominations. This joint committee agreed upon the principles of the division, but could not agree upon the form. It was admitted on all hands, that the Old-school party should retain the name and the funds of the Church, and especially all the funds and property connected with the Theological Seminaries at Princeton and Pittsburgh. But on the mode of separation the committee could not agree. The New-school party would consent to no other plan than that of referring it to the Presbyteries, in order to have the division made by the next General Assembly. To this plan the other party thought there were insuperable objections. It was believed that, our Presbyteries being so widely dispersed, the returns from them would be uncertain ; that many things might occur to defeat the arrangement ; and that, as the pro- bable result, the parties would come to the next Assembly, with more de- termination to contend for the power and government of the whole Church than on any former occasion. ( c ) On reviewing the causes from which our troubles have arisen, another plan presented itself to the view of the majority, which appeared better cal- culated to effect, in a peaceable manner, that division of the Church which all seemed to consider as a matter of indispensable necessity. The conten- tions which distract the Church evidently arose from the Plan of Union formed in 1801, between the General Assembly and the Association of Con- necticut. This Plan was indeed projected and brought into operation by some of the wisest and best men the Presbyterian Church has ever known, and it evidently originated from the purest and most benevolent motives. It has, however, been disastrous in its effects. We mean no disrespect to the Congregationalists of New England, as such ; indeed there is no denomina- tion of Christians beyond the pale of our own Church whom we esteem and love more sincerely ; and yet we believe that the attempt, by this Plan of Union, to bring Congregationalists and Presbyterians into the same denomi- nation, has been the principal cause of those dissensions which now distract, and rend the Church to pieces. ( (Z) We allude to these circumstances, merely for the purpose of explain- ing the only remedy which appears applicable to our present troubles. The Plan of Union adopted in 181)1, was evidently unconstitutional in its nature, and of a tendency to subvert the institutions and distinctive character of the Presbyterian Church j and such being the fact, it was certainly the duty of the present Assembly to abrogate said Plan, and to declare it void from the beginning. From this act of abrogation, and from the declaration that it was void from the beginning, it would necessarily follow, that the Churches, Presbyteries, and Synods formed under said Plan, were of course not to be considered as parts of the Presbyterian Church. From this view of the sub- ject it appears, that the separation, so necessary for the well being of the Presbyterian Church, exists already, and that we have nothing to do but to act on the facts of the case to secure our tranquillity. ( e ) In tlie first place, we have said that the act of Union of 1801, was unconstitutional. It will be admitted that the most fundamental and sound parts of the constitution of any community, are those parts which form the legislative and judicial councils of the community, and designate the quali- fications of the members of said councils. These are parts of the govern- ment, in all societies, deemed too sacred to be touched by any authority, ex- cepting that which can make and unmake the constitution at its pleasure. 96 762 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII Should any authority in the United States assume to introduce into the State legislatures or Congress, men not constitutionally qualified, and who were subjects of another political power, the alarm would be given at once that a most violent outrage had been inflicted on our governments and our rights. And although we would say it with respect, yet we must say, that this was the very thing which the act of 1801 effecte.d in the constitution of the Pres- byterian Church. By that act, committee-men belonging to the Congrega- tional Church, and under its government, were introduced into our Presby- teries, and by the subsequent execution of the act, into our Synods and our General Assembly. Men who were under the authority of a body without our Church, exercised the highest power of the Church. This was a most palpable infraction of our constitution. (/) In the next place, all the Churches formed and constituted under the operation of this Act, were at least as much trained in doctrine' and Church order on the Congregational as on the Presbyterian plan, and had just as much preparation for becoming members of a Congregational as of a Presby- terian Church ; and therefore any subsequent acts of any of our judicatories, forming such Churches into Presbyteries or Synods, and connecting them with us as constituent parts of our body, were unconstitutional. This has been the source of all our present evils; the raising up of Presbyteries and Synods out of men who had at least as much of the Congregational as Pres- byterian character, has scattered the elements of discord through all our re- gions, and torn our afflicted Church to pieces. These indeed were conse- quences not perceived from the beginning ; it required the light of experience to teach us, that the amalgamation of such bodies as the Congregational and Presbyterian would produce a ferment sufficient to agitate the whole Ameri- can nation. (7) Having traced thus far the unconstitutional and pernicious tendency of this Act, it only remains to say, that when this act is abrogated by the pro- per authority, as a matter of course everything which arose under its influ- ence and training, is abrogated with it. This we presume is the ground on which all the jurisprudence of^our country stands, and upon which all our political courts and legislatures act. It has indeed been said, that when an unconstitutional law forms a contract, the abrogation of the law cannot set the contract aside, as this would suppose that a person might take the advan- tage of his own wrong to relieve himself from a just obligation. But to this it may be answered, that an unconstitutional law can give rise to no binding contract. The unconstitutionality supposes that the organ of government is granting what it has no right to grant, and therefore no obligation can be im- posed. But in the present case, the act in question goes to the subversion of the Presbyterian Church, and therefore any contract which could arise under it, calculated to destroy that Church, would be of such an immoral tendency as could impose no obligation. It is one of the first principles of morals, that an unlawful contract is not to be fulfilled. (/t) It then appears plain to us, that, by the abrogation of the act of 1801, the Synods of the Western Reserve, Utica, Genesee, and Geneva, are inde- pendent bodies, standing on their own ground, and free to choose their future connections, and that thus far a separation exists between us and them, which may greatly conduce to the peace and comfort of both parties ; and as both the majority and minority agree in expressing the opinion, that a division of the (Jhurch in conformity with the sympathies of the present parties, was boih desirable and expedient, we were much suprised to find, that the minor- ity would not agree with us in carrying out the existing separation, so as to form the Church into two distinct bodies, either of which would be sufficiently large to form a General Assembly, and which might act peaceably in pro- SEC. 152.] NEW SCHOOL. — TIIK ASSEiMBLY OF 1837. 763 motinn^ the common intei'ests of our Redeemer's kingdom. In our present con- nection, there is no hope of peace. The controversy threatens to become more tierce, more extensive, and more destructive of all the vital principles of religion, the longer we continue together. Indeed, the great motives for all the measures of separation to which we have resorted on the present occa- sion, are the peace, prosperity, and holiness of our beloved Church; and these objects, we believe, can never be obtained until this separation is effected. ( t ) Our brethren of the minority seemed to consider it as an insult, when we urged the fact, that the abrogation of an unconstitutional law left us as distinct and separate bodies; we intended no insult; the ground we took and the language we used implied none; we only said that they were separate from us, and we from them ; if this implied disgrace on them, it implied the same on ourselves; we wished both parties to consider themselves as on equal ground ; and as to the unconstitutional law from which all our misap- prehensions had arisen, we were willing that the greater blame should lie on ort, Troy, Columbia, North River, New York, 3c?, Newark, Montrose, Wilmington, L'lres, Erie, Detroit, St. Joseph, Monroe, Athens, Marion, Cincinnati, Cra wfordsviMe, Illinois, Sangamon, Ottawa, Peoria, Alton, St. Louis, St. Charles, Dist. of Columbia, Union, French Broad, Hohton, Clinton, MINISTERS. Daniel T. Smith, Nathan S. S. Beman, D. D., Samuel T. Spear, Augustus L. Chapin, Jared B. Waterbury, Erskine Mason, D. D., William Patton, D. D., Samuel Fisher, D. D., William R. Weeks, D. D., Eliphalet W. Gilbert, Pierce Chamberlain, John P. Cleaveland, Silas Woodbury, Erastus N. Nichols, Luther G. Bingham, Henry Van Deman, Lyman Beecher, D. D., Baxter Dickinson, Samuel G. Lowry, Edward Beecher, Cyrus L. Watson, John Blatchfovd, Flavel Bascom, Albert Hale, J. E. Montgomery, Levi R. Moi'rison, Gideon S. White, Daniel Rogan, A. C. Dickerson, N. M. Masters, Lawrence Vandyke, Frederick Tyler, Aarou Raymond, Robert M. Hartley, Daniel Pierson, Israel Crane, Obadiah Woodruff, Isaac P. Fo.ster, Willard Hall, Simon K. Wilson, George Kellogg, A. G. Hammond, Henry Disbrow, Marcus Bosworth, S. G. Strong, George L. Weed, John Q. A. Bassett, John S. Jennings, A. H. Burritt, Charles Barrows, James M. Covington, Alexander J. Dallas, Walter M. M'Gill, Andrew Early, William Dick, John Patton, William M. Murdock. Title 2. — further measures op reform. § 156. The Committee of Pacification. 1838, p. 13. Resolved, That a committee of fifteen be appointed to take into consideration the present state of the Church, and report a plan for its prompt pacification, upon such a basis as to preserve as fiir as practicable, in its new circumstances, its whole geographical extent and entire ecclesiasti- cal organization. [A paper reported by. this committee, after threu days' discussion and amendment, was adopted by sections, as follows :] ' p. 33. The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America finds itself, by the providence of God, in the course of new and unprecedented events, in a position of great difficulty, novelty, and importance. The Church, led and supported by the God of Zion, has, within tlie last few years, commenced a great rclbrm, wliicli had become indispensable to its very existence, as organized on the principles of the doctrine and order of its own (,'on.stitution. The General Assembly of 1837 carried forward this reform in several measures of great and momentous importance, for the de- 774 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII tails of whicli we refer to its records. The voice of the Church, uttered in a multitude of forms, and especially by the Commissioners to the present General Assembly, is clearly and decisively in favour of consummating the reform thus auspiciously commenced. But, a portion of the Ministers and Ruling Elders sent to this Assembly, forgetting, or violating, as we apprehend, their duty to God and to the Church, and choosing to depart from us, have, in connection with other per- sons not in the communion of our Church, constituted a new ecclesiastical organization, which they improperly and unjustly assume to call, the true General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. To meet the present crisis, at once with the temper and spirit becoming our high vocation, and to preserve in it, and carry safely through it, the Church committed in so great a degree to our guidance, in times of so much trial and disorder, the three following Acts are now ordained and established, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America : § 157. Act I. p. 34. Section 1. That in the present state of the Church, all the Pres- byteries in our connection ought to take order, and are hereby enjoined to take such order as is consistent with this Minute, for the general reform and pacification of the Church ; and they are directed so to do, some time be- tween the dissolution of the present General Assembly and the fall meetings of the Synods, either at stated, or at pro re nata meetings of the Presbyte- ries, as shall seem most advisable to them respectively. And those Presby- teries whose Commissioners to this Assembly have united with others in the formation of another Assembly, in the presence of this, and with tumult and violence in open contempt of it : or who have advised the formation of said body, or adhered to, or attended it as members thereof, after its forma- tion ; or who, without taking any part therein, have, after its formation, re- nounced or refused to recognize this true and only General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, are hereby required to take proper order in regard to their said Commissioners. Section 2. In case the majority of any Presbytery, whose Commissioners have acted as aforesaid, shall take proper order touching their conduct in the premises, and are willing, upon the basis of the Assemblies of 1887 and 1838, to adhere to the Presbyterian Church in the United States; then and in that case the acts of their said Commissioners, in advising, creating, or uniting with naid Secession, or in refusing to attend on this Assembly, as the case may be, shall not prejudice the rights or interests, or affect the integrity of said Presbytery, or its union with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, as an integral portion thereof. Section 3. In case the majority of any Presbytery shall refuse or neglect to take proper order in regard to its seceding Commissioners, or shall approve their conduct, or adhere to the new sect they have created, or shall decline or fail to adhere to the Presbyterian Church in the United States of x\mer- ica, upon the said basis of l8o7 and 1838, for the reform of the Church, then and in that case the minority of said Presbytery shall be held and con- sidered to be the true Presbytery, and shall continue the succession of the Presbytery by its name and style, and from the rendition of the erroneous and schismatical decision, which is the test in the case, be the Presbytery; and if sufficiently numerous to perform Presbyterial acts, shall go forward with all the proper acts and functions of the Presbytery. Section 4. In case the minority of any Presbytery should be too small to constitute a Presbytery and perform Presbyterial acts, said minority shall sEC 157] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1838. 775 remain in its existing state until the next subsequent meeting of the Synod to which it properly belongs, which will then take order on the subject. jOtherwise, there is a possibility that several Synods might be unable to con- stitute, if majorities of part of their Presbyteries should adhere to the seces- sion, and the minorities attach themselves to other Presbyteries, or several unite into one, before the Synods meet. Section 5. The principles of this Act shall be applied to Churches, with their majorities and minorities — and to Church Sessions, as far as they are applicable. And the Presbyteries are hereby required so to exercise their watch and care, that as far as possible, all the Churches may be preserved ; and where, unhappily, this cannot be done, then that the minorities in the Sessions and Churches shall be cared for, and dealt with on the general principles now laid down. The Assembly is fully sensible that in divided Presbyteries and Churches, everything depends, under God, upon the prompt- itude, firmness, wisdom, and moderation of the friends of Christ, in this great crisis. In this conviction, the whole of that part of the subject which relates to Churches and private Christians, is especially commended to the Christian zeal, prudence, and fidelity of the Presbyteries and Church Ses- sions. In regard to the temporal interests of the Churches, and the diffi- culties which may arise on their account, the Assembly advise that, on the one hand, great liberality and generosity should mark the whole conduct of our people, and especially in cases where our majorities in the Churches are very large, or our minorities are veiy small ; while, on the other hand, it would advitje, that providential advantages, and important rights, ought not in any case to be lightly thrown away. Section 6. It is enjoined on the Synods to take order on this subject — to see that the principles here laid down are duly enforced — to take care that the Presbyteries act as truth and duty require in the premises — to make such needful modifications in the Presbyteries as their altered circumstances may require — and to promote by all proper means the speedy pacification of the Churches, by delivering and saving them from the leaven of heresy, disorder, and schism, which having so long worked among them, is at length ready, by God's mercy, to be purged away. Section 7. The Synods in all cases shall be considered lawfully consti- tuted only when formed by or out of those Presbyteries recognized as true Presbyteries by this Assembly, according to the true tenor and intent of this Act. § 158. Act II. p. 35. WJiereas, the Act of the Assembly of June 5th, 1837, declaring the three Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee, to be out of the ecclesias- tical connection of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, made ample provision for the return into the bosom of the Church of every Minister and Church, truly Presbyterian in doctrine and order, as well within the bounds of the three aforesaid Synods, as within those of the Synod of the Western Reserve : And whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, that in addition to those who have embraced this invitation and provision of the aforesaid Act, there are others who have held back, and are still waiting on the developments of Providence : And u-Jirreaa, it was never the intention of the General Assembly to cause any sound Presbyterian to be permanently separated from our connection, but it is, and always was the desire of the Church, that all who really em- brace our doctrine, love our order, and are willing to conform to our disci- pline, should unite themselves with us : 776 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. And ichereas, moreover, the General Assembly has no idea of narrowing, but would rather expand its geographical limits, so as to unite in bonds of the most intimate fellowship, every portion of our beloved country, and every evangelical Christian like minded with ourselves : It is therefore, Resolved, hy the General Assemhly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America ; that it be recommended, 1. That those Ministers and Churches living within the geographical limits of the Synods of the Western Reserve, Geneva, Utica, and Genesee, who are willing to adhere to the Presbyterian Church in the United States, on the basis of the Acts of the Assemblies of 1837 and 1838, for the gene- ral reform of the Church, take steps for the immediate organization of as man}' Presbyteries as there are Ministers and Churches, such as are above described, sufficiently numerous to constitute, so that the whole number of Presbyteries thus formed, shall not exceed one Presbytery for each of the aforenamed Synods : and so that, the territory of the Western Reserve shall in no case be added to that in western New York. And in case only two Presbyteries can be constituted on the ground occupied by the three Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee — then that whole territory shall be divided between them. And in case but one Presbytery can be constituted, then, the whole territory shall attach to it. In regard to the Western Reserve, it is desired that a single Presbytery be formed, as soon as convenient, to em- brace the whole of that ground. 2. The Ministers and Churches intended by this Act, will hold such mutual correspondence as they shall deem needful, either by general meeting or otherwise ; and then meet, at such convenient time and place, as may be agreed on by those who are to be embraced in the same Presbytery, and then and there constitute themselves in a regular, orderly, and Christian manner, into a Presbytery under the care of the General Assembly of the Pre?byterian Church in the United States of America. 3 If as many as three Presbyteries can be conveniently formed in West- ern New York, it will be orderly for them, as soon as possible thereafter, to unite and constitute themselves into a Synod upon the principles indicated in this xict; and such Synod, if formed, shall cover the entire territory heretofore occupied by the three Synods of Utica, Geneva, and Genesee. But in case only one or two Presbyteries can be formed, then application shall be made by it, or them, for admission under the care and into the bosom of such Synod now in our connection, as shall be most convenient and natural. And the Presbytery on the Western Reserve, if one should be formed, will adopt the same line of conduct. And any Synod, to which application may be thus made by any Presbytery, shall take immediate order to accomplish the ends of this Act. And it is considered that any Presby- tery or Synod formed in pursuance of these directions, shall have full power to perform all Presbyterial or Synodical acts, agreeably to the constitution of the Church. lb. p. 43. Resolved, That if any Presbytery or Synod shall be formed ac- cording to the directions given by this Assembly; or being already formed, shall desire to be recognized as a constituent portion of the Presbyterian Church, all the proceedings in such case shall be fully rep6rted to the next General Assembly, together with such evidence as the nature of the case shall require ; and shall be approved before such body shall be finally re- ceived. SEC. 158.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OP 1838. 777 § 159. Act in. ' p. 36. Section 1. Be it resolved, hy the General Assembly of the Preshyte- rian Church in the United States of America, That the Presbytery of Abingdon, now attached to the Synod of Tennessee, be, and hereby is, at its own request, detached from said Synod, and united to the Synod of Virginia, and it shall hereafter be an integral part of said Synod of Virginia, and subject to its care and oversight. Section 2. And tchereas, it is known to the Assembly, that all the Com- missioners who were present at its constitution from the Synods of Tennes- see, jMicliigan, and Missouri, with the exception of the Commissioner from the Presbytery of Abingdon, have withdrawn from the House, and it is believed, have united in forming another body : Therefore, Be it resolved, That if the Synod of Tennessee shall, either by its own act or the acts of its Presbyteries, adhere to the secession which has been made, or fail or refuse to adhere to the Presbyterian Church, as provided in the First Act ; then the minority or minorities therein, adhering as afore- said to the Presbyterian Church, shall be attached to, and shall be under the care of the Synod of West Tennessee, and may proceed, as before directed, in the First Act, and apply for admission to the Synod of West Tennessee, whose jurisdiction shall, in that case, be extended so as to include the eccle- siastical limits of the Synod of Tennessee : and if the like circumstances occur in respect of the Synod of Michigan, its minorities shall be under the care of the Synod of Cincinnati, on the same principles ; and further, if the like circumstances occur with respect to the Synod of Missouri, its minorities shall be under the care of the Synod of Kentucky, on the same principles. Ordered, That the Stated Clerk send an attested copy of the foregoing Acts to the Stated Clerk of each Presbytery and Synod in connection with the General Assembly. § 160. Missionaries of the American Board. Ibid. p. 38. With respect to the expediency of instituting an inquiry into the conduct of the American Board of Commissioners, in relation to the or- thodoxy of missionaries employed by said Board, as suggested in a paper re- ferred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, the committee reported, that they have no knowledge of any facts which render such inquiry at this time either necessary or expedient, and therefore recommend that this As- sembly take no order on the subject. Accepted, and adopted. § 161. Order in regard to Theological Schools. Ibid. p. 39. Whereas, the General Assembly, in carrying forward the re- form of the Church, should seek not only to remove existing evils, but to guard the Church, in all future time, as far as practicable, from their recur- rence: atid whereas, much of her security, under God, will depend upon the character of her ri.sing ministry, who are to be her future pastors and rulers : and whereas, our Form of Government, Chap. xiv. Section 6, requires that candidates fur the ministry, before they are licensed, " shall have studied divinity, under some approved divine, or professor of theology," evidently meaning thereby such divine or professor of theology as is approved by the Presbyterian Church, in some of her regularly organized forms : therefore, in order to secure a ministry who shall be sound in the faith and well instructed in the doctrines, order, and discipline of the Church; and in order to the thorough instruction of the people in the cardinal doctrines and duties of our holy religion, it is 98 778 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII Resolved, 1. That the Presbyteries be, and they are hereby enjoined, to see that their candidates for the ministry prosecute their studies only at such theological seminaries, or with such divines as are thus approved and recognized by the Presbyterian Church, as sound in the faith, and attached to our ecclesiastical order and forms of worship, as laid down in the accre- dited standards of our Church. 2. That it be recommended to all our Ministers to give particular atten- tion to such expository preaching as shall bring the great doctrines and duties of the gospel clearly before the minds of the people of their respective chartres ; and that they endeavour so to arrange this course of instructions, that all the various doctrines of the Bible, as set forth in order, in our Con- fession of Faith, shall be distinctly presented and enforced. 3. That the instruction of our youth in the Catechisms of the Church, be earnestly recommended to the special attention of all the Ministers and Ses- sions under the care of this General Assembly. § 162. Instnictions to the Clerks. Ihul. p. 40. Resolved, That the Stated Clerk and Permanent Clerk be a committee to form the roll of the next General Assembly, and that said roll be formed according to the principles of Act the First on the State of the Church, viz : that the Commissioners from those Presbyteries whose Commis- sioners have aided or concurred in forming the secession from the present Assembly, shall not be enrolled until the Asssembly has first been formed and has received a satisfactory report from the Presbyteries aforesaid, as to the order they have taken on the conduct of their Commissioners, and on their willingness to adhere to the constitutional order adopted and confirmed by the Assemblies of 1837 and 1838 § 163. Act in regard to the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. Ibid. 42. It having come to the knowledge of this Assembly, that the Min- isters and Churches, formerly constituting the Third Presbytery of Philadel- phia, have, with the exception of a single Minister and Church, failed or re- fused to obey the directions of the Act of Assembly of 1837, which dissolved that Presbytery, Be if resolved, 1. That all the Ministers and Churches formerly constitu- ting said Presbytery, or being under its care, are hereby directed to comply with all the directions of said Act, at or before the fall meetings of the Presbyteries within whose bounds they are, or to which they most naturally belong. 2. In case of the failure or refusal of any of the said Ministers or Churches to comply with the directions now given them, then the Synod of Philadel- phia shall take such order as the peace of the Churches and the rights of the miniirities in them shall seem to require ; respect being had to the prin- ciples of the Acts passed for the pacification of the Church, during the ses- sions of the present Assembly. § 164. Presbyters Pastors of Congregational Churches. Ibid. p. 42. Considering that it is manifestly incongruous and unreasonable that the government of the Presbyterian Church should be administered by those who do not submit to it for themselves ; and whereas, there are, in this Church, certain brethren in the ministiy, who, by taking the pastoral charge of Congregational churches, have placed themselves in a situation in which the government and order of the Presbyterian Church cannot, in the SEC. 161.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1837. /79 nnture of things, be fully carried into effect, in relation either to themselves or to the people of whom they have the charge, this General Assembly feel it to be indispensable to declare that this is an evil which ought to be corrected as speedily as circumstances will permit ; therefore, Rcsulcc.d, That it be referred to the next General Assembly to correct the evil herein submitted, this General Assembly being willing that the interval of a year should be allowed to the parties concerned, to correct for themselves the evil in question, if such shall be their choice. § 165. Matters referred to the Aasemhly of 1839. Ihid. p. 46. Mr. Breckinridge, from the Committee on the State of the Church, made a final report, which was accepted, and referred to the next General Assembly; and the committee was discharged. It was ordered that the report be entered on the minutes, as follows, viz : " MINUTE I. " The lateness of the session rendering it inconvenient and unsuitable for the important subject of abbreviated Creeds, Confessions, and Church Cove- nants, to be fully examined at this time, " Rcaolved, That the next Assembly be requested to decide, " 1. Whether members received into our communion ought to be received only in private by the Church Session ; or whether, in addition to this, and after it, there should be a public reception of such members, in the face of the Congregation, upon profession of their faith, and with covenant between the Church and said members ? " 2. If th(!re should be such public reception, should the faith and cove- nant professed and entered into, be in substance the whole standards of the Church '{ or should the profession and covenant be limited ? " 3. Ought there not to be uniformity on this whole subject ? and to that end, ought not the Assembly either to settle proper abbreviated formularies, or to order the general use of those of the Church, or forbid any usage which requires the use of any, in the manner now contemplated? " Another subject of great importance, and kindred to this, is the mode of reception and profession of faith by candidates for adult baptism. " And it is for the reasons already stated in the foregoing case referred to the next Assembly, with the request that it would examine and decide, whether there ought not to be provided a comprehensive formulary, or at least a simple directory for adult baptisms ? and if yea, ought not the proper directory or formulary to be provided without unnecessary delay, under the care of the Assembly V "MINUTE II. " The basis of representation remaining unaltered, the Assembly recom- mends to the Synods. " 1. The equalization, on just and convenient terms, of the Presbyteries in the bounds of each respectively, so that, as far as may be, in subordination to existing interests and general convenience, the several Presbyteries in the eame Synod may approach something like equality. " 2. That all the Synods, by a calm and diligent survey of this subject, so order it, as to make the Presbyteries throughout the Church stand as far as possible, regard being had as before to existing interests and general con- venience, upon terms of common right and equality." 780 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. § 166. Pastoral letter on the events 0/1838. 1838, p. 48. (a) Dear Brethren, — In the present agitated state of our beloved Zion, we tliink it our duty to lay our wliule procedure before you, •with special plainness, and serious admonition, that you as well as ourselves should look earnestly and humbly to Almighty God, for the deliverance of our Church from the troubles and temptations by which we have been and are yet surrounded. We Iclieve that all parts of our Church have lookod forward to the present meeting of the Assembly for some important events, or decisive action, which might determine our future course, and give har- mony to our future operations. (/>) The last General Assembly acted under the conviction, that the only possible way to secure peace, was by the separation of the parties in our Church, which could not agree on what were deemed important princi- ples of doctrine and Church order; and to effect this separation, which all parties acknowledged to be necessary, the majority thought proper to exer- cise the right of abrogating the unconstitutional action which had brought the discordant parties into their present connection. This procedure was indeed novel ; it had never been resorted to in our Church before, and from its very novelty was calculated to startle minds not accustomed to that mode of action ; it was, however, the only remedy for our case, and a remedy to which all governments, possessing a written constitution, are obliged to resort when embarrassed by unconstitutional laws. ( c ) At the first meeting of the present Assembly, the friends of the last Assendily had the pleasure of ascertaining that the action of that body had been fully sustained by a large majority of our Church. So decisive was the preponderance of numbers on this occasion, that had even the members from the four disowned Synods been admitted to their seats, there would still have been a clear and not inconsiderable majority in favour of the re- form which the last Assembly had commenced. In these circumstances we thought the course of Christian duty was plain to all parties, and that if the minority could not consent to submit to our views of doctrine and Church order, it was incumbent on them to make a quiet and orderly secession. The essence of all religious liberty and ecclesiastical order is evidently in- volved in the principle, that when two parties in the same community can- not agree, the majority must govern ; but if the minority cannot in con- science submit either to the measures or the doctrines of the majority, it is their right and duty to separate, and form a different denomination. For such a course as this on the part of the minority, we were fully prepared ; we looked forward to it with satisfaction, as the only course conducive to the peace and Christian comfort of both parties ; and had this course been adopted, we were willing to concur in any reasonable plan for the adjust- ment of any unsettled claims which might have appertained to the case. By this exposition of our views, our friends and brethren will be prepared to conceive of our astonishment and grief at the course which was actually pursued. (d) "When the hour for organizing the Assembly had arrived, and whilst the proper officers were engaged in that business, a number of persons be- longing to the minority rose 'in a tumultuous manner, in the midst of the house, and offered some propositions and motions, which evidently could not be entertained at the time, and M-hich were declared to be out of order, sub- sequently proceeded with a confused clamour, in which something like nom- inations and voting could be heard, to what they called an orgvanization of the Assembly ; and then made the announcement, that that body would bold its future sessions in the First Presbyterian Church ; all this was done SEC. 16G.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE ASSEMBLY OF 1838. 781 in defiance of the authority of the Jloderator of the Assembly, who was con- stituting the body, and who repeatedly called to order whilst this scene of confusion was in progress. ( e ) What could have led the minority to this extraordinary course is not for us to explain. It has been suggested that thej considered this as the best way for securing their legal rights, and indeed it has since appeared, that they not only meant to secure their own rights, but to assume to them- selves all the legal rights and claims of the whole Presbyterian Church. In this view, however, the very injustice of their plan would seem sufficient to condemn it in the estimation of all good men, not influenced by prejudice. That a minority, by such a movement, could take to themselves the whole property of the Church, and strip the majority of all their rights, would certainly be an unjust procedure; and if even all this were practicable in point of law, yet in the court of conscience, we believe there are but few men who would be willing to sanction it. But can it be supposed that such a course could be supported in a court of law ? The legal decision which would sustain such a course, would establish a principle destructive of the rights of every ecclesiastical organization throughout the world ; for it is abundantly plain that in any Church organization which could be formed, a minority might arise, no matter how small that minority, which would be able, on the plan practised in this case, to divest the majority of all its power and its property, and ruin the Church. Surely the members of the minority could not mean to establish a principle of law, by which indeed they might be able to ruin the Presbyterian Church this year, but by which a portion, however small, might be able the next year to ruin them, and strip them of all their vested rights — a j^i'inciple, in fact, which a disor- derly minority in any Church might at any time employ for the subversion of that Church. We find it therefore difficult to believe, that the minority could have expected to obtain the property and the power of the Presbyte- rian Church by the movement in question, and what they did expect or intend by it, we must leave to themselves, or to future circumstances to explain. (/) Had the minority exercised a little more confidence in the majority, we think all the points of separation might have been adjusted in a manner more advantageous to themselves, and certainly in a manner more consistent with that Christian deportment which all professors of religion are bound to exhibit before the world. When the General Assembly of 1837 determined that a separation of the parties in the Presbyterian Church was necessary to its peace, and appointed a joint committee to adjust the terms of separation, the mode of dividing the property was agreed upon to the satisfaction of both parties. We have never heard that plan of division objected to since that time, by any of the minority, and we have no doubt the majority would at this day have consented to it; here, then, was an obvious mode of set- tling all questions of property, which we think would have given general satisfaction to the members of both parties, and which ought to have been adopted. Perhaps the minority will say that their reason for acting as they did, was that they had proposed a negotiation just before the organization of the Assembly, which was rejected. It is true they did propose a nego- tiation, and the proposition was rejected; but the reason for that rejection v,a-<, that the proposition assumed as the ground of the whole negotiation, that the action of the last (Tcneral Assembly in disowning the four Sy- nods of Western Reserve, Utica, Cxeneva, and Grenesee, should be con- sidered as unconstitutional, null, and void ; and as a large majority of the Presbyteries in our Church had determined that said action of the last Assembly ought now to be carried into effect, it was evident that 782 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII, the proposition aforesaid could not be entertained by the members of this Assembly. {g) Such, dear brethren, is a brief statement of the facts and circum- stances forced upon our attention at the commencement of the present As- sembly, and we do not deem it necessary here to dwell any longer, or give any further detail of the events of our past history, which have brought matters to their present state. Both parties in our Church have placed their views of the reforming measures of the last Assembly fully before the public; the public has deliberated on the matter; and a decided majority of our Presbyteries have exercised their right of declaring that those re- forming measures ought to be sustained and carried into effect; and in con- sequence of this decision, the minority have departed from us, and organized a secession. The Church is now fairly divided into two separate and inde- pendent denominations. Of this secession we only complain as to the man- ner in which it was effected — for we hold it to be the unalienable right of all Christians, a right which duty requires them to exercise, to separate themselves from other Christians with whom they cannot conscientiously agree on subjects of Christian doctrine and Church order. When disagree- ments arise on these points, such denominational separations afford the only means of preserving the peace and purity of the Church, in its present im- perfect state. ( A ) And now, beloved brethren, as the first step of this necessary sepa- ration has been taken, it is our prayer to Almighty God, that he would dis- pose and enable all parties concerned, to carry it out in such manner as may be most consistent with the Christian spirit, and most conducive to a speed}' restoration of general peace and Christian affection between the members of the respective bodies. It will facilitate the attainment of this desirable object to keep in memory the fact, that no sentence of excommunication has ever passed between the bodies ; we merely separate into different de- nominations, as Christians who cannot agree to live together in the same particular Church. We can assure our friends at a distance, that the blessed effects of this separation are already apparent in this General As- sembly ; we have now, as we trust, " the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace," as it pervaded our General Assemblies in former happy periods of our history, when we all " spake, and thought, and minded the same things." («) Rejoicing as we do, that this separation is thus far effected, yet we think it important to request our brethren and the churches under our care, to ponder, in the fear of God, the events through which we have passed, and to draw from them those lessons of circumspection and humility which they are calculated to give. A few of the last years of our history have presented a mortifying spectacle, which we humbly hope never to see again, in con- nection with our body. By the appointment of God, the Church ought to be " a pillar and ground of the truth — a light of the world — a candle, giving light to all that are in the house." For the last seven or eight years of our history we have been full of darkness, our Church has been occupied with strife, filled with railing accusations and misrepresentations among professed brethren, which was well calculated to harden sinners, and provoke the scoffs of the infidel. ( /c ) That the Church was possessed of materials for furnishing such a spectacle as we have witnessed, affords evidence that God saw something extremely wrong in our communion, before our late troubles overtook us ; the trials through which we have passed, was a dispensation of that kind Father, who holds the Church as the apple of his eye, and who never need- lessly afflicts the children of men ; and whether our ijuilt has consisted in SEC 166.] NEW SCHOOL.— THE ASSEMBLY OF 1838, 788 pride, in hypocrisy, in ■worldliness, or in indiflFerence to the truth, or whether it may have consisted in all these united, it is yet certain that our chastise- ment has not been heavier than our crimes, and that we have much cause as a Church, and as private Christians, for deep repentance, careful self- examination, and turning to God, that he may show us wherefore he has contended with us, and may purify us to himself, as a peculiar people, zeal- ous of good works. (l) And as much of our late criminality may have consisted in things un- observed by ourselves, we think it of special importance, at the present time, to urge upon all our brethren the necessity of diligent and devout atten- tion to what are called the secret means of grace. Could we know that our brethren were generally much engaged in secret reading and meditation on the word of God, and in " praying with all prayer," '* and without ceasing," we should then believe that a happy and glorious reformation of our Church would certainly be accomplished, and that Zion would soon look forth from her chambers, "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." The promises of Scripture make it very certain that if our Church was filled with the spirit of humble and holy prayer, it would soon be filled with every blessing; God will give Tiis Holy Spirit; he will give himself; he will give every temporal and eternal good to those who ask agreeably to his will. ( m ) We will further observe, that the duty of fasting, as united with prayer, appears to be too much disregarded, if not entirely neglected by many Christians of the present day. We agree with our fathers of the Reformation, that the appointment of annual or stated fasts is not author- ized under the gospel dispensation ; but occasional ftisting, both public and private, such as is called for by peculiar circumstances, or by the dispensa- tions of Heaven, are still among the appointed means of grace, and form an important part of Christian duty. Our Saviour said, the children of the bride-chamber would fast when the bridegroom was taken from them : surely such a dispensation as we have lately witnessed, should lead those children to fast. ( n) As our work at this time is a work of reformation, we believe the pre- sent is a proper period for correcting any deviations from Presbyterian usage, or from the old commendable practices of our Church, which may have crept in among us. It is important to every community of Christians, that the youth of that community should, as far as practicable, be indoctrinated in its principles. We fear, however, that in the important work of bringing up the children of the Church " in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," both parents and Pastors have too much neglected our Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and especially our Larger Catechism. Whilst we rejoice in the additional means, which the publications and institutions of the present day have furnished for the assistance of family and juvenile instruction, yet we do not believe that anything has been furnished, which could at all justify the laying aside of our excellent Catechisms. We believe that no uninspired men have ever been able to exhibit in as short a compass, safer and sounder views of the doctrines of salvation, than is contained in those Catechisms, and we should rejoice to see our Larger Catechism brought back to its for- mer place in the system of both family and pastoral instruction, and as exten- sively as practicable committed to memory. We are persuaded that the dear youth under our care would lose neither time nor labour, by making their minds as familiar as possible with that excellent summary of the doc- trines of Christ. (o) And among other things, beloved brethren, we esteem it our duty to recommend to your patronage and perusal, suitable religious periodicals 784 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VIT We know it has been made a question by some, whether the Church would not be better witliout those papers and periodicals which are called religious, than with them. This is a question we shall not discuss in the abstract ; such papers have been, and will continue to be circulated, and the only anti- dote for those that do evil, is to circulate those which do good. We should suppose that intelligent Christians would not find it difficult to determine what papers or periodicals they ought to sustain ; they may try such papers by the Bible ; they may try them by the standards of the Church, or, according to our Saviour's rule, they may try them by their fruits. " Men do not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles;" publications filled with railings and misrepresentations, cannot produce the peaceable fruits of righteousness. (») And now, brethren, we would say in conclusion, let us with cheer- ful and Christian confidence, as well as with true humility, put our trust in the living God. We believe the work in which we are engaged is the work of God. If we know ourselves, and we have prayed that we might know ourselves in the present case — our great and only motive has been, to main- tain the truth as it is in Jesus. We believe that the interests of truth are at stake — we believe that our standards contain that revealed system of truth, which God has ordained for extending his glory and his salvation over the whole earth ; and although we have nothing to do in judging those that are without, yet we cannot suffer this system to be mutilated or per- verted by those who teach in our communion, and are professedly under our authority. With brethren of other communions, who honestly differ from us on some points, we have no contest ; we leave the questions between them and us, to the judgment of our common Master; but as to persons in our own communion, we must contend earnestly for what we believe to be the faith, and whilst we ascribe no infallibility to our own judgments, or even to our own standards, yet the opinions we have formed from the word of God, must to us be the rule of our faith and practice ; and whilst engaged, as we humbly trust, in maintaining the truth and the cause of our Saviour, we look to the living God for the success of our efforts. We also believe that the hand of God has been visible in leading us, and conducting our cause to the present issue, and we hope the same Almighty power will guide us and you in all our future operations. (5') As reformation has been frequently mentioned in the preceding re- marks, we trust it will be understood by our Churches, that no new doctrine or practice is to be introduced. The Assembly merely intends that there should be a return to the faith and practice of our Church as heretofore in- culcated in our standards, wherever there may have been a departure. We would further recommend, that in view of the events through which we have passed, and the deliverance which we hope Almighty God has bestowed upon our Church, that the second Thursday of December next be solemnly observed by all the members of our communion, as a day of solemn humiliation, thanks- giving, and prayer, and that the (churches and Congregations in our connec- tion meet that day for the purpose of public worship. William S. Plumer, Moderator. John M. Krebs, Permanent Clerk. Philadelphia, May 31, 1838. 3EC. 168. j NEW SCHOOL. — FINAL ADJUSTMENTS. 785 CHAPTEE X. SUBSEQUENT ACTS AND RELATIONS. § 167. Final adjustment of Presbyteries and Synods. 1839, p. 170. The Assembly resumed the consideration of the final report of the Committee on the State of the Church ; which was adopted as follows, viz : 1. Resolved, That the Synod of Tennessee be, and the same is hereby dis- Bolved, and all the Ministers and Churches within its bounds, and adhering to tbis body, are hereby declared to be attached to the Synod of West Ten- nessee ; and that as the Presbyteries of Union and French Broad have de- parted from the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and as the minorities of said bodies have not organized, so as to continue the succession of those Presbyteries in adherence to this body, the territorial limits of the Presbytery of Holston be extended, and they are hereby extended so as to include the whole territory hitherto occupied by the Presbyteries of Union and French Broad ; and that the territorial limits of the Synod of West Tennessee be extended so as to include the whole territory heretofore occu- pied by the Synod of Tennessee ; and that the name of the Synod of West Tennessee be, and the same is hereby changed to the name of th© Synod of Tennessee. 2. Resolved, That the Synod of Michigan be, and the same is hereby dis- solved, and as many of its members and churches as adhere to the General Assembly, and the minorities of its Presbyteries adhering as aforesaid, are hereby declared to be attached to the Synod of Cincinnati ; and the Synod of Cincinnati is hereby directed to take such order on the whole subject as to secure, so far as possible, to sound Presbyterians in the bounds of the Sy- nod hereby dissolved, a regular connection with the General Assembly; and the Synod of Cincinnati is hereby required to make a full report of its action on the whole subject, to the next General Assembly. [See below, (i.) ] 3. Whereas, difficulties have arisen in the Synod of Missouri, so as to have prevented any regular meeting for some time past, and so that it now stands adjourned to no particular day ; therefore. Resolved, That said Synod be, and the same is hereby, directed to meet in the town of St. Charles, on the second Thursday of September next, and that its sessions be opened with a sermon by the oldest Minister present. And if there shall fail to be present a constitutional quorum, then as many as are present shall organize as a convention, and draw up a full and faith- ful statement of the whole circumstances, and present such statement and themselves at Springfield, in Illinois, on the third Thursday of October next, at the meeting of the Synod of Illinois ; and from and after that time all the Churches, Ministers, minorities of Presbyteries, and Presbyteries within the bounds of the Synod of Missouri, so far as they adhere to the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, shall be united with and under the 99 786 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. care of the Synod of Illinois; and from and after sueli union, the name of the Synod of Illinois shall be changed to the name of the Synod of Illinois and Missouri. 4. As the territory of the Western Reserve does not now belong to any of our Synods, it is hereby Resolved, That the counties of Geauga, Ashtabula, and Trumbull, be at- tached to the Synod of Pittsburgh, and that the remaining part be attached to the Synods of Ohio and Cincinnati, and divided between them by the line which now separates them running north to the lake. 5. Resolved, That this General Assembly with pleasure recognize the Presbytery of Peoria, in the bounds of the Synod of Illinois ; and that it be enrolled and its statistics published in the Minutes of the General As- sembly. 6. Resolved, That with equal pleasure the Assembly recognize the Pres- bytery of Ogdensburg, and that it be enrolled and its statistics published in the Minutes of the General Assembly ; and that until another Presbytery be formed in Western New York, so that the new Presbytery, in connection with the Presbyteries of Ogdensburg and Caledonia, may be formed into the •Synod of AVestern New York, the Presbytery of Ogdensburg be, and the same is, hereby attached to the Synod of Albany. 7. Whn-eas, the following Presbyteries did, by their Commissioners in 1838, combine with others in forming a schismatical and disorderly body ; and whereas, the acts of such Commissioners have been approved and con- firmed by their respective Presbyteries, thus creating a regular and indubi- table secession from the Presbyterian Church in the United States of Amer- ica; therefore, Resolved, That the names of the Presbyteries of Champlain, New York 3d, Newark, Montrose, Wilmington, Lewes, Detroit, St. Joseph, Monroe, Athens, Illinois, Ottowa, Alton, Union, and French Broad, be erased from the roll of the General Assembly ; and that any Ministers and Churches re- maining in the territory formerly occupied by the said Presbyteries, and desiring to adhere to the Presbyterian Church, be, and they hereby are, di- rected to report themselves to the nearest Presbytery in our connection, and that such Presbytery, in every case, take proper and definitive action in re- lation thereto, agreeably to our Constitution, and to the previous acts of the Assembly on the same subject. 8. Whereas, the Presbytery of Newburyport, by its Commissioners, in 1838, did combine with others in forming a schismatical body; and whereas, the action of said Presbytery on the subject has not been decisive; and whereas, this Assembly is informed that a number of the members of said Presbytery are still desirous of retaining their connection with the General Assembly ; therefore. Resolved, That said Presbytery, or any number sufiicient to continue the succession thereof, be directed, at its next stated meeting, to take such order on the whole subject, as shall, on the plan adopted by the Assembly of 1838, secure a continued and indubitable connection with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and make a full report to the next General Assembly. 9 Whereas, it is understood that there is- a sufiicient number of Ministers within the territorial limits of the Presbytery of Columbia, whose Commis- sioners, in 1838, united with others in forming a schismatical and disorderly body, to maintain the succession of said Presbytery ; therefore, Rrsolved,^ That all Ministers, with one Ruling Elder from each Congre- gation within the limits of said Presbytery, who are disposed to adhere to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of SEC. 167.] NEW SCHOOL. — FINAL ADJUSTMENTS. 787 America, be directed to meet on the second Tuesday of August next, in the Second Church, Hudson, at 10 o'clock, A. M., and after a sermon by the oldest Minister present, that they proceed to all appropriate acts and doings under the continued name and style of the Presbytery of Columbia. ( 6 ) Amendment to the preceding Section. 1840, p. 307. A petition from the Ministers and Churches in Michigan, who were, by a resolution of the last Assembly, attached to the Synod of Cincinnati, requesting that that resolution may be repealed, and that the petitioners may be attached to the Synod of Indiana, was taken up; when it was resolved, That the request be granted. § 168. Case of the Presbytery of Sidney. "Upon the division wiiich took place in the Presbyterian Cliurch in 1838, Messrs. Diivid Merrill and George G. Poag^c, members of the Presbytery of Sidney, expressed their willing-ness to continue members of said Presbytery, but refused to acknowledg-e the jurisdiction of either the Synod of Cincinnati or the General Assembly of tlie Presbyterian Church. Besides this, they united tiiemselves with a convention of Minis- tors which had declared to the world, that as soon as any ot' their members should be dealt with by any of the Presbyteries to which they severally beioiig-ed, that tiiey would proceed to organize themselves into a Presbytery, and thus protect tlicmselves from what they deemed oppression. As soon as the Presbytery of Sidney had satisfied themselves of these facts by the pergonal attendance of one of these brethren, and by evidence entirely satisfactory in regard to the otiier, they proceeded to order their names to be erased from the list of their members. " The Synod of Cincinnati, in reviewing the records of that Presbytery, took exception til their proceedure in this particular, and adopted the following resolution : " ' Resolved, That the action of Sidney Presbytery in the ease of the?e brethren be not sustained, and they are hereby considered as members of Presbytery and still subject to to the discipline of the Church as heretofore.' " [The Presbytery complained to the Assembly] " 1. That the Synod disregarded the ground upon which the Presbytery based its ac- tion, viz: that they had connected themselves with a body unknown to the Presbyterian Church, as a court of appeals under the name of a convention for mutual advice and pro- tection. "2. That they had renounced all 'authority of the Synod and General Assembly,' with which the Presbytery of Sidney is connected." — Princeton Review, 1841, p. 574. 1841, p. 450. [In the Assembly it was] Resolved, That the complaint be sustained, and the decision of the Synod of Cincinnati reversed, and all matters placed in the same situation in which they were, before the Synod entered up its judgment in the case. § 169. Interpi-etation of the Acts of Reform. 1842, p. 32. Whereas, it is believed by this Assembly, that there are Ministers and Churches and private Christians within our bounds, holding the same doctrines and maintaining the same Church order with us, but who, from a misapprehension of the Acts of the Assembly of 1838, are not in our communion ; and whereas, as it is expressed in Act II. adopted by that As- sembly, it was never the intention of the General Assembly to cause any sound Presbyterian to be permanently separated from our connection, but it is and always was the desire of the Church, that" all who really embrace our doctrine, love our order, and are willing to conform to our discipline, should unite themselves with us ; and moreover, as the General Assembly has no idea of narrowing, but would rather expand its geographical limits, so as to unite in bonds of the most intimate fellowship every evangelical Church like-minded with ourselves throughout every portion of our beloved country, therefore, 1. Rrsnh-ed, That it is hereby declared by the General Assembly, that in requiring an adherence to our Church on the basis of the Assemblies of 788 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. 1837 and 1838, they did not create, nor introduce any new basis of Presby- terianism, but required an adherence to the true and only basis of our organ- ization and conmmnion, viz: the doctrinal standards and constitution of oui Church, as founded on the word of God, a deplorable departure from which had been suffered through the operation of the Plan of Union. 2. Rrxoh-rrJ, That it was not then, and is not now, required of those who would adhere to us as a branch of the Church of Christ, that, as a term of membership in this Church, they should approve the Acts of the Assembly of 1837 and 1838; but simply that they should recognize the Church as then and subsequently constituted as the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; and acknowledge their subjection to its judicatories. [Unani- mously adopted. See also § 172.] § 170. Proposal/or a Joint ceIeh7-ation of the Lords Supper. 1846, p. 195. The Committee on Devotional Exercises reported, inform- ing the Assembly that a proposition had been made to them by the Commit- tee on Devotional Exercises of the Triennial General Assembly meeting in the First Presbyterian Church, to the eifect that the two Assemblies unite in the celebration of the Lord's Supper; and recommending the following resolution, viz : Resolved, That this General Assembly accept the proposition of the Gene- ral Assembly meeting in the First Presbyterian Church, viz : that the two Assemblies unite in the celebration of the Lord's Supper; and that the Committee on Devotional Exercises, in connection with the Corresponding Committee of the other Assembly, make arrangements for the same. p. 196. The Rev. Mr. Palmer, a member of the Committee on Devotional Exercises, presented a counter report on the joint celebration of the Lord's Supper, by the two Assemblies. p. 199. [After extended discussion] all the papers relating to the sub- ject were committed to a Committee consisting of Messrs. Musgrave, Todd, Young, W. L. Breckinridge, S. B. Jones, Grier, Davis, and Vaughan ; with instructions to bring in a minute expressive of the views of the Assembly. p. 201. The committee to whom were referred all papers relating to the joint celebration of the Lord's Supper by the two Assemblies, with instruc- tions to bring in a minute expressive of the views of the Assembly, presented a report, which was adopted, and is as follows, viz : The Committee on Devotional Exercises having reported to this General Asseml)ly a communication from a similar committee of the General Assem- bly in session at the First Presbyterian Church, representing that the said Assembly has authorized its committee to confer with the committee of this Assembly in relation to a joint celebration of the Lord's Supper by the two bodies ; it was ordered, that the committee respectfully acknowledge and reciprocate the courtesy of the communication, and say in reply, that while this Assembly recognizes the above mentioned body as a branch of the Church of our common Lord, and for this reason would, as individuals, under appropriate circumstances, unite with our brethren in the celebration of Divine ordinances, yet, as this Assembly has never in its corporate and oflScial capacity united with any other ecclesiastical body in celebrating the Lord's Supper, it judges it inexpedient to institute a new usage at this time. On motion, the Committee on Devotional Exercises were directed to communicate a copy of the above minute to the committee of the other Assembly. [At the time when this proposal wns made, the New-school body still continued the suit at law, aiming to wrest aw:iy the entire funds of the Church.] SEC. 169.] NEW SCHOOL. — FINAL ADJUSTMENTS. 789 § 171. Charleiiton Union Preahytery re-united. Overture No. 10, on the re-annexation of Charleston Union Presbytery, wa.s taken up, and the followinj^ minute was adopted, viz : Inaamurh as the subject brought to the notice of this House by memorial from the Charleston Union Presbytery, is undergoing investigation by seve- ral Presbyteries within the limits of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, therefore, Resolved, That all consideration of this subject by this Assembly be in- definitely postponed. 18535^ p. 206. A communication from the " Charleston Union Presbytery," was read, and on motion referred to a select committee. [Their report was adopted, as follows :] p. ■22-3. 1st. Resolved, That this Assembly express its high gratification to learn that the brethren submitting this communication do still entertain so much regard for the doctrine and polity of our Church, as tu cherish the desire of adherence to this body, rather than any other branch of the visible Church. 2d. Resolved, That on account of the failure of the Charleston Union Presbytery to apply for redress of alleged grievances to the General Assem- bly, by appeal or complaint, at the proper time, (some twelve years ago,) this Assembly does not consider it expedient to enter upon' an investigation of the case now, in the way proposed by the Presbytery. 3d. Resolved, That mutual forbearance and the exercise of kindly feel- ing be recommended to all the parties concerned. 4th. Resolved, That, if the Charleston Union Presbytery shall make known to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly their adhesion to this Assembly and its doctrinal standards, prior to the next annual meeting of the Synod of South Carolina, it shall be the duty of the Stated Clerk to communicate the same without delay to said Synod ; and the Synod shall thereupon enrol them as a regular Presbytery in connection with this body. [The Presbytery was accordingly received ; and was immediately incorporated with the Presbytery of Charleston.] § 172. Later Relations 1850, p. 467. An overture from the Presbytery of Rochester, asking this Assembly to adopt some measures to efiect a union between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church — This Assembly having in former years, (see IMinutes of 1838, pp. 35 and 36, and Minutes of 1842, p. 32, [above, §§ 158, 160,]) fully declared that it was not its intention "to cause any sound Presbyterian to be permanently separated from our connection," and having provided a mode of return to our body, (see Minutes of 1838, p. 36,) on principles which have seemed adapted to preserve the purity and peace of our Churches, consider it inex- pedient to take any further action on the subject at this time. Yet the Assembly would reiterate its desire to see all sound ]*resbyterians re-united in one communion, according to the doctrine and polity of our standards, and would afi"ectionately invite all such to seek this union in the ways that are now open to them. 1S56, p. 538. Resolved, That the General Assembly entertains a sincere desire for the fraternal union of all sound Presbyterians ; and even, if pos- sible, their communion in one denomination ; and any who may desire to be united with this Church, and who cordially ajiprove of the doctrine and polity of our standards, are afi'cctionatelv invited to seek this union in the mode prescribed by our constitution. 790 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. § 173. Overtures of th^e " United Synoil of the Presbyterian CJturch" re- jected. ' [A section of the Nt w Scliool body at tlie south, having- withdrawn from tliat branch of the Clmrch, adopted certain terms of treaty, and upon them proposed to unite with the General Assembly. In the Assembly of 1858, a communication was received and read from a dtletjation of the Synod on the subject, and a committee consisting of Messrs. Van Rensselaer, Cunningham, and Palmer, was appointed to ascertain from the delegates the terms proposed by the Synod.] 1858, p. 289. The third order of the day, for yesterday, was then called up, the report of the Committee appointed to ascertain from the Committee of the " United Synod," held in Knoxville, the terms on which tney pro- pose to form a union with this General Assembly. These terms being read, the paper already offered by R. J. Breckinridge, amended on his own motion, to correspond with the fuller revelations made by the Committee, was unanimously adopted, as a minute expressing the mind of the Assembly, and is as follows : In the matter of the proposals made to this General Assembly, on behalf of the United Synod of the Presbyterian Church, .lately constituted in the State of Tennessee, out of a portion of those New-school Presbyterians re- siding in several of the southern States, who have seceded from that denom- ination, at and after their General Assembly of 1857, this General Assembly makes the following deliverance : 1. The Committee appointed by the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church, has communicated to this Assembly the official action of the said Synod, settling, on their part, the '' Terms of Union," deemed by them to be "indispensable;" and the Assembly is informed, through the public press, of the contents of a paper adopted by that Synod, and called, " A Declaration of Principles." In the judgment of this Assembly, those official papers do not afford a basis of conference, upon which this Assembly is able to see that there is any prospect of advancing the interests of Christ's kingdom in general, or those of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, or those of the United Synod of the Presbyterian Church, in par- ticular. 2. The Presbyterian Church in the United States of Ameriaa has always received frankly, and in Christian love, all Churches, office-bearers, and private persons, of all denominations, making application for admission into her communion, upon the single condition that they were like-minded with herself. At this time, ample provision is made in her existing Acts and Ordinances for the reception of all such into her communion, on terms and by methods precisely equivalent, and where it is possible, identical with those provided with regard to her own children, reared in her own bosom. Seeing that it was in a voluntary secession from the Presbyterian Church that the present difficulties of the United Synod of the Presbyterian Church had their origin, and that the door has always been open for the orderly re- turn of such of those who left us, as were like-minded with us, it can hardly be unexpected that we decline any official conference, based on terms which appear to us to involve a condemnation of ourselves, and a renunciation of the rich and peculiar favour of God upon us, in the very matters which led to their secession from our Church twenty years ago. 3. With rel'erence to the recent schism in the New-school Presbyterian body, this General Assembly does not see in that event, or in anything which has hitherto resulted from it, any call of Providence for the Presbyterian Church to take any new step whatever, either with the view of union, or that of closer intercourse than now exists, with either of the parts into which that body is now divided. The subjects upon which the whole New-school ;5EC. 173.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE SUITS AT I..VW. 791 body differed from us at that period of their separation from us, and the subject upon which the two very unequal portions of that body have recently separated from each other, are (jucstious upon which we, as a denomination, are at peace ; and with rejiard to the whole of which we see no occasion to revise the constant and unalterable faith of our Church, or to enter into fruitless conferences. It was then ordered, that a copy of this minute, duly certified by the Mod- erator, be communicated to the Stated Clerk, or the Committee of this United Synod. § 174. Case of Hudson Presbytery. 1857, p. 23. Overture No. 11. A complaint of the New-school Presby- tery of Hudson, about the Church at Washingtonville, N. Y. The committee recommended that a copy of the complaint be sent to the Presbytery complained of, the Hudson Presbytery, with a view to their being heard at the next Assembly; and further, that this decision be communicated to the New-school Presbytery. CHAPTER XI. THE SUITS AT LAW. § 175. Basis of the claims at law. [The whole amount claimed by the leaders of the New-school party, on the principles of equity, in the negotiations which preceded the disowning acts, (above, § 132 minority No. 1 : 10,) was an equal division of such funds as belonged to the Trustees of the As- sembly, for other uses than the Seminary at Princeton, amounting in all to less than S30,000. (See Book V: § 275.) Had tlieir claim at law been successful, they would not only have gained thereby control over the two Seminaries of Princeton and Allegheny, but have come in possession of funds, buildings, libraries, and other property held by the Trustees of the Assembly and of the Seminaries, amounting in the aggregate to not far from four hundred thousand dollars, to which, thus themselves being judges, they had no title of right, other than by intendment of law."] § 176. New-school Trustees demand seats in the Board. 1838, p. 40. A letter was received from the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly, which was ordered to be recorded, as follows, viz : " Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. " May 31, 1838. " At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, held this day, it was Resolved, That the following communication be transmitted to the General Assembly, viz: The Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, respectfully communicate to the Assembly, for their infbrma. tion, the ibllowing extracts from their Minutes of May 24th, 1838, viz: A paper, of which the following is a copy, was presented to the Board by James Todd, Esq., on behalf of the persons therein named : 792 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. ' General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America — Ses- sions of 1838. ' Tliis will certify that the following- persons were this day elected Trustees of the Gen- eral Assembly, viz : James Todd, Esq., in place of Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D. John R. NefF, in place of Rev. George C. Potts. Frederick A. Raybold, in place of Rev. William Latta. William Darling-, in place of Solomon Allen. Thomas Fleming, in place of Rev. Cornelius C. Cuyler, D. D. George W. M'Clelland, in place of Thomas Bradford. ' Attest, Erskine Mason, Stated Clerk Philadelphia, May 2ith, 1838.' Resolved, That the Board respectfully decline receiving these gentlemen as members of this Board. (Mr. White dissenting.) Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to advise with the officers of this Board, during the recesses of the Board, touching its interests, with power to employ counsel if necessary. Messrs. Chauncey, Bradford, and Kane, were appointed on this committee. Dr. McDowell presented a certificate, of which the following is a copy, which was read, and ordered to be entered on the Minutes. ' I do hereby certify that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, which commenced their sessions in this city on Thursday, the 17th inst., and are still in session, have made no change in their Stated or Permanent Clerks, or any of their Trustees, during their sessions ; and that up to this date I have acted as Stated Clerk, and continue so to act, and have in my possession all the books and papers of the General Assembly. ' Signed, John McDowell, Stated Clerk. 'Philadelphia, May 2Ath, 1838.- From the Minutes, James BaYard, Secretary." Whereupon, on motion of Mr. W. Maxwell, Resolved, That the Trustees of the General Assembly be instructed to take all such measures as to them shall seem needful for asserting, defend- ing, and securing the rights and interests of the Church confided to their care ; and that the faith of the several Churches in connection with the General Assembly be, and it is hereby, pledged to the said Trustees to in- demnify and save them harmless from the loss or damage by reason of their action, in conformity with the instructions of this body. § 177. Report of the Board of Trustees in regard to the suits at law. " Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. " To the Rev. Joshua L. Wilson, D. D., Moderator of the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States of America : " By direction of the Board of Trustees, I beg leave to transmit to the General Assem- bly the enclosed statement of the Board of Trustees, together with a copy of the report of a committee of the Board, referred to in the said statement. With great respect, James Bayard, Secretary.''^ "On the 31st May, 1838, the Board of Trustees had the honour to communicate to the General Assembly, that an application had been made to them by Messrs. James Todd, John R. NefF, Frederick A. Raybold, William Darling, Thomas Fleming, and George W. M'Clelland, claiming to be members of the Board, in the places of the Rev. Dr. Green and others, and that tlie Board had respectfully declined receiving tliose gentlemen as members of the corporation. The General Assembly thereupon adopted a resolution in the following words : " Resolved, That Ihe Trustees of the General Assembly be instructed to take all such measures as to them sliall seem needful, for asserting, defending, and securing the rights and interests of the Cliurcli, confided to their care; and that the faith of the several Churches in connection with the General Assembly be, and it is hereby, pledged to the said Trustees, to indcnmify and save them harmless from the loss or damage by reason of their action in conformity witli the instructions of this body. "On the 2d of June, 1838, a writ of quo warranto, at tlie relation of five of the gentle- men above referred to, issued from tlie Supreme Court of this commonwealth, addressed to the Rev. Drs. Green and Cuyler, and Messrs. Latta, Allen, and Bradford, requiring them to show by what authority tlu-y conthiued to exercise the functions of corporators in this Board. This proceeding was understood by tlie Board to fall within the scope of the re- solution of the Assembly; and the committee which had been before appointed 'to advise with the officers of the Board, during tlie recesses of the Board, touching its interests, with SEC. 176.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE SUITS AT LAW. 793 power to employ counsel,' proceeded accordingly to make such defence as the circum. stances in their view required. The report of tlic committee, detailing its proceedings and their result up to the present time, is herewith submitted. " Tliree other suits, in which the Rev. Miles P. Squier, Henry Brown, Esq., and the Rev. Phihp C. Hay, arc severally plaintiffs; and the Rev. Dr. David Elliott, Rev. Dr. John McDowell, Rev. John M. Krebs, Rev. Dr. William S. Plumer, and Rev. Robert J. Breck- inridge, are joined as defendants, were instituted at about the same time, and arc still pending. It is the declared object of these suits to test, in another manner, the propriety of the Assembly's action on the questions that have recently been before them. Tlie Trustees, by their committee, have therefore caused appearances to be entered in them by counsel, and will take sucli further measures in regard to them as may be necessary for deiendiiig the rights and interests of the Church. " The General Assembly will not fail to remark, from the tenor of the report which ac- companies this communication, that the funds in the charge of the Board of Trustees have not bfcn, in their judgment, legally applicable to the expenses of the recent and yet pend- ing litigation. It became necessary, therefore, to avail tliemselves of the credit of the General Assembly, as pledged by its resolution of 31st May last, and to borrow a consid- erable amount from individual friends of the Clmrcii, as a special fund. It is most re- spectfuUy suggested, tiiat some measures should be taken by the Assembly at an early day, to enable the Board to reimburse the moneys thus loaned, as well as to defray the further expenses which future circumstances may render necessary. " By order of the Board. AsHBEL Green, President. 'James Bayard, Secretary. ''Philadelphia, 15th May, 1839." § 178. Report of the Committee referred to in the foregoing. " The committee, authorized by the resolution passed by the Board on the 6th of June, 1838, 'to take order in the name and behalf of this corporation, in all matters touching its interests which may require action in the intervals of its meeting, so far as the same can lawfully be done without the direct agency of the Board,' report: " That, considering their appointment to have especial reference to the suit instituted in the name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at the relation of James Todd and others against Ashbel Green and others, members of tliis Board, for the purpose of trying their right to be considered members of the Board, the committee have directed their attention particularly to this object. In execution of the duty confided to them, they took immedi- ate steps to secure the professional services of John Sergeant, Esq., as counsel in said suit, and two members of the committee entered their appearance for the defendants, pre- pared and filed pleas on their behalf, and attended to other preliminary arrangements, until other Counsel should be retained. In this stage of the business, it became necessary to provide funds to defray the expenses which would necessarily be incurred in defending the suit, none of tiie trust funds held by the Board being applicable to this purpose. This was reported to the Board at its meeting held on the 17th of September, 1838, and pro- vision being made for the collection of funds for this purpose, the committee applied to J. R. Ingersoll and F. W. Hubbell, Esq's., to act as counsel with Mr. Sergeant. The com- mittee afterwards appointed the Rev. Dr. William M. Englcs agent of the Board, to attend to the details of the suit — confer with the counsel — procure the attendance of witnesses — make arrangements for their accommodation while in the city, tfec, which office was ac ccpted by that gentleman ; and the committee take this opportunity to bear testimony to the zeal and fidelily with which he performed the duties it imjwsed upon him. The case was marked for trial in November, (by direction of the plaintifi's' attorney,) and both par- ties were in attendance with their witnesses at that time; but in consequence of a sug- gestion of the judge then presiding, it was continued imtil March. During the session of the Supreme Court in December, the court, on the application of the plaintiffs, allotted a particular day (Monday, the 4th of March, 1839) for the commencement of the trial of tliis case. Before th:'.t day, the committee having been informed that Mr. Sergeant would not be able, from the state of his healtli,to take part in the trial of the cause, iimncdiately upon the adjournment of Congress, of which he was a member, secured tiie services of William C. Preston, Esq., of South Carolina, who acted witii Messrs. Ilubbcll and Inger. soil. The trial commenced on Tuesday, the 5th of March, before Judge Rogers, at Nisi Prius, and occupied three weeks, when the jury brought in a verdict against the defend- ants, in accordance with the charge delivered by the presiding judge. A motion for a new trial was made in the Supreme Court by Mr. Hubbell, on behalf of the defendants, and the Court apjiointed Wednesday, the 24th of April, for the argument. This motion was argued before tlic Suprenie Court by Mr. Hubbell and Mr. Sergeant, on behalf of the defendants and the Court this day, May 8th, pronounced judgment, awarding a new 794- HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. trial, on g^rounds so completely favourable to the defendants, tliat it is not probable that any further action will be liad in the case on the part of the plainliffs. "The caxe appears to be tlius liappily terminated; but, inasmuch as other proceedings may yet be instituted, which may require the further action of the committee, they for- bear to recommend that the committee be discharged. " On behalf of the committee. Signed, Ashbel Green, Chairman. " Philadelphia, 3Iay 8th, 1839." § 179. Action of the Assembly on this Report. 1839, p. 152. The Committee on the State of the Church, to whom was referred the report of the Trustees of the General Assembly, iu reference to the steps taken by them in defending the suits brought against them and others, by those who have gone out from us, beg leave to report the following resolutions for the adoption of the General Assembly: 1. That the report of the Trustees be copied into the Minutes. 2. That the General Assembly approve and ratify what has been done by their Trustees in the premises. 3. That the Trustees be, and they are hereby instructed to continue to take such measures as may be necessary to bring the said suits to a close, and that the faith of the Churches in connection with the General Assembly be, and it is hereby renewedly pledged to indemnify them. 4. That all Presbyteries in our connection, who have not already done so, be, and they are hereby requested to take such steps as may be necessary to raise their respective proportions of the expenses which have been incurred, or which may still be incurred, by the Trustees, in bringing the whole matter to a final issue. § 180. Action uj)on the final issue of the case. lb. p. 173. In view of recent events, threatening the corporate franchises and property of the Church, the General Assembly deems it appropriate to record its sentiments of gratitude to God, reverence for the political institu- tions of the country, respect for its laws and their organs, confidence in its own agents in the management of its temporal afiiiirs, and grateful remem- brance of the able and distinguished members of the legal profession, who, under God, have conducted those affairs to so successful a result : and there- fore it is hereby Resolve J, 1. We recognize the hand of God in all our temporal, as really and fully as in all our spiritual affairs. We owe it to his goodness that our people have had the means and the heart to give gifts to his Church, to be used for the maintenance of his truth and the extension of his kingdom. And now we are indebted to his continued favour that these gifts of charity have not been wrested from us. 2. We record, to the glory of God, and with devout gratitude, that his grace enabled our people to maintain, with so much unanimity and firmness, a noble devotion to their religious principles, even when, for a brief period of darkness, they seemed about to be called to make great and painful sacri- fices for them. 3. We find in the decision of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, renewed reason to confide in the protection of the laws, to trust to the fidelity, in- tegrity, and wisdom of the public tribunals, and to rejoice in our free and noble institutions. We thank God for this renewed proof, that in this happy land, the boundaries between the authority of God over the consciences, and that of society over the actions of men, are indeed known and esta- blished; and that our duties as citizens are confirmed, by this additional proof, to be in sweet accordance with our obligations as Christians. SEC. 178.] NKW SCHOOL. THE SUITS AT L.\W. 795 4. We return public thank.s to the respected gentlemen of the bar, who have ably, faithfully, and successfully, served our Church in its temporal trials. And wliile we deeply regret that ecclesiastical affairs should ever be carried before the courts of justice, we rejoice that this unhappy occasion has made clearly and rencwedly manifest, that devotion to general liberty and order, and that enlightened and efficient advocacy of their sacred interests, which has signalized this profession in all ages of the world. 5. We renew, on the part of the Church, expressions of confidence in the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly, and consider ourselves and our people debtors to them, for their wise, firm, faithful, and successful, administration of the trust committed to them. (5. In view of the lucid exposition, of which recent events have been made the occasion, in relation to the Constitution and principles of the Presbyterian Church, we recommend it to the Churches under cur care, to obtain and circulate the history published at the office of the Presbyterian, and at the office of the Watchman of the South, and shortly to come out in pamphlet form, of the trial before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, including an extended report of the speeches of the counsel. 7. Resolved, That copies of the foregoing resolutions be transmitted to the Board of Trustees, and to the legal gentlemen contemplated in these resolutions. § 181. Letter of the Hun. John Sergeant. 1840, p. 284. A letter from the Hon. John Sergeant to the Stated Clerk, was presented and read, and on motion it was ordered to be inserted in the minutes. It is as follows, viz : '■'Philadelphia, June 23, 1839. " Rev. and Dear Sir: — I have received your note of this date, and the accompanying extract i'roni the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Clnirch in the UnitLd Stutes of America. You may readily believe how much we must be gratified by tlic resolutions wliich relate to us who were counsel in the late interesting- trial, for the Genery.1 Assembly, and to the character in general of tlie profession to which we belong. For myself, I can truly say, that nothing lias occurred in the course of my professional life for wliieh I feel more thankful than that my health and strength were sufficiently re- stored to enable me to take some part in the case, and to entitle me to participate with my colleagues in the kind expressions of the reverend and respected gentlemen whnsi! resolu- tions you have transmitted to us. Be pleased to acce{)t for them my earnest wishes that their hi hours for the good of their fellow men, may always be crowned with like success. Yours, very truly, John Sergeant. "Rev. Dr. McDowell, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly.''' § 182. Opinion of the Court. [Judge Rogers's charge is not given, because it is altogether too large to justify its in- sertion as a curiosity, covering as it does three times the space occupied by the opinion of the Court. As a legal document, being set aside by the Court in Bank, it is of no more autliorify than the oj)inionof any private citizen.] " Gibson, C. J., delivered the opinion of the Court, on Wednesday morning. May Stli, [18.39,] as follows: ( a ) " To extricate the question from the multifarious mass of irrelevant matter in which it is enclosed, we must, in the first place, ascertain the specific character of the General Assembly, and the relation it bears to the Corporation whicli is tlie immediate subject of our cognizance. This Assembly lias been called a. quasi corporation ; of wliieh it has not a feature. A quasi corporation lias capacity to sue and to be sued as an artificial person; wiiich the Assembly has not. It is also established by law; which the Assembly is not. Neither is the Assembly a particular order or rank in the corporation, though tlie latter was created for its convenience ; such, for instance, as the shareholders of a bank or joint stock company, who are an integrant part of the body. It is a segregated associa- tion, wliicli, though it is the reproductive organ of corporate successions, is not itself a 796 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. member of the bod}'; and in that respect it is anomulous. Havmg no corporate quality in itself, it is not a subject of our corrective jurisdiclion, or of our scrutiny, further than to ascertain how tar its organic structure may bear on the question of its personal identity or individuality. By the charter of the corporation, of whicli it is the handmaid and nurse, it has a limited capacity to creiite vacancies in it, and an unlimited power over the form and manner of choice in filling them. It would be sufficient for the civil tribunals, theref(Me, that the Assembled Commissiontrs had constituted an actual body; and that it had made its appointment in its own way, without regard to its fairness in res])ect to its members ; with this limitation, however, tliat it had the assent of the constitutional ma- jority, of which the official act of authentication would be, at \east, pri7na facie evidence. It would be immaterial to the legality of the cl'.oice that the majority had expelled the mi- nority, provided a majority of the whole body concurred in the choice. This may be safely predicated of an undivided Assembly, and it would be an unerring test in tlie case of a division, could a quorum not be constituted of less than such a majority ; but un- fortunately, a quorum of the General Assembly may be constituted of a very small mi. nority, so that two, or even more, distinct parts may have all the external organs of legiti- mate existence. Hence, where, as in this instance, the members have formed themselves into separate bodies, numerically sufficient for corporate capacity and organic action, it becomes necessary to ascertain how far either of them was formed in obedience to the conventional law of the Association, which, for that purpose only, is to be treated as a rule of civil obligation. (b) "The division which, for purposes of designation, it is convenient to call the Old School party, was certainly organized in obedience to the established order : and, to legiti- mate the separate organization of its rival, in contravention, as it certainly was, of every, thing like precedent, would require the presentation of a very urgent emergency. At the stated time and place for the opening of the session, the parties assembled, without any ostensible division; and when the organization of the whole had proceeded to a certain point, by the instrumentality of the Moderator of the preceding session, who, for that purpose, was the constitutional organ, a provisional Moderator was suddenly chosen, by a minority of those who could be entitled to vote, including the exscinded Commissioners. The question on the motion to elect, was put, not by the Chair, but by the mover himself; after which, the seceding party elected a permanent Moderator, and immediately witli- drew, leaving the other party to finish its process of organization, by the choice of its Moderator for the session. (c) "In justification of this apparent irregularity, it is urged that the constitutional Moderator had refused an appeal to the Commissioners in attendance, from his decision, which had excluded from the roll the names of certain Commissioners who had been un- constitutionally severed, as it is alleged, from the Presbyterian connection by a vote of the preceding session. It is conceded by the argument, that if the Synods with the de- pendent Presbyteries by which those Commissioners were sent, had been constitutionally dissolved, the motion was one which the Moderator was not bound to put, or the Com- missioners to notice ; and that whatever implication of assent to the decision which en- sued, might otherwise be deduced from the silence of those who refused to speak out, about which it will be necessary to say something in the sequel, there was no room for any such implication in the particular instance. It would follow also, that there was no pretence for the deposal of the Moderator, if indeed such a thing could be legitimated by any circumstances, for refusing an appeal from his exclusion of those who had not colour of title, and consequently, tliat what else might be reform, would be revolution. And this leads to an inquiry into the constitutionality of the act of excision. (d) "The sentence of excision, as it has been called, was nothing else than an ordi- nance of dissolution. It bore that the Synods in question, having been formed and at- tached to the body of the Presbyterian Church under, and in execution of, the Plan of Union, 'be, and are hereby declared to be, out of the ecclesiastical connection of the Pres- byterian Church in the United States of America ; and that they arc not in form or in fact, an integral portion of said Church.' Now it will not be said that if the dissolved Synods had no other basis Ihan the Plan of Union, they did not necessarily fall along with it, and it is not pretended that the Assembly was incompetent to repeal the union pros- pectively, but it is Contended that the repeal could not impair rights of membership which had grown up under it. On the other hand, it is contended tiiat the Plan of Union was unconstitutional and void from the beginning, because it was not submitted to the Pres- byteries for their sanction ; and that no riglit of membership could spring from it. But viewed not as a constitutional regulation which implies permanency of duration, but as a temporary expedient, it acquired the force of a law without the ratification of those bodies. It was evidently not intended to be permanent, and it consequently was constitutionally enacted and constitutionally repealed by an ordinary act of legislation ; and thase Synods which had their root in it, could not be expected to survive it. There never was a design to attempt an amalgamation of ecclesiastical principles which are as immiscible as water SEC. 182.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE SUITS .\T LAW. 797 and oil; much Ic^s to effect a commixture of them only at particular g-cograpliical points. Such an attempt would have compromis.d a priiici|)Ic at the very root of Prosbyterial govcrmncnt, which requires tliat the officers of the Cluirch be set apart by special ordi- niition for the work. Now, the character of the phm is palpable, not only in its title and provi.sions, but in tlie minute of its introduction into tiie Assembly. We find in the pro- ceedings of 1801, p;ige 25(i, that a Comniittce was raised 'to consider and digest a Plan of Government for tiio Cluirclus in the new settlements agreeably to the proposal of the General Association of Connecticut ;' and that tiie plan adopted in conformity to its re- port, is cnllcd 'a Plan of Union lor tiic new settlements.' Tlic avowed object of it was to prevent alienation — in other words, the affiliation of Presb^'terians in otiier Cliurches, by suffering tliose who were yet too t^'W and too poor for the maintenance of a Minister, temporarily to call to their assistance the members of a sect who differed from them in principles, not of faitli, but of ecclesiasticnl government. To tliat end, Presbyterian Min- isters were suffered to preach to Congregational Churches, while Presbyterian Clmrches were suffered to settle Congregational Ministers; and mixed Congregations were allowed to settle a Presbyterian or a Congregational Minister at their election, but under a Plan of Government and discipline adapted to the circumstances. Surely this was not intended to outlast the inability of tlie respective sects to provide separately for themselves, or to perpetuate the innovations on Prcsbyterial government which it was calculated to pro- duce It was obviously a missionary arrangement from the first; and they who built up Presbyteries and Synods on the basis of it, had no reason to expect tliat their structures would survive it, or that Congregationalists might, by force of it, gain a foothold in the Pr;sbyi,erian Church, despite of Presbyterial discipline. Tiicy embraced it with all its defeasible properties plainly put before them ; and the power which constituted it might fairly repeal it, and dissolve the bodies that had grown out of it, whenever the good of the Church should seem to require it. (e) " Could the Synods however be dissolved by a legislative act? I know not how they could have been legitimately dissolved by any otiier. The Assembly is a homo- geneous body, uniting in itself, without separation of parts, the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of the government; and its acts are referable to the one or the otiier of them, according to the capacity in which it sat when they were performed. Now had the exscinded Synods been cut off by a judicial sentence without hearing or notice, the act would have been contrary to the cardinal principles of natural justice, and conse- quently void. But though it was at first resolved to proceed judicially, the measure was abandoned ; probably because it became to be perceived that the Synods had committed no offence. Lf) " ^ glance at the Plan of Union is enough to convince us that the disorder had cnnie in with the sanction of the Assembly itself. The first article directed missionaries (the word is significant) to the new settlements to promote a good understanding betwixt the kindred sects. The second and third permitted a Presbyterian Congregation to settle a Congregational Minister, or a Presbyterian Minister to be settled by a Congregational Cliurch ; but these provided for no recognition of tlie people in charge as a part of the Presbyterian body — at least they gave tliem no representation in its government. But the fourth allowed a mixed Congregation to settle a Minister of either denomination; and it Committed the government of it to a standing committee, but with a right to appeal to tlic body of male communicants if the appcllmt were a Congrcgationalist, or to the Pres- bytery if he were a Presbyterian. Now it is evident the Assembly designed that every such Congregation sliould belong to a Presbytery as an integrant part of it, for if its Minister were a Congrcgationalist, in no way connected with the Presbyterian Church, it would be impossible to refer the appellate jurisdiction to any Presbytery in particular. This alone would sliow tliat it was designed to place sucli a Congregation in ecclesiasti- cal connection with the Presbytery of tlie district; but tiiis is not all. It was expressly provided in conclusion, that if tlie "said standing committee of any Churcli shall depute one of themselves to attend the Presbytery, he may have the same right to sit and act in the Presbytery as a ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church." For what purpose, if the Congregation were not in Prcsbyterial fellowship ? (^) It is said that tliis jus repreaentationis was predicated of the appeal preeedently mentioned; and that the exercise of it was to be restrained to the trial of it. The words, however, were predicated without restriction ; and an implied limitation of their meaning would impute to the Assembly the injustice of allowing a party to sit in his own cause, by introducing into the composition of the appellate court, a part of the subordinate one. That such an implication would be inconsisfent with the temper dis])layed by the Assem. biy on other occasions, is jiroved by the order which it took as early as 17itl, in the case of an appeal from the sentence of the Synod of Philadeljihia, whose members it prevented from voting on the question, (Assembly's Digest, p. 3.32,) as well as by its general provi- sion, that " members of' a judicatory may not vote in the superior judicatory on a question of approving or disapproving their records." {lb. page 333.) 798 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [bOOK VII. (h) " Tlic principle lias since become a rule of the Constitution, as appears by the Book of Discipline, Ch;ip. vii., Sec. 3, parao^ruph 12. As tlie representatives of those anomalous Coug-rcfrations therefore could not sit in judgment on their own controversies, it is pretty clear that ii was intended they should be represented generally, else they would not be represented at all in tiie councils ol' the Clmrch, by those who might not be Presbyterians ; and that to effect it, the principle of Presbyterial ordination was to be relaxed, as regards both the ministry and eldership; and it is equally clear that had the Synods been cited to answer for the consequent relaxation as an offence, they might have trium])hantly ap- peared at tile bar of tlie Assembly with the Plan of Union in their hand. Th.it body, however, resorted to the only constitutional remedy in its power ; it fell back, so to speak, on its legislative jurisdiction, in the exercise of which the Synods were competently re- presented and heard by tiieir Commissioners. («■) "Now the apparent injustice of the measure arises from the contemplation of it as a judicial sentence pronounced against parties who were neither cited nor heard; wliicli it evidently was not. Even as a legislative act, it may have been a hard one, though cer- tainly constitutional and strictly just. It was impossible to eradicate the disorder by any- thing less than a dissolution of those bodies with whose existence its roots were so inter, twined as to be inseparable from it, leaving their elements to form new and less heteroge- neous combinations. Though deprived of Presbyterial organization, the Presbyterian parts were not excluded from the Church, provision being made for them, by allowing them to attach themselves to the nearest Presbytery. (k) "It is said there is not sufficient evidence to establish the fact that the exscinded Synods had actually been constituted on the Plan of Union, in order to have given the Assembly even legislative jurisdiction. The testimony of the Rev. Mr. Squier, however, shows that in some of the three which were within the State of New York, Congrega- tions were sometimes constituted without Elders ; and the Synod of the Western Reserve, when charged with delinquency on that head, instead of denying the fact, promptly pointed to the Plan of Union for its justification. But what matters it whether the fact were actually what the Assembly supposed it to be ? If that body proceeded in good faith, the validity of its enactment cannot depend on the justness of its conclusion. We have, as already remarked, no authority to rejudge its judgments on their merits; and this principle was asserted with conclusive force by the presiding judge who tried the cause. Upon an objection made to an inquiry into the composition of the Presbytery of Medina, it was ruled that 'with the reasons lor the proceedings of 1837, (tlie act of ex- cision,) we have notiiing to do. We are to determine only what was done: the reasons of those who did it are immaterial If the acts complained of were witliin the jurisdic- tion of the Assembly, their decision must be final, though they decided wrong.' This was predicated of a judicial jurisdiction, but tlie principle is necessarily as a|)plicnb]e to jurisdiction for purposes of legislation. I cite the passage, however, to show that after a successful resistance to the introduction of evidence of the fact, it lies not with the re- lators to allege the want of it. {I) "If then the Synods in question were constitutionally dissolved, the Presbyteries of which they had been composed, were, at least for purposes of representation, dissolved, along with them ; for no Presbytery can be in connection with the General Assembly, unless it be at the same time subordinate to a Synod also in connection with it, because an appeal from its judgment can reach the tribunal of the last resort only through that cliaunel. It is immaterial that the Presbyteries are the electors : a Synod is a part of the machinery which is indispensable to the existence of every branch of the Church. It appears, therefore, that the Commissioners from the exscinded Synods were not enti- tied to seats in the Assembly, and that their names were properly excluded from Ihe roll. {m) "The inquiry might be rested here: for if there were no colour of right in them, there was no colour of right in the adversary proceedings which were founded on their exclusion. But even if their title were clear, the refusal of an appeal from the decision of the Moderator, would be no ground for the degradation of the officer at the call of a minority; nor could it impose on the majority an obligation to vote on a question put unofficially, and out of the usual course. To all questions put by the establislied organ, it is the duty of every nK-mber to respond, or be counted with the greater number, be- cause he is supposed to have assented beforehand to the result of the process pre-estab- lished to ascertain the general will; but the rule of implied assent is C(;rtainly inapplica- ble to a measure wliich, when justifiable even by extreme necessity, is essentially revolu- tionary, and based on no pre-established process of ascertainment whatever. ( n ) "To apply it to an extreme case of inorganic action, as was done here, might work the degradation of any presiding officer in our legislative halls, by the motion and actual vote of a single member, sustained by the constructive votes of all the rest; and though such an enterprise may never be attempted, it shows the danger of resorting to a con- ventional rule, when the body is to be resolved into its original elements, and its rules SEC. 182.] NEW SCHOOL. THE SUITS AT LAW. 7U9 and conventions to be suprcrseded, by the very motion. For tliis reason, the choice of a Moderator to supplant the officer in the chair, even if lie were removable at the pleasure of the Commissioners, would seem to have been unconstitutional. (o) " But he was not removable by them, because he had not derived his office from them ; nor was he answerable to them for the use of his power. He was not their Mode- rator. He was the mechanical instrument of their organization; and till tliat w^as ac- complished, tlicy were subject to his rule — not he to theirs. They were chosen by the authority of his mandate, and with the power of self-organization, only in the event of his absence at the opening of the session. Corporeally present, but refusing to perform his function, he miglit be deemed constructively absent, for constitutional purposes, inso- nmch that the Connnissioners might proceed to the choice of a substitute without him; but not if he had entered on the performance of his task ; and the reason is that the decision of such questions as were prematurely pressed here, is proper for the decision of the body when prepared for organic action, which it cannot be before it is fully constituted and under the presidency of its own Moderator, the Moderator of the pre- ceding session being fundus officio. There can be no occasion for its action sooner ; lor though the Commissioners are necessarily called upon to vote for their Moderator, their action is not orgajiic, but individual. Dr. Mason's motion and appeal, tliough the Clerks had reported the roll, were premature; for though it is declared in the twelfth chapter of the Form of Government, that no Commissioner shall deliberate or vote be- fore his name shall have been enrolled, it tbllows not that the capacity, consummated by enrolment, was expected to be exercised during any part of the process of organi- zation, but the choice of a Moderator; and moreover, the provision may have been in- tended jbr the case of a Connnissioner appearing for the first time, when the House was constituted. {p) "Many instances may doubtless be found among the minutes, of motions enter- tained previously, tor our public bodies, whether legislative or judicial, secular or ecclesi- astical, arc too prone to forget the golden precept — ' Let all things be done decently and in ord'jr.' But these are merely instances of irregularity which have passed suh silentio, and which cannot change a rule of positive enactment. It seems then that an appeal from the decision of the Moderator did not lie ; and that he incurred no penalty by the disallowance of it. The title of the exscinded Commissioners could be determined only by the action of the House, which could not be had before its organization was complete ; and in the meantime he was bound, as the executive instrument of the preceding Assem- bly, to put its ordinance into execution : for to the actual Assembly, and not to the Mode- rator of tlic preceding one, it belonged to repeal it. ( y ) "It would be decisive, however, that the motion, as it was proposed, purported not to be in iiict a question of degradation for the disallowance of an appeal, but one of new and independent organization. It was, ostensibly as well as actually, a measure of trans- cendental power, wliose purpose was to treat the ordinance of the preceding Assembly as a nullity, and its Moderator as a nonentity. It had been prepared for the event avowedly before the meeting. The witnesses concur that it was propounded as a measure of original organization transcending the customary order; and not as a recourse to the ultima ratio for a specific violation of it. The ground of the motion as it was opened by the mover, was not the disallowance of an appeal, which alone could afford a pretext of forfeiture, but the fact of exclusion. To affect silent members with an implication of assent, however, the ground of the motion and natureof the question must be so explicitly put before them as to prevent misconception or mistake ; and the remarks that heralded the question in this instance, pointed at, not a removal of the presiding incumbent, but a separate organization to be accomplished with the least practicable interruption of the business in hand; and if they indicated anything else, they were deceptive. The mea- sure was proposed not as that of the body, but as the measure of a party; and tlie cause assigned for not having proposed it elsewhere, was that individuals of the party had been instructed by counsel that the purpose of it could not be legally accomplished in any other place. No witness speaks of a motion to degrade ; and the rapidity of the process by which the choice of a substitute, not a successor, was effected, left no space (or reflection or debate. Now before the passive Commissioners could be affected by acquiescence im- plied from their silence, it ought to have appeared that they were apprized of what was going on ; but it appears that even an attentive ear-witness was unable to understand what was done. The whole scene was one of unprecedented haste, insomuch tiiat it is still a matter of doubt how the questions were put. Now, though these ficts were fairly put to the jury, it is impossible not to see that tlie verdict is, in this respect, manifestly against the current of the evidence. ( r ) " Other corroborative views have been suggested ; but it is difficult to compress a decision of the leading points in this case into the old fashioned limits of a judicial opin- ion. The preceding observations, however, are deemed enough to show the grounds on 800 HERESIES AND SCHISMS. [BOOK VII. which we hold that the Assembly which met in the First Presbyterian Church was not the legitimate successor of the Assembly of 18.37 ; and that the del'endants are not guilty of the usurpation with which tiny are charged. "Rule for a new trial nmde absolute." ( ») "Rogers, J. — After the patient and impartial investigation, by me, of this cause, at Nisi Prius, and in bank, 1 have nothing at this time to add, except that my opinion remains unchanged on all the points ruled at the trial. This explanation is deemed requisite, in justice to myself, and because it has become necessary (in a case, in some respects without precedent, and presenting some extraordinary features) to prevent mii?- apprehension and misrepresentation." § 183. Assessment to meet the expenses of the suit. 1839, p. 162. Whereas it is absolutely necessary that a fund of $4000 be created to defray the expenses of the law-suits in which the Trustees of the General Assembly have been recently, or may hereafter be involved — 1. Resolved, That the Presbyteries in connection with the General Assem- bly be requested to contribute forthwith, for that purpose, and transmit to Matthew Newkirk, the Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly, the following sums respectively, viz : [Here follows the list, making in the aggregate $4000.] 2. Resolved, Inasmuch as a loan of $2000 has been obtained by the Trustees of the General Assembly, on the faith of pledges given by the last General Assembly, that the members of the General Assembly be requested to assume the responsibility of raising the sum which ought to be con- tributed by their respective Presbyteries ; and that the roll be called over, for the purpose of ascertaining if they are willing to do so. The roll was called, and the members of the Assembly severally assumed the responsibility of raising the sums expected from their respective Pres- byteries. § 184. The Assembly icill accede to an eqidtahle division of funds. 1839, p. 158. Be it Resolved hy the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 1. That this body considers itself and the Church at large bound, as both have been not only willing, but desirous, to adjust all claims against the cor- porate property of the Church, whether legal or equitable, in the most prompt, fair, and liberal manner. 2. That this is especially the case totxching any claims which may exist on the part of the four Synods of Utica, Geneva, Genesee, and the Western Reserve, declared in 1837 to be no part of the Presbyterian Church, or on the part of those who seceded from the Church in 1838, or on the part of any body constituted out of the whole or any part of these elements. And that, in regard to all and each of these bodies and persons, the Assembly will faithfully adhere to any pledge or promise, express or implied, which it can justly be construed ever to have made, and will fulfil every expectation which it ever knowingly allowed to be cherished. 3. The Trustees of the Assembly are hereby authorized and requested to do, on the part of this Assembly, should occasion offer, whatever is lawful, competent, and equitable in the premises, conformable to the principles, and in the manner heretofore laid down in the Minutes of this Assembly for 1837 and 1838, so far as relates to the corporate property of the Church, or any equities springing out of the same. 4. With reference to all Institutions, Corporations, Congregations, and other public persons or bodies in connection with us, but holding property for ecclesiastical purposes, or for religious and benevolent uses, which property is not subject to the control of the Assembly, although the said bEC. 182.] NEW SCHOOL. — THE SUITS AT LAW. 801 persons, Institutions, or Congregations may be, in all such cases where diffi- culties relating to property have arisen or shall arise, in consequence of the long and painful disorders and divisions in our Church, we advise all our members and friends to act on the general principles heretofore laid down, and with the spirit of candour, forbearance, and equity which has dictated this Act. 5. The Assembly reiterates the declaration, that its chief desire, on all this part of our Church troubles, is to do even and ready justice to and be- tween all persons and interests over which it has any control, or in regard to which it has any duty to perform. 101 802 MORAL AND SECULAE. [bOOK VIII. BOOK YIII. MORAL AND SECULAE, CHAPTER I. MORAL QUESTIONS Title 1. — miscellaneous. § 1. Astrology. 1728, p. 91. The Synod do bear their strongest testimony against judicial astrology. § 2. Theatre and dancing. 1818, p. 690. (a) On the fashionable, though, as we believe, dangerous amusements of theatrical exhibitions and dancing, we deem it necessary to make a few observations. The theatre we have always considered as a school of immorality. If any person wishes for honest conviction on this subject, let him attend to the character of that mass of matter which is generally exhibited on the stage. We believe all will agree, that comedies at least, with a few exceptions, are of such a description, that a virtuous and modest person cannot attend the representation of them, without the most painful and embarrassing sensations. If indeed custom has familiarized the scene, and these painful sensations are no longer felt, it only proves that the person in question has lost some- of the best sensibilities of our nature, that the strongest safeguard of virtue has been taken down, and that the moral character has undergone a serious depreciation. ( 6 ) With respect to dancing, we think it necessary to observe, thSt how- ever plausible it may appear to some, it is perhaps not the loss dangerous on account of that plausibility. It is not from those things which the world acknowledges to be most wrong, that the greatest danger is to be apprehended to religion, especially as it relates to the young. When the practice is car- ried to its highest extremes, all admit the consequences to be fatal ; and why not then apprehend danger, even from its incipient stages ? It is certainly in all its stages a fascinating and an infatuating practice. Let it once be in- troduced, and it is difficult to give it limits. It steals away our precious time, dissipates religious impressions, and hardens the heart. To guard you, beloved brethren, against its wiles and its fascinations, we earnestly recom- mend that you will consult that sobriety which the sacred pages require. SEC. 1] MORAL QUKSTIONS. 803 We also trust that you will attend with the meekness and docility becoming the Christian character, to the admonitions on this subject of those whom you have chosen to watcli for your souls. And now, beloved brethren, that you may be guarded from the dangers we have pointed out, and from all other dangers which beset the path of life, and obstruct our common salva- tion, and that the great Head of the (church may have you in his holy keep- ing, is our sincere and aflectionate prayer. Amen. 1827, p. 136. * * * But we are called to notice evils of another kind. In some of the Northern and Southern, and in the greater part of the Middle and Western sections of our Church, we hear complaints of the prevalence of lukewarmness, and a great want of evangelical zeal among the professed dis- ciples of the Lord Jesus. The "spirit of slumber" seems to have deadened all their energies, and they are resting contented with the forms of religion, without feeling its vivifying power. As an eftcct of this they are found conforming to the world, in its fashionable amusements, frequenting the theatre and the ball-room, and yielding to the spirit of strife, whose deadly influence resists the impulses of the Holy Ghost, and is calculated to banish him for ever from their hearts. Over such we mourn, and our prayer is that the Spirit of the Lord would breathe upon them and cause them to live again. Awake ! 0 north wind, and come, thou south ! and blow upon these parts of thy garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. 1828, p. 25(5. In the principal cities of our country, the theatre, under the pretence of a laudable aim to cultivate a taste for literature, and provide a recreation calculated to improve the public manners, is doing much, not only to blunt the delicate sensibilities of the female mind, and generate a dislike to all solid improvement and wholesome instruction, but to subvert the foundations of virtue and religion, and feed and cherish every descrip- tion of immorality. In view of the rapid increase of these fashionable schools of iniquity, and the increasing ardour with which the affections of the young are enlisted in them, Christian parents and active benefactors of society should be constrained by every consideration of interest, duty, and compassion, to apply their strenuous endeavours to the counteraction of the baneful influences of this fascinating source of vice and ruin. As an inter- esting sign of the ps-esent time, and for the encouragement of similar mea- sures, the Assembly here notice with great pleasure, the refusal in the legis- lature of Massachusetts, to incorporate the proprietors of a theatre in one of the principal towns of the State § 3. Duelling. 1805, p. 339. The General Assembly having taken into serious consider- ation the unhappy prevalence of the practice of duelling in the United States, and being anxiously desirous to contribute what may be in their power, con- sistently with their character and situation, to discountenance and abolish this practice : Resolved, unanimously, That they do, in the most unequivocal manner, declare their utter abhorrence of the practice of duelling and of all measures tending thereto, as originating from the malevolent dispositions of the human ' heart, and a false sense of honour ; as a remnant of Gothic barbarism ; as imp-lying a presumptuous and highly criminal appeal to God as the Sovereign Judge; as utterly inconsistent with every just principle of moral conduct ; as a direct violation of the sixth commandment, and destructive of the peace and happiness of families ; and the Assembly do hereby recommend it to the Ministers in their connection to discountenance by all proper means in their power this scandalous practice. Resolved, also. That it be, and it is hereby recommended to all the Minis- 804 MORJL .\ND SECULAR. [bOOK \III. ters uu Jor the care of the A^^sembly. that they scrupulously refuse to attend the funeral of any person who shall have fallen in a duel ; and that they admit no person who shall have fought a duel, given or accepted a challenge, or been accessory thereto, unto the distinguishing privileges of the Church, until he manifest a just sense of his guilt, and give satisfactory evidence of repentance. § 4. Litigation among prof cssing Christians. 1729, p. 96. Overtured, That the Synod do bear their testimony against, and declare their great dissatisfaction at, the religious law-suits that are maintained among professors of religion, so contrary to that peace and love which the gospel requires, and the express direction of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. vi. 1, 2, 8, and consequently very much to the scandal of our holy pro- fession. And that, therefore, the Synod do recommend to all the Ministers within our bounds, to use their utmost endeavour to bring their several re- spective Congregations into a joint agreement to avoid to their utmost all unnecessary law-suits for the future, and to refer such differences as cannot be easily accommodated between the parties themselves, to some prudent, religious, and indifferent friends, if it may be, of our own profession, mutually chosen by the contending parties, or otherwise, as such society shall think best, to decide and determine such differences. This overture was approved by the Synod, iiemiuc contradiccnte. § 5. Secret Societies. 1821, pp. 10, 13, 15. [In 1821, the subject of Masonry came up on a reference from the Synod of Pittsburgh. It was referred to a committee. Upon its report,] ■ After discussion of considerable length, the previous question having been called for, was taken, and determined in the negative; and the subject was indefinitely postponed. 1846, p. 194. A memorial from the Presbytery of Miami, on the subject of Secret Societies, [elicited the following reply :] Resolved, That it is inexpedient for the General Assembly to legislate on the subject. § 6. Spirit of speculation and extravagance. 1819, p. 715. The General Assembly viewing with deep interest the pre- sent state of our country, and more especially the commercial embarrass- ments which press upon every part of the United States, and the spirit of corrupt and mischievous speculation, which is probably to be regarded as both a cause and an effect of these embarrassments, feel it to be their duty to take this notice of this unhappy state of things, and to express their opinion of the proper remedy. The Assembly, then, are persuaded, that the evils so general in their prevalence, and so severe in their pressure, primarily on the commercial and manufacturing portions of the community, but in a considerable degree on all, owe their origin, in a great measure, to that spirit of cupidity, of adven- turous and unjustifiable speculation, of extravagance and luxury, which so unhappily prevail in our country; and also in no small degree to the want of that kind of education which is calculated to prepare a youth for solid usefulness in the Church, and in civil society. The Assembly, therefore, are firmly persuaded that the effectual remedy for these evils, under God, is to be found only in a recurrence to those principles and duties of our holy T<']igion, which are not less conducive to the temporal welfare of men, than to their eternal happiness ; and they have no hope that general prosperity SEC. 3.] MORAL QUESTIONS. ^ 805 can be restored to our country, until there is a return to those habits of in- dustry, temperance, moderation, economy, and general virtu(^, wliich our comnion Christianity inculcates. Under these impressions, the Assembly would earnestly exhort the (Jhurches under their care, to take into due con- sideration the opinions above expressed; to cultivate in themselves, and to .'ndeavour to promote in others, those simple, frugal, and regular pursuits which cannot fail to exert a benign influence on the best interests of society ; and to train up their children in those principles and habits which will pre- pare them at once to be useful members of the Church and useful citizens. They would especially entreat those individuals and families belonging to their 'communion, whom God has been pleased to favour with temporal wealth, to consider the peculiar importance of their setting an edifying e.K- ample, so that their whole influence nioy be employed to discourage fjishii.n- able vices and amusements, and to promote the simplicity and purity of Christian practice. And the Assembly would also earnestly exhort all the Ministers in their communion to make these sentiments a subject of frequent and serious address to the people of their respective pastoral charges, and to endeavour by all the means in their power, to impress on the minds of their hearers the all-important truth, that the religion of Jesus Christ, in its vital power and practical influence, is the best friend of civil society, as well as es- sential to the eternal well-being of man. § 7. GionhliiKj and Lotteries. 1818, p. 690. The vice of ganibling has also been forced upon our atten- tion. We indeed hope that few, or perhaps none of our actual professors, have indulged themselves in the practice of what they consider as coming under the denomination of gambling. But perhaps there are some addicted to this practice who have evinced a predilection for our Church, and forms of worship, and who are not unwilling to receive the word of admonition from us. Such we would earnestly exhort to consider in the n)ost serious manner, the consequences of the course they are pursuing and the awful lessons which the experience of the world is every day exhibiting on this sub- ject- But it is our duty further to testify, that all encouragement of lotteries and purchasing of lottery-tickets ; all attendance on horse-racing, and betting on such, or any other occasions ; and all attempts of whatever kind to acquire gain without giving an ecpiivalent, involve the gambling principle, and par- ticipate in the guilt which attaches to that vice. 1827, p. 135. Gambling, that infatuating and destructive vice, is still maintaining its accursed sway over thousands of its hapless victims. By this remark we intend to cotidemn the practice of gambling by lottery, which,, under the sanction of legislative p:itronage, is, in several places within our bounds, encouraging a wild spirit of speculation, paralyzing industry, and carrying disappointment, poverty, and sorrow, into many habitations. 1830, p. 31. The report of the Committee on tiie subject of lotteries, was taken up and adopted, and is as follows, viz: That although so often sanc- tioned by legislative acts; althoutjh the proceeds of lotteries have not unfre- quently been appropriated to benevolent and religious objects; although many wise and good men have in periods past, by their participation or agency, given countenance to lotteries, yet your committee cannot view them in any other light than that of legalized gambling. It would require volumes to record all the evils resulting from this sys- tem of predatory speculation. It adds nothing to the wealth of the com- munity. It too often takes from the uninformed poor the property obtained by labour and skill, and transfers the same, without the least equivalent, into the hands of the idle and unwurthy It thus becomes the means of intru- 806 MORAL AND SECULAR. [BOOK VIII ducing and extending habits of gatublinfr in all forms. Hundreds of fami- lies yearly are reduced to dependence and beggary, and not unfrequently its deluded victims terminate their nnserable existence in this world, by suicide. Contemplating this multitude of evils to individuals, to families, and to the community at large, your committee beg leave to submit the following reso- lutions : 1. Resoloed, That in the opinion of this General Assembly, all lotteries should be discountenanced by every professed member of the Presbyterian Church, as immoral in their nature, and ruinous in their eiFects upon indi- vidual character and the public welfare. 2. That the purchase and sale of lottery-tickets should be avoided by every member of our Church, even when the professed object of the lottery may be praiseworthy, inasmuch as it is not allowable to do evil that good may come. 3. That all the Presbyteries under the care of this General Assembly be, and they hereby are, recommended to take order on the subject of lot- tery gambling, to press the consideration of it and its attendant evils upon Ministers and Sessions, and to adopt such plans of operation as may free the Church from all participation in this sin, enlighten, arouse, and direct pub- lic opinion, and save our country from this and every other species of gam- bling. § 8. Vaccination. 1803, p. 277. A letter was received from certain citizens of Philadelphia, styling themselves, " Friends of Humanity," accompanied with two hundred copies of a publication on the vaccine disease, requesting that the Assembly will take measures to have the same distributed among the people for their information on the subject ; and to hasten that expected and desirable event, the total extinction of that loathsome and fatal disease, the small-pox. Fifty additional copies of the same publication, accompanied with a few copies of Dr. Jenner's Instructions on the practice of vaccine inoculation, were also received from the same benevolent persons, with a request that they may be sent by the missionaries from this Assembly to the frontiers of the country, and distributed for the caution and direction of those who have less opportu- nity of obtaining medical aid and advice, on the subject of vaccine inoculation. The present was thankfully accepted by the Assembly, who feeling perfectly disposed to co-operate with those friends of humanity, distributed the two hundred copies aforesaid among the members, to be used at their discretion for promoting the end in view. The fifty copies, with the directions accom- panying them, were transmitted to the Standing Committee of Missions, to the intent that they may be employed for the purposes aforesaid. Title 2. — intemperance. § 9. Carousals at funerals. 1766, p. 359. That as the too great use of spirituous liquors at funerals in some parts of the country, is risen to such an height as greatly to endanger the morals of many, and is the cause of much scandal, the Synod earnestly enjoin, that the several Sessions and committees shall take the most effectual methods to correct these mischiefs, and discountenance by their example and influence all approaches to such practices, and all ostentatious and expensive parades, so inconsistent with sucli mortifying and distressing occasions. § 10. Dntij of Church officers and memhers. 1811, p. 474. Rrwlvcil, That the Ptev. Drs. Miller, Milledoler, and Eomeyn, Ilev. Messrs. James Pvichards, McNeice, Ezra Stiles Ely, and Gardiner SEC. 7.] MORAL QUESTIONS. 807 Spring, Dr. John R. B. Rodgers, Co\. Henry Rutgers, and Mr. Divie Bethune, be a comuaittee to endeavour to devise lucas^ures, which, when sanctioned by the General Assembly, may have an influence in preventing some of the numerous and threatening mischiefs which are experienced throughout our country by the excessive and intemperate use of spirituous liquors, and that this committee be authorized to correspond and act in concert with any per- sons who may be appointed, or associate for a similar purpose, and that the committee hereby appointed report to the next General Assembly. 1812, p. 511. [Upon the report of this committee,] 1. Resulved, That it be recommended to all the Ministers of the Presby- terian Church in the United States to deliver public discourses, as often as circumstances may render expedient, on the sin and mischiefs of intemperate drinking ; in which, as well as on all suitable occasions, both public and pri- vate, it will be proper pointedly and solemnly to warn their hearers, and es- pecially members of the Church, not only against actual intemperance, but against all those habits and indulgences which may have a tendency to pro- duce it. 2. That it be enjoined on all Church Sessions within the bounds of the General Assembly, that they exercise a special vigilance and care over the conduct of all persons in the communion of their respective Churches, with regard to this sin, and that they sedulously endeavour, by private warning and remonstrance, and by such public censures, as diflFerent cases may require, to purge the Church of a sin so enormous in its mischiefs, and so disgraceful to the Christian name. 3. That it be recommended to the Ministers and other officers and mem- bers of our Church, that they exert themselves to diffuse as extensively as possible, among their Congregations, and the community at large, such ad- dresses, sermons, tracts, or other printed compositions on this subject, as may have a tendency to produce a suitable impression against the use of ardent spirits, and to recommend sobriety and temperance. 4. That it be recommended to the officers and members of our Church, to take such measures as may be judged proper and effectual, for reducing the number of taverns and other places of vending liquors by small measure, in all those parts of our country in which either their excessive number, or the improper character of such places renders them a public nuisance. It is believed that the evils arising from these sources are incalculably great, and that by prudent management, they admit, under providence, of very con- siderable diminution. § 11. Extract from a Pastoral Letter. 1818, p. 689. The first thing we shall mention is the crime of drunkenness. This crime has at all times been a curse to our country, and has often made lamentable inroads upon our Church. We are convinced that it may be op- posed more successfully by prevention than in any other way. When the character of drunkenness is fully formed, the unhappy victim is lost to those motives which ordinarily influence all other classes of men. In this state of things nothing but a miracle of divine grace can effect his reformation. The certain and acknowledged prospect of the wreck of his family, his fortune, and his character, and even of the ruin of his immortal soul, is not sufficient to arrest his course ; and yet perhaps the same man may formerly have been in such a state of equilibrium or indecision upon this subject, that the small- est motives might have prevented the formation of a habit, which in its matu- rity has become so irresistible. This consideration is certainly sufficient to justify an effort for savins our fellow men from the domination of so destruc- tive a vice. For this purpose we earnestly recommend to the officers and 808 MORAL AND SECULAR. [bOOK VIII. members of our Church to abstain even from the common use of aidi nt spirits. Such a voluntary privation as this, with its motives publicly avowed, will not be without its effect in cautioning our fellow Christians and fellow citizens against the encroachment of intoxication ; and we have the more confidence in recommending this course, as it has already been tried with success in several sections of our Church. § 12. Day of Fasting and Prayer, because of Intemperance. 1828, p. 241. Resolved, That in view of the exceedingly heinous nature of the sin of intemperance in the use of ardent spirits, as in direct opposition to the authority and moral government of God ; its wide spread prevalence infecting, as we are not without reason to apprehend, some members, and even officers of the Church ; the dreadful miseries it inflicts on society in all its interests, physical, political, moral, and religious ; and especially in view of the great guilt that rests on the Church in this matter, not merely from so many of her members participating in it, while others, with thoughtless insensibility, minister the means of its indulgence to its deluded victims ; but especially in having greatly failed, as the light of the world, and the salt of the earth, by her instructions, her example, her prayers, and her vigorous efforts every way to stay the plague ; This Greneral Assembly do appoint the fourth Thursday of January, 1829, a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, with special reference to this sin ; and recommend to all the people of their communion its solemn observance as such. Moreover, they give it in charge to all their Ministers who may offi- ciate on this occasion, by prayer and study to have their minds thoroughly impressed with a sense of the greatness of this sin ; and to endeavour so io conduct the exercises of the sanctuary, that all the people to whom they minister, may be brought most fully under the same impression, and aroused to a vigorous exertion of all the means which duty and sound discretion dic- tate, for arresting this hateful and desolating abomination. § 13. Total abstinence. 1829, pp. 375, 376. Resolved, 1. That they [the Assembly] cordially approve and rejoice in the formation of temperance societies, on the principle of en- tire abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, as expressing disapprobation of intemperance in the strongest and most efficient manner, and making the most available resistance to this destructive and wide spreading evil. 2. That they earnestly recommend, as far as practicable, the forming of temperance societies in the Congregations under their care ; and that all the members of the Churches adopt the principle of entire abstinence from the use of ardent spirits. 3. That as friends of the cause of temperance, this Assembly rejoice to lend the force of their example to the cause as an ecclesiastical body, by an entire abstinence themselves from the use of ardent spirits. [Unanimously adopted.] § 14. Manufacture and sale. 1830, p. 24. Resolved, That while this Assembly would by no means en- croach upon the riehts of private judgment, it cannot but express its vorv deep regret, that any members of the Church of Christ should, at thepresont day, and under existing circumstances, feel themselves at liberty to m;!nii- facture, vend, or use ardent spirits, and thus, as far as their influenr>8 extends, counteract the efforts now making for the promotion of temper- ance. 1834, p. 31. Resolved, That the traffic in ardent spirits, to be used as a SEC 11.] MORAL QUrSTIONS. 809 drink, by any people, is, In our jud^raent, morally wronp;. and ought to be viewed as such, by the Ciiurches of Jesus (,'lirist, universally. 1837, p. 510. It is with the utmost surprise and pain that we learn from the reports of two or three Presbyteries, that some of their members, and even lluling Elders, still manufacture and sell ardent spirits. The.se things ought not so to be. They are a stumbling block to many, and have a mani- fest tendency to bring overwhelming calamities, both temporal and spiritual, on society at large. No Church can shine as a light in the world, while she openly sanctions and sustains any practices which are so evidently destruc- tive of the best interests of society. § 15. Sale to heathen tribes. 1834, p. 31. Communications from the London Missionary Society, and from the British and Foreign Temperance Society, were made to the As- sembly by the Rev. Dr. Edwards, Corresponding Secretary of the American Temperance Society j with regard to the destructive effects produced in the South Sea islands, by the traffic in ardent spirits, carried on by our coun- trymen and others ; therefore, Resolvrd, 1. That we deeply sympathize with our brethren in the South Sea islands, and in Great Britain, in view of the distresses which through agency of some of our countrymen have been brought upon them; and deplore the calamities that agency has instituted, by obstructing in those islands the progress of the gospel, demoralizing the character, and destroying the lives and souls of men. 2. That the practice of sending out ardent spirit, to be used as a drink, by the unevangelized and partially civilized nations and tribes of men, is in our view, a violation of the principles and precepts of the Christian religion, and ought to be abandoned throughout the world. [For further action on the subject of temperance, see Minutes, 1818, p. 684; 1827, p. 128; 1843, p. 206, &c.] § 16. Relation of the Church to Temperance and other moral reform societies. 1848, p. 58. A preamble and resolution submitted by the Executive Com- mittee of the American Temperance Union to the General Assembly for its adoption, to which maybe added an address of the New York City Temper- ance Society, organized on Christian principles, transmitted to the Assembly by a committee of the Society : — Your committee would recommend, in reference to this whole subject of Temperance Societies, and all other secular institutions for moral ends, the adoption of the following minute : The Church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual body, to which have been given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints in this life, to the end of the world. It is the great instrument- ality of the Saviour, through which, by his eternal Spirit, he dispenses sal- vation to the objects of his love. Its ends are holiness and life, to the man- ifestation of the riches and glory of Divine grace, and not simply morality, decency, and good order, which may to some extent be secured without faith in the Redeemer, or the transforming efficacy of the Holy Spirit. The laws of the Church are the authoritative injunctions of Christ, and not the cove- nants, however benevolent in their origin and aim, which men have insti- tuted of their own will ; and the ground of obligation which the Church, as such, inculcates, is the authority of God speaking in his word, and not pledges of honour which create, measure, and define the peculiar duties of all voluntary associations. In this kingdom of God the holy Scriptures are 102 810 MORAL AND SECULAR. [BOOK VIII. the only rule of faith and manners, and no Church judiciary ought to pre- tend to make laws which shall bind the conscience, or to issue recommenda tions which shall reaulate manners, without the warrant, explicit or implied, of the revealed will of God. It is hence beside the province of the Church to render its courts, which God ordained for spiritual purposes, subsidiary to the schemes of any association founded in the human will and liable to all its changes and caprices No court of Christ can exact of his people to unite with the Temperance. Moral Keform, Colonization, or any other society which may seek their aid. Connection with such institutions is a matter of Christian liberty. Their objects may be, in every respect, worthy of the countenance and support of all good men, but in so far as they are moral and essentially obligatory, the Church promotes them among its own members, and to none others does its jurisdiction extend, by the means which God has ordained for the edification of his children. Still, in the exercise of their Christian liberty, as good citizens, as patriotic subjects of the State, from motives of philanthropy, and from love to God, Christian people may choose to adopt this particular mode of attempting to achieve the good at wliich all moral societies profess to aim; they have a right to do so, and the Church, as long as they endorse no false principles, and countenance no wrong practices, cannot interfere with them. Recognizing these proposi- tions as the truths of the word of God, this General Assembly, as a court of Jesus Christ, cannot league itself with any voluntary society, cannot exact of those who are subject to its discipline to do so; but must leave the whole matter, where the Scriptures leave it, to the prudence, philanthropy, and good sense of God's children ; each man having a right to do as to him shall seem good. These societies must appeal not to church courts, but to church members. When they proclaim principles that are scriptural and sound, it is not denied that the Church has a right, and under certain circumstances, may be bound to bear testimony in their favour; and when, on the other hand, they incul- cate doctrines which are infidel, heretical, and dangerous, the Church has a right to condemn them. In conformity with these statements the General Assembly has no hesitation in cordially approving of abstinence from intox- icating drinks as a matter of Christian expediency, according to the words of the Apostle in Romans xiv. 21, " It is good neither to eat flesh nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak," and in expressing its affectionate interest in the cause of tem- perance— and would recommend to its Ministers and Elders who have be- come connected with temperance societies, to use every eff"ort to prevent the introduction of any other principle as the ground of their pledge, and to throw around these institutions those safeguards which shall be the means of rescuing them from the excesses to which they are liable from influences opposed to or aside fmra the gospel of Christ. [Unanimously adopted.] Title 3. — sabbath desecration. [On Sabbath mail stage, and Post office, see Book II. §§ 11, 12.] § 17. An extended deliverance on the suhject. 1836, p. 281. The desecration of the Sabbath is cei-tainly increasing with fearful rapidity in almost every part of our beloved country. A solemn and alarming crisis has already come. Unless the slumbering energies of the Church are speedily aroused to arrest the progress of this growing evil, the entire obliteration of the Sabbath, will at no distant period be the result. It is necessary only to look into our large cities and villages, on the Sabbath, or to glance the eye along our navigable rivers, and over our beautiful lakes, SEC. IG.] MORAL QUESTIONS. 811 or to trace the extended lines of our canals and railroads, or to listen to the perpetual rumbling of loafled vehicles on all our travelled routes, in order to be convinced tliat Sabbath-breaking has already become a sin of giant growth in our land. It is indeed, a wide-spread, deep-seated, unblushing evil. It enters boldly into almost every commercial interest in the country ; and embraces, directly or indirectly, in its broad sweep of mischief, a vast multitude of individuals; and what is still worse, an alarming proportion of these oifenders belong to the Church of the living God. Here is the root of the evil. The Church has become a deliberate partaker in this sin. In this way has her warning voice been well nigh silenced, her redeeming power over the community paralyzed, and the salutary restraints of a con- sistent example effectually vacated. Reformation then must begin at the house of God. If the Church alone can save the Sabbath from being abo- lished, she must first reform her own conduct. In entering upon the work it must not be forgotten, that in its failure or success are involved the best interests of the Church, of our country and the world. The rest of the Sabbath is the only wise and adequate provision for the wants of the animal system. The influence of the Sabbath can alone be relied on to sustain our free institutions, to extend the empire of law, to preserve domestic order and happiness, and to continue the bare existence of morality and religion in the world. The abandonment of the Sabbath is, therefore, nothing less than resigning all that is sacred and dear to a Christian people, for time and for eternity. It is certain, that whatever is done to rebuke and arrest the profanation of the Sabbath, must be done immediately. The work of reform cannot be de- layed, without hazai'ding the irretrievable loss of all the blessings which flow from the observance of that day. The task has already become formidable and difficult. It is not, however, altogether hopeless. The Sabbath may yet be restored, and its blessings perpetuated. The Church and the Ministry can, under God, do all that the exigency demands. Let this Assembly do their whole duty. Let them lift up a voice of strength — let them send out a loud note of alarm — let them determine in the strength of the Lord, to carry out, in their practical relation to the Sabbath, the true principles of Christian discipline ; and the whole Church may be cleansed, the Sabbath reinstated, and this great and guilty nation saved. Till this is done, the power of every Christian enterprise will be circumscribed, and fluctuating. Nothing that is pure and holy can flourish without the Sabbath. The Sabbath re- form is the fundamental enterprise. It is utterly vain to think of substitu- ting any other conservative power. The question of rescuing the Sabbath from general profanation, is, absolutely, a question of life and death, to every Christian denomination in the world. Such is the momentous na- ture of the subject under consideration. Your committee rejoice that in this work, all hearts may unite, and every minor difference be forgotten. Here is oommon ground. The Sabbath of the Lord is the inheritance of all true Christians. And there is work enough for all. The Church must re- vive her wholesome discipline. The ministry must cry aloud and spare not. The press must be enlisted — the whole community aroused. The entire in- strumentality which God has prepared for preserving his own institutions, must be called forth, and kept in untiring requisition. For the purpose of enaliling the General Assembly more effectually to speak their sentiments to the Churches, and the nation, your committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : 1. Rfsoh-r'd, That the observance of the Sabbath is indispensable to the preservation of civil and religious liberty, and furnishes tlie only security for eminent and abiding prosperity, either to the Church or the world. 812 MORAL AND SECULAR. ' [BOOK VIII. 2. Reaohed, That the growing desecration of the Sabbath in our country must be speedily arrested, and the habits of the community essentially re- formed, or the blessings of the Sabbath, civil, social, and religious, will soon be irrecoverably lost. 3. Resolved. That inasmuch as the work of a general reformation belongs, under God, to the Christian Church, it is the duty of the Church to apply the corrections of a firm and efficient discipline to all known violations of the Sabbath, on the part of her members. 4. Resolved, That inasmuch as Ministers of the Gospel must act a con- spicuous part in every successful effort to do away the sin of Sabbath-break- ing, it is their duty to observe, both in their preaching and their practice, the rule of entire abstinence from all profanation of the Lord's day, studi- ously avoiding even the appearance of evil. 5. Resolved, That in the judgment of this General Assembly, the owners of stock in steamboats, canals, railroads, &c., which are in the habit of vio- lating the Sabbath, are lending their property and their influence to one of the most wide-spread, alarming, and deplorable systems of Sabbath desecra- tion, which now grieves the heart of the pious, and disgraces the Church of God. That it be respectfully recommended to the friends of the Lord's day, as soon as possible, to establish such means of public conveyance as shall re- lieve the friends of the Sabbath from the necessity under which they now labour, of travelling at any time in vehicles which habitually violate that holy day, and thus prevent them from being in any way partakers in other men's sins in this respect. 6. Resolved, That the power of the pulpit and the press must be imme- diately put in requisition on behalf of a dishonoured Sabbath, that the mag- nitude and remedy of the evils, which its violation involves, may be fully understood by the whole comxnunity. 7. Resolved, That this Assembly solemnly enjoin it upon the Churches under their care, to adopt, without delay, all proper measures for accomplish- ing a general and permanent reformation from the sin of Sabbath-breaking, and all its attendant evils. 8. Resolved, that a committee of one from each Synod under the care of this Assembly, be now appointed, to hold correspondence with Ministers and Churches, for the purpose of carrying out and applying the leading principles of the foregoing report and resolutions. 9. Resolved, That the foregoing report and resolutions be published in such newspapers, secular and religious, as are friendly to the observance of the Sabbath. 10. Resolved, That all the Ministers in the bounds of the General Assem- bly be requested to read the document on the Sabbath from their several pulpits, and preach on the whole subject which it embraces, on or before the third Sabbath of September next. • § 18. The Sabbath oxtr Pallculuim. 1853, p. 600. It is deeply to be regretted, that there is not a more elevated tone of feeling, more scriptural views, and a more correct practice among the people of our Churches, in regard to the importance and sacredness of the (Ihristian Sabbath, and tlie obligation of its holy observance. In some places within our bounds very effective measures have been taken, by conventions and addresses, to rouse public attention to the importance of Sabbath sanc- tification ; while in the bounds of other Presbyteries, mention is made of the lamentable and growing desecration of this sacred day ; and they deplore it as a serious obstacle to the ministry of the word. Upon this subject, our MORAL QUESTIONS. 813 duty, Christian brethren, is plain. Whatever the men of the world may think or do, the Assembly would faithfully and affectionately exhort all the members of their Churches, to see that their example in this respect be unblamable before their families and all around them. And let the united exertions of ^linisters and people be directed to the devoutly wished for ob- ject of securing the proper observance of the Lord's day among all classes throughout the land. The holy Sabbath is the common privilege of all men, and its dishonour should be alike grievous to all good men. The general observance of, and veneration for, this day, is said to distinguish the people of these United States from both Protestant and Papal Europe. Let this institution, then, become secularized and profaned extensively over our land, and how it would darken the prospects of this nation by the destruction of so much that is dear to the heart of the patriot, and precious to the contem- plation of the Christian ! Then might Ichabod be written on our legislative halls and churches, because their glory will have departed. § 19. Sabbath travel. 1850, p. 482. Resolved, That this Assembly views with unfeigned sorrow and regret the practice of travelling, by professors of religion and others, on the Sabbath day, and that it considers all such travelling, which is not strictly included in works of necessity and mercy, as a direct violation of the law of God. [See above § 17 : 5.] § 20. Petition to Congress hy the General Assembly on Sabbath mails. 1812, p. 513. The petition of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, to the honourable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in Congress assembled : Humbly sheweth — That your petitioners view with deep regret the infrac- tions of the Lord's day, occasioned by the opening of the mail on that day, and the circumstances accompanying such opening. A variety of considerations, temporal and spiritual, combine, in the judg- ment of your petitioners, to produce this regret. The institution of the Sabbath by the Creator and Ruler of the world, whilst it clearly proves his benevolent regard for men, imposes upon them the reasonable obligation of devoting this day to his service. He makes it their duty to rest from the toils and labours of six days, and requires from them that they should statedly assemble together for his worship on the seventh. Both these objects contemplated by the institution of the Sabbath, the opening of tlie mail on that day and the circumstances accompanying it, do contravene and oppose. They who carry the mail and they who open it, together with those to whom letters or papers are delivered, under the sanction of civil law, neglect the public worship of God in part or whole. Besides this, the noise and confusion attending the carrying and opening of the mail in post towns, too fref|uently in a most painful manner disturb the devotion of those who prefer their spiritual to their temporal interests. Moreover, the carrying of the mail encourages persons to hire out their carriages on the Lord's day to those who have no fear of God before their eyes, thus adding to the open violation of the day ; and to say no more, the brute creatures are made to work on this day over and above the six days, and thus are deprived of the rest to which they are entitled by the authority of God, whilst they are forced to administer to the cupidity of those who forget the truth, that *' the right- eous man is merciful to his beast." Your petitioners are the more deeply impressed with the importance of ob- serving the Sabbath, on account of the influence which such observance has in promoting true morality and social happiness. On this day all classes 814 MORAL AND SECULAR. [fiOOK VIIL of men assemble together in tlie presence of God on tonus of perfect equality, for in his presence the ruler is not more important than the ruled, since both meet as sinners needing the exercise of sovereign and free mercy. On this day they are taught from the Scriptures, the only source of truth, their duty, their interest, and their happiness. On this day they unite according to the direction of God, in prayer for all men — for magistrates as well as subjects — for the nation as well as individuals — for every description of persons. On this day they manifest the gratitude which they owe to God for benefits received, thanking him for his mercies, and supplicating his grace. The effects arising from the duties in which they engage, the instruction which they receive, and their assembling together before God, are all calculated to produce such a state of heart and such a line of conduct, as directly promote individual and social happiness. Your petitioners are aware of the plea which is used to justify the infrac- . tions of the Sabbath, of which we complain. Works of necessity, such as arise out of extraordinary circumstances, or such as are unavoidable for the support and comfort of life, together with works of charity, are admitted to be lawful, for God delighteth in mercy rather than sacrifice. But your peti- tioners cannot conceive that the ordinary occupations of life, in ordinary times, or the exercise of charity, require such infractions of the Sabbath as are occasioned by the carrying or opening of the mail on that day. For the cases of sickness, to take one of the strongest and most plausible facts inclu- ded in the plea of necessity, which are communicated by the mail, are too few, and happen at intervals too long, to justify the habitual breach of the Sabbath. As to the ordinary business of life, any prospect of gain, or fear of loss; cannot be admitted as legitimate causes for disobeying the command of God to keep the Sabbath holy. No one ever yet has suffered, or will suf- fer, in obeying God, rather than his cupidity, his ambition, or his lusts. Your petitioners, moreover, feel themselves constrained in their oifice as rulers in the Church, to exercise the discipline of that Church against those of their members who break the Sabbath in the cari'ying or opening of the mail on that day. In doing this they are not conscious of any disrespect to the civil authority of the land. They wish to render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, but must, at every hazard, render unto God the things which are God's. In thus honouring God more than men, they trust their motives will be respected, and their conduct approved. Your petitioners are the more deeply impressed with the importance of a strict observance of the Sabbath, and the necessity of an alteration in the existing regulations of the post-office, as far as they relate to the Sabbath, from the prospect of a war. As they firmly believe in the special provi- dence of God, and that this providence is exercised according to those prin- ciples of truth and equity revealed in the Scriptures, they fear, and have just reason to fear, that the infractions of the Sabbath allowed by civil law, will draw down upon our nation the divine displeasure. God honours those who honour him, and casts down those who forget him. Obedience to his will adds dignity to rulers, and enforces subjection in those who are ruled. From all these considerations which have been given in detail, your peti- tioners pray for such an alteration in the law relative to the mails, as will prevent the profanation of the Sabbath, which now takes place in convey- ing and opening the mail. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. Ordered, That this petition be signed by the Moderator, and attested by the Clerk, and be committed to the JModerator to forward to Congress. 1813, p. 519. Dr. Flinn, to whom was committed the petition of the last SEC. 20.] MORAL QUESTIONS. 815 Assembly to the Congress of the United States, on the subject of carrying and opening the mail on the Sabbath, reported that he put the petition into the hands of Mr. Cheves, a member of the House of Kepresentatives, who afterwards informed him that the prayer of the petition was not granted. § 21. A second petition circulated throughout the Church. 1814, p. 565. The committee appointed to prepare a petition to the Con- gress of the United States on the subject of opening the mail on the Sab- bath day, reported a draft of a petition, which being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz : Thesubscribers, inhabitants of the town of ... . in the State of .... . beg leave respectfully to represent to the Congress of the United States, that in their apprehension, the transportation and opening of the mail on the Sabbath is injurious to the morals and civil welfare of this nation. They do therefore pray, that such arrangements may be made as shall prevent the continuance of this evil. In illustration of their views on this subject they beg leave to state that the Sabbath, according to their belief, is an ordinance of God, instituted from the beginning of the world, and always regarded by believers in i^eve- lation, as a blessing indispensable to the well being of mankind, both in the present life, and that which is to come. That the Christian religion, which enjoins the observance of the Sabbath, is the religion generally professed by the people of this nation ; and that the laws of many of the States do expressly prohibit such profanation of the Sabbath as implied in the transportation of the mail. That the rest which the Sabbath provides is due to the inferior creation, on the ground of humanity, and to man himself on the ground both of humanity and policy. That the Sabbath contributes to increase the amount of productive labour, to promote science, civilization, peace, social order, and correct morality; inasmuch as it convenes the population of a nation one day in seven, to hear the best moral precepts, enforced by the most powerful motives ; and as it restrains mankind from those vices which destroy property, health, reputa- tion, intellect, domestic peace, and national integrity and industry; thus preventing that ignorance and profligacy which tend to reduce the body of the people to poverty and slavery, by throwing the property and power of the nation into the hands of a few. We cannot but observe also, that the Sabbath has been the principal means of upholding in the world the knowledge of God and salvation, and of preserving nations from the darkness and miseries of idolatry. We are accustomed to consider also that our prosperity as a nation depends upon the smiles of Heaven, and that the profanation of the Sabbath is calculated to awaken the displeasure of God, and bring down his judg- ments. With these views of the Sabbath your petitioners are constrained to contemplate the transportation and opening of the mail on that day, with deep regret, as the great objects of the Sabbath are evidently defeated by these means, in respect to the multitude of persons who are withdrawn from its salutary instructions and restraints; to which evil we would add the powerful influence upon the community, of an example so inauspicious, 80 constantly occurring, so widely extended, and sanctioned by so high authority. We must add likewise, that the transportation and opening of the mail on the Sabbath is, in many places, a painful interruption to the solemnities of public worship. Your petitioners are aware, that works of necessity and mercy are not in- compatible with the sanctification of the Sabbath ; but as government may, 816 MORAL AND SECULAR. [bOOK VIII and actually do, employ expresses in cases which require special expedition we cannot but consider the stated transportation of the mail, on the Sab- bath, to be unnecessary, and a profanation of that holy day. Resolved, That two thousand copies of the foregoing petition be printed and sent to the several Presbyteries ; and that each Presbytery be directed to take order that the same be circulated for subscription in all the Congre- gations under their care. Eenulced, That the Kev. Andrew Hunter, Elias B. Caldwell, Esq., and Mr. Robert Monro, be a committee of correspondence and conference, for the purpose of soliciting the concurrence of other religious denominations with us, in petitioning Congress upon the subject of transporting the mail on the Sabbath. Resolved, That an agent be appointed in each of the Presbyteries, to exert his influence in favour of the subscription within our bounds, and to correspond with the Committee of Correspondence and Conference, and that it be his duty to receive the petitions which may be subscribed, and forward them to Congress by the first day of January next. § 22. Additional action on the subject. 1815, p. 601. [The Assembly adopted a paper on the subject, closing with an urgent recommendation to all the Churches to petition. At the same meeting] The committee appointed to prepare a draught of a petition to the Con- gress on the subject of the transportation and opening of the mail on the Sabbath, reported the following, which was adopted, viz : The undersigned, inhabitants of and State of beg leave to represent to the honourable the Senate and House of Represen- tatives of the United States, in Congress assembled, that in the opinion of your petitioners, the transportation and opening of the mail on the Sabbath day, is inconsistent with the proper observance of that sacred day, injurious to the morals of the nation, and provokes the judgments of the Ruler of nations. We perceive from the report of the postmaster-general, at your last session on this subject, that it is his opinion that when peace shall ar- rive, the necessity of carrying and opening the mail on the Sabbath day will greatly diminish. While, therefore, we congratulate you on the return of peace, we approach you with confidence, and beseech you to take this subject into your serious consideration, and enact such laws as you in your wisdom may deem necessary for the removal of this evil. And we, your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 1816, p. 634. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of one member from each Synod represented in this Assembly, be appointed to correspond with influential individuals in all the congressional districts in the United States, and engage their co-operation in preparing and circulating petitions from said districts to Congress, praying the repeal of the law permitting the trans- portation of the mail on the Lord's day. [It is too well known, that these protracted exertions to rescue the Sabbath from national desecration proved all unsuccessful.] SEO 21. THE SLAVERV QUESTION. 817 CHAPTER II. THE COLOURED POPULATION. Title 1. — the slavery question. § 23. First notice of the subject. 1774, p. 456. A representation from the Rev. Dr. Ezra Stiles and the llev. Samuel Hopkins, respecting the sending two natives of Africa on a mission to propagate Christianity in their native country, and a request that the Sy- nod would countenance this undertaking by their approbation of it, was brought in and read. The representation and request relative to sending negro missionaries to Africa, was taken into consideration, in consequence of which the subject of negro slavery came to be considered, and after much reasoning on the matter. Dr. Rodgers, Messrs. John Miller, Caldwell, and Montgomery, were appointed a committee to bring in an overture on this subject on Wednesday morning. p. 458. The committee appointed to prepare an overture on the represen- tation from Dr. Stiles and the Rev. Samuel Hopkins, and also on the subject of negro slavery, brought in a draught, the first part of which being read and amended, was approved, and is as follows : The Synod is very happy to have an opportunity to express their readiness to concur with and assist in a mission to the African tribes, and especially where so many circumstances concur, as in the present case, to intimate that it is the will of God, and to encourage us to hope for success. We assure the gentlemen aforesaid, we are ready to do all that is proper for us in our station for their encouragement and assistance. But some difficulties attending the discussion of the second part of that overture, the Synod agree to defer the affair to our nest meeting § 24. First action on the subject. [The subject was delayed from time to time, until 1787.] 1787, p. 540. The following was brought in by the Committee of Over- tures : " The Creator of the world having made of one flesh all the children of men, it becomes them as members of the same family, to consult and promote each other's happiness. It is more especially the duty of those who maintain thn rights of humanity, and who acknowledge and teach the obligations of Christianity, to use such means as are in their power to extend the blessings of equal freedom to every part of the human race. " From a full conviction of the,*e truths, and sensible that the rights of human nature are too well understood to admit of debate, Overturcd, that the Synod of New York and Philadelphia recommend, in the warmest terms, to every member of their body, and to all the Churches and families under their care, to do everything in their power coiis;>fent with the rights of 103 81S MORAL AND SECULAR. [bOOK VTII. civil society, to promote the abolition of slavery, and the instruction of negroes, whether bund or free." The Synod taking into consideration the overture concerning slavery trans- mitted by the Committee of Overtures last Saturday, came to the following judgment : The Synod of New York and Philadelphia do highly approve of the gene- ral principles in favour of universal liberty, that prevail in America, and the interest which many of the States have taken in promoting the abolition of slavery ; yet, inasmuch as men introduced from a servile state to a participa- tion of all the privileges of civil society, without a proper education, and without previous habits of industry, may be, in many respects, dangerous to the community, therefore they earnestly recommend it to all the members belonging to their communion, to give those persons who are at present held in servitude, such good education as to prepare ther. for the better enjoy- ment of freedom ; and they moreover recommend that masters, wherever they find servants disposed to make a just improvement of the privileo-e, would give them a jJeculium, or grant them sufficient time and sufficient means of procuring their own liberty at a moderate rate, that thereby* they may be brought into society with those habits of industry that may render them useful citizens; and, finally, they recommend it to all their people to use the most prudent measures, consistent with the interest and the state of civil society, in the counties where they live, to procure eventually the final abolition of slavery in America. [In 1793 this decision was republished, in reply to a memorial on the subject, addressed to the Assembly over the signature of Warner Mifflin, a member of ihe Society of Friends.] —Minutes, 1793, p. 76. § 25. Intercommunion with slave-holders. 1795, p. 10.3. A serious and conscientious person, a member of a Pres- byterian Congregation, who views the slavery of the negroes as a moral evil, highly offensive to God, and injurious to the interests of the gospel, lives under the ministry of a person, or amongst a society of people who concur with him in sentiment on the subject upon general principles, yet for par- ticular reasons hold slaves, and tolerate the practice in others. Overtured, ought the former of these persons, under the impressions and circumstances above described, to hold Christian communion with the latter? After due deliberation, it was 1. Resolved, That as the same difference of opinion with respect to slavery takes place in sundry other parts of the Presbyterian Church, notwithstanding which they live in charity and peace according to the doctrine and practice of the Apostles, it is hereby recommended to all conscientious persons, and especially to those whom it immediately respects, to do the same. At the same time, the General Assembly assure all the Churches under their care, that they view, with the deepest concern, any vestiges of slavery which may exist in our country, and refer the Churches to the records of the General Assembly published at different times, but especially to an overture of the late Synod of New York and Philadelphia, published in 1787, and republished among the extracts from the Minutes of the General Assembly of 1793, on that head, with which they trust every conscientious person will be fully satisfied. 2. Resolved, That Mr. Rice, and Dr. Muir, Ministers, and Mr. Robert Patterson, an Elder, be a committee to draught a letter to the Presbytery of Transylvania, on the subject of the above overture. SEC. 24.] THE SLAVERY QUESTION. 819 § 26. Letter to the. Preshijtcri/ of Trans ijlvania. p. 104. The coimuittee appointed to prepare a dniuLrht of a letter to the Presbytery of Transylvania, reported a draught, which beinji: read and deba- ted for some time, a motion was made, Shall this draught of a letter be read and debated by paragraphs, or not r* The vote being taken, the question was carried in the aifirraative. The consideration of the draught was resumed, and after very considerable time spent therein, it was amended and adopted, and ordered to be signed, and sent to the Presbytery of Transylvania by their Commissioners. Ibid. p. 104. To our brethren, members of the Presbyterian Church, under the care of Transylvania Presbytery. Dear Friends and Brethren — The Greneral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church hear with concern from your Commissioners, that differences of opinion with respect to holding Christian communion with those possessed of slaves, agitate the minds of some among you, and threaten divisions which may have the most ruinous tendency. The subject of slavery has repeatedly claimed the attention of the (general Assembly, and the (Commissioners from the Presbytery of Tran.sylvania are furnished with attested copies of these decisions, to be read by the Presbytery when it shall appear to them proper, toirether with a copy of this letter, to the several Churches under their care. The General Assembly have taken every step which they deemed expedi- ent or wise, to encourage emancipation, and to render the state of those wha are in slavery as mild and tolerable as possible. Forbearance and peace are frequently inculcated and enjoined in the New Testament. " Blessed are the peace-makers." " Let no one do anything through strife and vain-glory." "Let each esteem others better than him- self." The followers of Jesus ought conscientiously to walk worthy of their vocation, " with all lowliness, and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." If every difference of opinion were to keep men at a distance, they could subsist in no state of society, either civil or religious. The General Assembly would impress this upon the minds of their brethren, and urge them to follow peace, and the things which make for peace. The General Assembly commend our dear friends and brethren to the grace of God, praying that the peace of God, which pa.sseth all understanding, may possess their hearts and n)inds. Signed by order of the x\ssembly. § 27. Severity, and traffic in slaves. 1815, p. 585. The committee to which was committed the report of the committee to which the petition of some Elders, who entertain conscientious scruples on the subject of holding slaves, together with that of the Synod of Ohio, concerning the buying and selling of slaves, had been referred, re- ported, and their report being read and amended, is as follows, viz : The General Assembly have repeatedly declared their cordial approbation of those principles of civil liberty which appear to be recognized by the Fede- ral and State governments in these Uiiited States They have expressed their regret that the slavery of the Africans, and of their descendants, still con- tinues in so many places, and even among those within the pale of the Church,, and have urged the Presbyteries under their care to adopt such measures as will secure at least to the rising generation of slaves, within the bounds of the Church, a religious education, that they may be pre})ared for the exercise 820 MORAL AND SKCULAR. [bOOK VIII. and enjoyment of liberty, when God in his providence may open a door for their emancipation. The committee refer said petitioners to the printed ex- tracts of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, for the year 1787, on this subject, republished by the Assembly in 179B, and also to the extracts of the minutes of the Assembly for 1795, which last are in the following words. viz : [See above, §§ 24, 25.] This is deemed a sufficient answer to the first petition, and with regard to the second, the Assembly observe, that although in some sections of our country, under certain circumstances, the transfer of slaves maybe unavoid- able, yet they consider the buying and selling of slaves by way of traffic, and all undue severity in the management of them, as inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel. And they recommend it to the Presbyteries and Ses- sions under their care, to make use of all prudent measures to prevent such shameful and unrigbteous conduct. § 28. Action of 1818 on the slavery question. 1818, p. 688. The following resolution was submitted to the Assembly, viz : " Resolved, That a person who shall sell as a slave, a member of the Church, who shall be at the time in good standing in the Church and un- willing to be sold, acts inconsistently with the spirit of Christianity, and ought to be debarred from the communion of the Church." After considerable discussion, the subject was committed to Dr. Green, Dr. Baxter, and Mr. Burgess, to prepare a report to be adopted by the As- sembly, embracing the object of the above resolution, and also expressing the opinion of the Assembly in general, as to slavery. p. 692, [The report of the committee was unanimously adopted ; and is as follows, viz :] The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, having taken into consideration the subject of slavery, think proper to make known their sen- timents upon it to the Churches and people under their care. ( 6 ) We consider the voluntary enslaving of one portion of the human race by another, as a gross violation of the most precious and sacred rights of human nature; as utterly inconsistent with the law of God, which re- quires us to love our neighbour as ourselves, and as totally irreconcilable with the spirit and principles of the gospel of Christ, which enjoin that '' all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Slavery creates a paradox in the moral system; it exhibits rational, accountable, and immortal beings in such circumstances as scarcely to leave them the power of moral action. It exhibits them as dependent on the will of others, whether they shall receive religious instruction ; whether they shall know and worship the true God ; whether they shall enjoy the ordi- nances of the gospel ; whether they shall perform the duties and cherish the endearments of husbands and wives, parents and children, neighbours and friends; whether they shall preserve their chastity and purity, or regard the dictates of justice and humanity. Such are some of the consequences of slavery — consequences not imaginary, but which connect themselves with its "Very existence. The evils to which the slave is always exposed often take place in fact, and in their very worst degree and form ; and where all of them do not take place, as we rejoice to say in many instances, through the influence of the principles of humanity and religion on the mind of masters, they do not — still the slave is deprived of his natural right, de- graded as a human being, and exposed to the danger of passing into the hands of a master who may inflict upon him all the hardships and injuries which inhumanity and avarice may suggest. From this view of the consequences resulting from the practice into SEC. 27.] THE SLAVERY QUESTION. 821 which Christian people have most inconsistently fallen, of enslaving a por- tion of their brethren of mankind — fur " God hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth" — it is manifestly the duty of all Christians who enjoy the light of the present day, when the inconsis- tency of slavery, both with the dictates of humanity and religion, has been demonstrated, and is generally seen and acknowledged, to use their honest, earnest, and unwearied endeavours, to correct the errors of former times, and as speedily as possible to eft'acc this blot on our holy religion, and to obtain the complete abolition of slavery throughout Christendom, and if possible throughout the world. (r) We rejoice that the Churclf to which we belong commenced as early as any other in this country, the good work of endeavouring to put an end to slavery, and that in the same work many of its members have ever since been, and now arc, among the most active, vigorous, and efficient labourers. We do, indeed, tenderly sympathize with those portions of our Church and our country where the evil of slavery has been entailed upon them ; where a great, and the most virtuous part of the community abhor slavery, and wish its extermination as sincerely as any others — but where the number of slaves, their ignorance, and their vicious habits generally, render an imme- diate and universal emancipation inconsistent alike with the safety and happiness of the master and the slave. With those Who are thus circum- stanced, we repeat that we tenderly sympathize. At the same time, we earnestly exhort them to continue, and if possible, to increase their exer- tions to effect a total abolition of slavery. We exhort them to suffer no greater delay to take place in this most interesting concern, than a regard to the public welfare truly and indispensably demands. (d) As our country has inflicted a most grievous injury upon the un- happy Africans, by bringing them into slavery, we cannot indeed urge that we should add a second injury to the first, by emancipating them in such manner as that they will be likely to destroy themselves or others. But we do think that our country ought to be governed in this matter by no other consideration than an honest and impartial regard to the happiness of the injured party, uninfluenced by the expense or inconvenience which such a regard may involve. We, therefore, warn all who belong to our denomina- tion of Christians, against unduly extending this plea of necessity ; against making it a cover for the love and practice of slavery, or a pretence for not using efforts that are lawful and practicable, to extinguish this evil. And we, at the same time, exhort others to forbear harsh censures, and unchari- table reflections on their brethren, who unhappily live among slaves whom they cannot immediately set free ; but who, at the same time, are really using all their influence, and all their endeavours, to bring them into a state of freedom, as soon as a door for it can be safely opened. Having thus ex- pressed our views of slavery, and of the duty indispensably incumbent on all Christians to labour for its complete extinction, we proceed to recommend, and we do it with all the earnestness and solemnity which this momentous subject demands, a particular attention to the following points. ( e ) We recommend to all our people to patronize and encourage the Society lately formed, for colonizing in Africa, the land of their ancestors, the free people of colour in our country. We hope that much good may result from the plans and efforts of this Society. And while we exceedingly rejoice to have witnessed its origin and organization among the holders of slaves, as giving an unequivocal pledge of their desires to deliver themselves and their country from the calamity of slavery ; we hope that those portions of the American union, whose inhabitants are by a gracious providence more favourably circumstanced, will cordially, and liberally, and earnestly 822 MORAL AND SECULAR. [BOOK VITI co-operate with their brethren, in bringing about the great end contem- phvted. (/) ^^ recommend to all the members of our religious denomination, n it oidy to permit, but to f'iicilitato and encourage the instruction of their slaves in the principles and duties of the Christian religion ; by granting them liberty to attend on the preaching of the gospel, when they have opportunity; by favouring the instruction of them in the Sabbath-school, wherever those schools can be formed ; and by giving them all other proper :iiivantac>es for acquiring the knowledge of their duty both to God and to man. We are perfectly satisfied, that it is incumbent on all Christians to cunimunicate religious instruction to those who are under their authority, .>;o that the doing of this in the case before us, so far from operating, as some liave apprehended that it miuht, as an incitement to insubordination and insurrection, would, on the contrary, operate as the most powerful means fur the prevention of those evils. (f^) We enjoin it on all church Sessions and Presbyteries, under the care of rliis x\ssembly, to discountenance, and as far as possible to prevent all cruelty of whatever kind in the treatment of slaves ; especially the cruelty of separating husband and wife, parents and children, and that which consists in selling slaves to those who will either then)selves deprive these unhappy people of the blessings of the gospel, or who will transport them to places where the gospel is not proclaimed, or where it is forbidden to slaves to attend upon its institutions. And if it shall ever happen that a Christian professor in our communion shall sell a slave who is also in communion and good stand- ing with our Church, contrary to his or her will and inclination, it ought im- meiliatcly to claim the particular attention of the proper Church judicature ; and unless there be such peculiar circumstances attending the case as can but seldom happen, it ought to be followed, without delay, by a suspension of the offender from all the privileges of the Church, till he repent, and make all the reparation in his power to the injured party. § 29. 7' he subject waived in 1836. [The subject being pressed on its attention the Assembly declared that] 1836, p. 273. Inasmuch as the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, in its preliminary and fundamental principles, declares that no Church judi- catory ought to pretend to make laws, to bind the conscience, in virtue of their own authority; and as the urgency of the business of the Assembly, and the shortness of the time during which they can continue in session, ren- der it impossible to deliberate and decide judiciously on the subject of slavery in its relations to the Church ; therefore, resolved, that this whole subject be indefinitely postponed. § 30 Action of 1845 on intercommunion with slaveholders. 1845, p. 16. [The subject liaving been from time to time, for, a series of years, urged upon the Assembl}', it was taken up in 1845, and the following paper adopted :] Tlie committee to whom were referred the memorials on the subject of slavery, bog leave to submit the following report: (a) The memorialists may be divided into three classes, viz : 1. Those which represent the system of slavery, as it exists in these United States, as fi groat evil, and pray this (leneral Assembly to adopt measures for the ame- lioration of the condition of the slaves. 2. Those which ask the Assembly to receive memorials on the subject of slaverv, to allow a full discussion of it, and to enjoin upon the members of our Church, residing in States whose laws e SEC 28 ] THE SLAVERY QUESTION. 823. forbid the slaves being taught to read, to seek by all lawful means the repeal of tliose laws. 3. Those which represent slavery as a moral evil, a heinous siu in the sight of God, calculated to bring upon the Church the curse of God, and calling for the exercise of discipline in the case of those who persist in maintaining or justifying the relation of master to slaves. (b) The question which is now unhappily agitating and dividing other branches of the Church, and which is pressed upon the attention of the As- Kcinbly by one of the three classes of memorialists just named, is, whether the holding of slaves is, under all circumstances, a heinous sin, calling for the di.ed,- — We think it our indispensable duty, not only in our particular charges, but in this united and more public capacity, to direct you to some suitable reflections itpon the late remarkable and merciful steps of Divine Providence, and to inculcate a becoming improvement of an event, the most interesting and important to the people of this continent. For not only in the word of God should we attend to his divine will, but also mark his hand in that providence by which he directs the course of human affairs with invariable wisdom and paternal goodness. The faithless French, and their savage allies, were lately the rod of divine SEC. 45.] CIVIL AFF.MRS. 837 displeasure for our many provocations. Under the calamities of war, and the wasting ravages of Indian cruelty, we were repeatedly brought to approach the throne of grace, with solemn fasting and prayer ; and thereby openly professed our resolution to forsake the ways of sin, and turn unto the Lord. But, alas ! we rendered not to God according to the multitude of his tender mercies ; for no sooner was the rod removed, and the blessings of peace re- stored, but we became more vain and dissolute than before. The Almighty thus provoked, permitted counsels of the most pernicious tendency, both to Great Britain and her colonies. The imposition of unusual taxes, a severe restriction of our trade, and an almost total stagna- tion of business, threatened us with inevitable ruin. A long suspense, whether we should be deprived of, or restored to, tlie peaceable enjoyment of the inestimable privilege of English liberty, filled every breast with the most painful anxiety. A gloomy cloud thickened over our heads, ready to burst upon us in a desolating storm. Had our gracious Sovereign, the pre- sent Ministry, and the British Parliament been less wise, just, and good; had they, instead of yielding to a spirit of moderation, unhappily recurred to force, we shudder at the very thoughts of the consequences. We cannot look down the precipice on the brink of which we stood, without horror. We were not without reason apprehensive that the tumultuous outrages, which in some places attended a determined opposition to the disrelished .statute, might provoke the resentment of the British legislature. When we reflect on the public ofi'ences of our land against Heaven ; when we think of the open disregard and violation of the holy Sabbath ; the ne- glect of the ordinances of divine worship, the abuse of gospel light and privileges, the profane swearing and and cursing, intemperance and luxury, the various scenes of uncleanness and lasciviousness, the pride and vanity, and every other evil so shamefully prevalent, what less could we expect than that an offended God would have made the gathering tempest to break upon us, and plunged us and our mother country in all the rueful calamities of a civil war? But how astonishing is the long suffering patience of Jehovah! He has inclined the hearts of man}^ powerful friends to espouse our cause. He has given us to experience the paternal tenderness of the best of kings, and the moderation of the British Parliament. Our gracious God is our deliverer. He is making a further trial of us. jMay his unmerited good- ness lead us to repentance. We therefore call upon you who are the dear people of our charge, not only to acknowledge with joy and gratitude, the general providence of God, but also, thankfully to adore that particular providence wherein upon special occasions, he directs and controls the course of events by his immediate in- fluence, and whereby he hath on the late interesting occasion, so signally ap- peared for our protection. We call upon you constantly to reverence that all-wise and omnipotent Director and Disposer of events on whom we depend for every mercy we enjoy, to be thankful to him for every instance of pros- perity, patient under every affliction, submissive to his wise disposals, and obedient to all his holy precepts • to awake to repentance, to consider your ways, and to turn unto the Lord, through his Son Jesus Christ. Let every one beware of adding to the common stock of guilt and ini(juity. We be- seech and obtest you to be strict in observing the laws and ordinances of Jesus Christ, to pay a sacred regard to his Sabbath, to reverence his holy name, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour by good works. We pray you to seek earnestly the savins: knowledge of Christ, and the internal power and spirit of religion. Thus may you hope for the continued kindness of a gracious Providence, and this is the way to express your gratitude to the Father of mercies for your late glorious deliverance. But persisting to grieve 838 MORAL AND SECULAR. [bOOK VIII. the Holy Spirit, by a neglect of vital religion, and a continuance in sin, you will have reai>on to dread that an holy God will punish you yet seven times more for your iniquities. While we thus call upon you to fear God, you will not forget to honour your king, and pay ^ due submission to his august parliament. Let this fre^h instance of royal clemency increase the ardour of your affection to the person, family, and government, of our rightful and gracious sovereign. This you will manifest by a cheerful and ready obedience to civil authority. A spirit of liberty is highly laudable when under proper regulations, but we hope you will carefully distinguish between liberty and licentiousness. We most earnestly recommend it to you to encourage and strengthen the hands of government, to demonstrate on every proper occasion your undis- sembled love for your mother country, and your attachment to her true in- terest, so inseparably connected with our own. That thus you may become wise and good, as well as free and happy, and that while you enjoy liberty, civil and religious, you may not be the servants of sin and Satan, is the fervent prayer of those who watch for your souls, as men who must give an account. Signed by order, Elihu Spencer, Moderator. Presbyterian Church, at New York, May SO^A, 1766. § 47. Days of fasting and prayer for Congress. 1775, p. 464. The Synod, considering the present alarming state of public affairs, do unanimously judge it their duty to call all the Congregations under their care to solemn fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and for this purpose appoint the last Thursday of June next to be carefully and religiously ob- served. But as the Continental Congress are now sitting, who may probably appoint a fast for the same purpose, the Synod, from respect to that august body, and for the greater harmony with all other denominations, and for the greater public order, if the Congress shall appoint a day not above four weeks distant from the said last Thursday of June, order that the Congregations belonging to this Synod do keep the day appointed by the Congress, in obe- dience to this resolution ; and if they appoint a day more distant, the Synod order both to be observed by all our communion. The Synod also earnestly recommend it to all the Congregations under their care to spend the after- noon of the last Thursday in every month in public solemn prayer to God, during the continuance of our present troubles. [Until the end of the war these orders were annually renewed. — Minutes, 1777, p. 478, 1778, p. 481 ; 1779, p. 483 ; and 1780, p. 488.] § 48. Pastoral Letter upon occasion of the Revolutionary War. 1775, p. 463. Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Messrs. Caldwell, Halsey, Smith, Kerr, and Ogden, are appointed a committee to bring in to-morrow in the afternoon, a draught of a pastoral letter. p. 466. The committee brought in a draught of a pastoral letter, which, after a few alterations, was approved, ordered to be printed, and is as follows : Very Dear Brethren — The Synod of New York and Philadelphia being' met at a time when public affairs wear so threatening an aspect, and when (unless God in his sovereign providence speedily prevent it) all the horrors of a civil war throughout this great Continent are to be apprehended, were of opinion, that they could not discharge their duty to the numerous Con- gregations under their care, without addressing them at this important crrsis. Vs the firm belief, and habitual recollection of the power and presence of he living God, ought at all times to possess the minds of real Christians, ■ c) in seasons of public calamity, when the Lord is known by the judgment SEC. 46.] CIVIL AFFAIRS. 839 which he executeth, it would be an ignorance or indiflference highly? criminal not to look up to him with reverence, to implore his mercy by humble and fervent prayer, and, if possible, to prevent his vengeance by unfeigned re- pentance. We therefore, brethren, beseech you in the most earnest manner, to look beyond the immediate authors either of your sufferings or fears, and to ac- knowledge the holiness and justice of the Almighty in the present visitation. He is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Affliction spring- eth not out of the dust. He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men; and, therefore, it becomes every person, family, city, and province, to humble themselves before his throne, to confess their sins, by which they have provoked his indignation, and entreat him to pour out upon all ranks a spirit of repentance and of prayer. Fly also for forgiveness to the atoning blood of the great Redeemer — the blood of sprinkling, which speaketh better things than that of Abel. Remember and confess not only your sins in gen- eral, but those prevalent national offences, which may be justly considered as the procuring causes of public judgments; particularly profaneness and con- tempt of God, his name. Sabbaths, and sanctuary ; pride, luxury, unclean- ness, and neglect of family religion and government, with the deplorable ignorance and security which certainly ought to be imputed to this as their principal cause. All these are, among us, highly aggravated by the ines- timable privileges which we have hitherto enjoyed without interruption since the first settlement of this country. If, in the present day of distress, we expect that God will hear our supplications, and interpose for our protec- tion or deliverance, let us remember, what he himself requires of us is, that our prayers should be attended with a sincere purpose, and thorough endeavour after personal and family reformation. " If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hand towards him, if iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles." Job xi. 13, 14. The Synod cannot help thinking that this is a proper time for pressing all of every rank, seriously to consider the things that belong to their eternal peace. Hostilities, long feared, have now taken place ; the sword has been drawn in one province, and the whole continent, with hardly any exception, seem determined to defend their rights by force of arms. If, at the same time, the British ministry shall continue to enforce their claims by violence, a lasting and bloody contest must be expected. Surely, then, it becomes those who have taken up arms, and profess a willingness to hazard their lives in the cause of liberty, to be prepared for death, which to many must be certain, and to every one is a possible or probable event. We have long seen with concern, the circumstances which occasioned, and the gradual increase of, this unhappy difference. As Ministers of the gospel of peace, we have ardently wished that it could, and often hoped that it would, have been more early accommodated. It is well known to you, (otherwise it would be impudent indeed thus publicly to profess,) that we have not been instrumental in inflaming the minds of the people, or urging them to acts of violence and disorder. Perhaps no instance can be given on so interesting a subject, in which political sentiments have been so long and so fully kept from the pulpit, and even malice itself has not charged us with labouring from the press; but things are now come to such a state, that we do not wish to conceal our opinions as men and ciiizens, so the relation we stand in to you seemed to make the present improvement of it to your spiritual benefit, an indispensable duty. Suffer us then to lay hold of your present temper of mind, and to exhort, especially, the young and vigorous, by assuring them that there is no soldier '^0 undaunted as the pious man, no army so formidable as those who are 840 MORAL AND SECULAR. [BOOK VIII. superior to the fear of death. There is nothing more awful to think of. than that those whose trade is war should be despisers of the name of the Lord of hosts, and that they should expose themselves to the imminent dan- ger of being immediately sent from cursing and cruelty on the earth, to the blaspheming rage and despairing horror of the infernal pit. Let, therefore, every one, who from generosity of spirit, or benevolence of heart, offers himself as a champion in his country's cause, be persuaded to reverence the name, and walk in the fear of the Prince of the kings of the earth, and then he may, with the most unshaken firmness, expect the issue either in victory or death. Let it not be forgotten, that though for the wise ends of. his providence it may please God, for a season, to suifer his people to lie under unmerited oppression, yet in general, we may expect, that those who fear and serve him in sincerity and truth, will be favoured with his countenance and strength. It is both the character and the privilege of the children of God, that they call upon him in the day of trouble, and he, who keepeth covenant and truth for ever, has said, that his ears are always open to their cry. We need not mention to you in how many instances the event in battles, and success in war, have turned upon circumstances which were inconsiderable in them- selves, as well as out of the power of human prudence to foresee or direct, because we suppose you firmly believe that after all the counsels of men, and the most probable and promising means, the Lord will do that which seemeth him good ; nor hath his promise ever failed of its full accomplish- ment; the Lord is with you while ye be with him, and if ye seek him he will be found of youj but if ye forsake him he will forsake you. 2 Chron. XV. 2. After this exhortation, which we thought ourselves called upon to give you at this time, on your great interest, the one thing needful, we shall take the liberty to offer a few advices to the societies under our charge, as to their public and general conduct ; and. First. In carrying on this important struggle, let every opportunity be taken to express your attachment and respect to our sovereign. King George, and to the revolution principles by which his august family was seated on the British throne. We recommend, indeed, not only allegiance to him from duty and principle, as the first magistrate of the empire, but esteem and reverence for the person of the prince, who has merited well of his sub- jects on many accounts, and who has probably been misled into the late and present measures by those about him j neither have we any doubt that they themselves have been in a great degree deceived by false information from interested persons residing in America. It gives us the greatest pleasure to say, from our own certain knowledge of all belonging to our communion, and from the best means of information of the far greatest part of all denomina- tions in the country, that the present opposition to the measures of adminis- tration does not in the least arise from disaffection to the king, or a desire of separation from the parent state. We are happy of being able with truth to affirm, that no part of America would either have approved or per- mitted such insults ,as have been offered to the sovereign in Great Britain. We exhort you, therefore, to continue in the same disposition, and not to suffer oppression, or injury itself, easily to provoke you to anything which may seem to betray contrary sentiments ; let it ever appear, that you only desire the preservation and security of those rights which belong to you as freemen and Britons, and that reconciliation upon these terms is your most ardent desire. Secondly. Be careful to maintain the union which at present subsists through all the colonies ; nothing caji be more manifest than that the sue- SEC. 48.] CIVIL AFFAIRS. 841^ cess of every measure depends on its being inviolably preserved, and. tbere- fore, we hope that you will leave nothing undone which can promote that end. In particular, as the Continental Congress, now sitting at Fhiladel- phia, consists of delegates chosen in the most free and unbiassed manner, by the body of the people, let them not only be treated with respect, and en- couraged in their difficult service — not only let your prayers be offered up to (jiod f )r his direction in their proceedings — but adhere firmly to their resolutions ; and let it be seen that they are able to bring out the whole strength of this vast country to carry them into execution. We would also advise for the same purpose, that a spirit of candour, charity, and mutual esteem, be preserved and promoted towards those of different religious de- nominations. Persons of probity and principle of every profession, should be united together as servants of the same Master, and the experience of our happy concord hitherto in a state of liberty should engage all to unite in support of the common interest ; for there is no example in history, in which civil liberty was destroyed, and the rights of conscience preserved entire. Thirdly. We do earnestly exhort and beseech the societies under our care to be strict and vigilant in their private government, and to watch over the morals of their several members. It is with the utmost pleasure we remind you, that the last Continental Congress determined to discourage luxury in living, public diversions, and gaming of all kinds, which have so fatal an influence on the morals of the people. If it is undeniable that universal profligacy makes a nation ripe for Divine judgments, and is the natural mean of bringing them to ruin, reformation of manners is of the utmost necessity in our present distress. At the same time, as it has been observed by many eminent writers, that the censorial power, which had for its object the manners of the public in the ancient free States, was absolutely necessary to their continuance, we cannot help being of opinion that the only thing which we have now to supply the place of this is the religious discipline of the several sects with respect to their own members ; so that the denomina- tion or profession which shall take the most efi'ectual care of the instruction of its members, and maintain its discipline in the fullest vigour, will do the most essential service to the whole body. For the very same reason the greatest service which magistrates, or persons in authority can do, with re- spect to the religion or morals of the people, is to defend and secure the rights of conscience in the most equal and impartial manner. Fourthly. We cannot but recommend, and urge in the warmest manner, a regard to order and the public peace ; and as in many places during the confusions that prevail, legal proceedings have become difficult, it is hoped that all persons will conscientiously pay their just debts, and to the utmost of their power serve one another, so that the evils inseparable from a civil war may not be augmented by wantonness and irregularity. Fifthly. We think it of importance at this time, to recommend to all of every rank, but especially to those who may be called to action, a spirit of humanity and mercy. Every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood. It is impossible to appeal to the sword with- out being exposed to many scenes of cruelty and slaughter ; but it is often observed that civil wars are carried on with a rancour and spirit of revenge much greater than those between independent States. The injuries re- ceived, or supposed, in civil wars, wound more deeply than those of foreign enemies ; it is therefore the more necessary to guard against this abuse, and recommend that meekness and gentleness of spirit, which is the noblest attendant on true valour. That man will fight most bravely, who never 106 842 MORAL AND SECULAR. [bOOK VIII. fights till it is necessary, and who erases to fight as soon as the necessity is over. ]jast]y. We would recommend to all the societies under our care, not to content themselves with attending devoutly on general fasts, but to continue habitually in the exercise of prayer, and to have frequent occasional volun- tary meetings for solemn intercession with God on the important trial. Those who are immediately exposed to danger need your sympathy; and we learn from the Scriptures, that fervency and importunity are the very char- acters of that prayer of the righteous man which availeth much. We conclude with our most earnest prayer, that the God of Heaven may bless you in your temporal and spiritual concerns, and that the present un- natural dispute may be speedily terminated by an equitable and lasting set- tlement on constitutional principles. Signed in the name, presence, and by appointment of the Synod. Benjamin Hait, Moderator. New York, May lid, 1775. N. B. — The Stated Clerk is to insert the pastoral letter from a printed copy. The Synod agree that five hundred copies of said pastoral letter be printed ; and order the Synodical treasurer to pay the expenses of printing, which is to be by the Synod refunded at their next meeting. Mr. Halsey dissents from that paragraph of said letter which contains the declarations of allegiance. § 49. Congratulations on the birth of the French Dauphin. 1782, p. 495. Dr. John Witherspoon, Joseph Montgomery, and Dr. Elihu Spencer, were appointed to be a committee to prepare an address to the Min- ister of France, congratulating him on the birth of a Dauphin, son and heir to the crown of his royal master, expressing the pleasure the Synod feel on this happy event. The committee appointed to prepare a draught of an address to the Min- ister of France, brought in one ; which, being read, paragraph by paragraph, Ordered, that it be signed by the Moderator, and that the Moderator, Dr. Witherspoon, and Mr. Montgomery, be a committee to wait upon the Min- ister, and to present the above in the name and behalf of the Synod. § 5Q. Address to Washington on his election to the Presidency. 1789, p. 6. Resolved unanimously, that an address be presented from the General x\ssembly of the Presbyterian Church to the President of the United States; and that Drs. Witherspoon, Alison, and S. S. Smith, be a committee to draught said address. Ibid. p. 11. To the President of the United States : *S''V — The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, embrace the earliest opportunity in their power, to testify the lively and unfeigned pleasure which they, with the rest of their fellow- citizens, feel, on your appointment to the first office in the nation. We adore Almighty God, the Author of every perfect gift, who hath endued you with such a rare and happy avSserablage of talents, as hath ren- dered you equally necessary to your country in war and in peace. Your military achievements insured safety and glory to America, in the late ardu- ous conflict for freedom ; while your disinterested conduct, and uniformly just discernment of the public interest, gained you the entire confidence of the people : And in the present interesting period of public afi'airs, the influ- SEC. 48.] CIVIL AFFAIRS. 843 ence of your personal character moderates the divi.sions of political parties, and promises a permanent establishment of the civil government. From a retirement more glorious than thrones and sceptres, you have been called to your present elevated station, by the voice of a great and a free people ; and with an unanimity of suffrage that has few, if any examples, in history. A man more ambitious of fame, or less devoted to his country, would have refused an oflBce in which his honours could not be augmented, and where they might possibly be subject to a reverse. We are happy that God has inclined your heart to give yourself once more to the public. And we derive a favourable prpsage of the event, from the zeal of ail classes of the people, and their confidence in your virtue^ ; as well as from the know- ledge and dignity with which the federal councils are filled. But we derive a presage, even more flattering, from the piety bf your character. Public virtue is the most certain means of public felicity; and religion is the surest basis" of virtue. We therefore esteem it a peculiar happiness to behold in our chief magistrate, a steady, uniform avowed friend of the Christian religion ; who has commenced his administration in rational and exalted sentiments of piety ; and who, in his private conduct, adorns the doctrines of the gospel of Christ; and on the most public and solemn occasions, devoutly acknow- ledges the government of Divine Providence. The example of distinguished characters will ever possess a powerful and extensive influence on the public mind ; and when we see, in such a con- spicuous station, the amiable example of piety to God, of benevolence to men, and of a pure and virtuous patriotism, we naturally hope that it will diffuse its influence ; and that, eventually, the most happy consequences will result from it. To the force of imitation, we will endeavour to add the wholesome in.'^tructions of religion. We shall consider ourselves as doing an acceptable service to God, in our profession, when we contribute to render men sober, honest, and industrious citizens, and the obedient subjects of a lawful government. In these pious labours, we hope to imitate the most worthy of our brethren of other Christian denominations, and to be imitated by them ; assured that if we can, by mutual and generous emulation, pro- mote truth and virtue, we shall render a great and important service to the republic ; shall receive encouragement from every wise and good citizen ; and, above all, meet the approbation of our Divine Master. We pray Almighty God, to have you always in his holy keeping. May he prolong your valuable life, an ornament and a blessing to your country, and at last bestow on you the glorious reward of a faithful servant. Signed by order of the General Assembly, John Rodgers, Moderator. Philadelphia, May 26, 1789. § 51. Washington^ s reply. 1790, p. 24. The committee appointed to present the address of the Gen- eral Assembly to the President of the United States, reported, that they pre- sented the said address, agreeably to the order of last year, and received from the IVesident the following answer, viz : "To the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. " Gcn/lrmen — I receive with great sensibility the testimonials jriven by,the General As- sembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, oftlie lively and un- feigned piciisure experienced by them on my appointment to the fir-t dfUce in tlie nation. " Alliiuugh il will be my endeavour to avoid being elated by the too favourable opinion which your kindness for me may have induced you to express of the importance of my former c ufhict, and the eifcct of my future services; yet, conscious of the disinterested- ness of my motives, it is not necessary for me to conceal the satisfaction I have felt upon finding that my compliance with tiic call of my country, and my dependence on tlie as- 844 MORAL AND SKCULAR. [bOOK Viri. sistance of Heaven to support me in my arduous undertaking's, have, so far as I can learn, met tlic universal approl);ition of my couiitrynicn. VVhilu I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven as the source of all public and private blessings, I will observe, that tlic g;eneral prevalence of piety, philanthropy, honesty, industry, and economy, seems, in the ordinary course of human affairs, particularly necessary for advancing- and confirming the happiness of our country. While all men within our territories are pro- tected in Worshipping the Deity according to tlie dictates of their consciences, it is rationally to be expected from them in return, tliat they will all be emulous of evincing the sincerity of their professions by the ipnocence of their lives and the benevolence of their actions For no man who is profligate in his morals, or a bad member of the civil community, can possibly be a true Christian, or a credit to his own religious society. " I desire you to accept my acknowledgm.ents for your laudable endeavours to render men sober, honest, and good citizens, and the obedient subjects of a lawful government ; as well as for your prayers to Almighty God for his* blessing on our common country, and the humble instrument which he has been pleased to make use of in the administra- tion of its government. George Washington." § 52. Pastoral letter on the results of the French Revolution. 1798, p. 152. Dear Friends and Brethren — The aspect of divine provi- dence, and the extraordinary situation of the world, at the present moment, indicate that a solemn admonition by the Ministers of religion and other Church-officers in General Assembly convened, has become our indispensa- ble duty. When formidable innovations and convulsions in Europe threat- ened destruction to morals and religion ; when scenes of devastation and bloodshed, unexampled in the history of modern nations, have convulsed the world, and when our own country is threatened with similar calamities, insensibility in us would be stupidity ; silence would be criminal. Tke watchmen on Zion's walls are bound by their commission, to sound a gene- ral alarm at the approach of danger. We therefore desire to direct your awakened attention towards that bursting storm, which threatens to sweep before it the religious principles, institutions, and morals of our people. We are filled with a deep concern and awful dread, whilst we announce it as our real conviction, that the eternal God has a controversy with our nation, and is about to visit us in his sore displeasure. A solemn crisis has arrived, in which we are called to the most serious contemplation of the moral causes which have produced it, and the measures which it becomes us to pursue. With regard to the causes of those national calamities, which we either feel or fear, a little reflection may convince tis, that these may be traced to a general defection from God, and corruption of the public principles and morals. These usually keep an equal pace, and they uniformly precede the ruin of nations. The evidences of our guilt are, unhappily, too numerous and glaring. We perceive, with pain and fearful apprehension, a general dereliction of religious principle and practice amongst our fellow citizens ; a great departure from the faith and simple purity of manners for which our fathers were remarkable; a visible and prevailing impiety and contempt for the laws and institutions of religion, and an abounding infidelity which in many instances tends to Atheism itself, which contemptuously rejects God's eternal Son, our Saviour, ridicules the gospel and its most sacred mysteries, denies the providence of God, grieves and insults the Holy Spirit ; in a word, which assumes a front of daring impiety, and possesses a mouth filled with blasphemy. In the midst of the alarming situation of the public mind, which we have noticed above, we perceive a degree of supineness and inattention amongst too many of the Ministers and professors of Christianity, which seems to threaten a dissolution of religious society. Formality and deadness. not to say hypocrisy ; a contempt for vital godliness, and the spirit of fervent piety ; .1 desertion of the ordinances, or a cold and unprofitable attendance upon SEC. 51.] CIVIL AFFAIRS. 845 them, visibly pervade every part of the Church, and certain men have crept in amongst us, who have denied, or attempt to exphiin away the pure doc- trines of the gospel ; to introduce pernicious errors which were either not named, or named with abhorrenSe, but which have, within a few years since, been embraced by deluded multitudes. The Lord's day is horribly pro- faned, and family religion and instruction lamentably neglected. <> Our ingratitude to God enhances our dreadful guilt. No people have been more highly favoured in our original establishment, our increasing prosper- ity, and particularly in our contest during the revolutionary war, and its prosperous issue ; but alas ! we have basely forgotten our Benefactor. We have abused his favours, and turned them into engines of opposition against himself. '' He has nourished and brought us up as children, and we have rebelled against him." The profligacy and corruption of the public morals have advanced with a progress proportioned to our declension in religion. Profaneness, pride, luxury, injustice, intemperance, lewdness, and every species of debauchery and loose indulgence greatly abound. And " shall not the Lord visit us for these things ? shall not his soul be avenged on such a nation as this ?" Are not our crimes enormous as they are numerous ? Are they not peculiarly aggravated ? Have we not known our Master's will, and refused, or at least neglected to do it? Have we not possessed uncommon means of information with regard to our duty, without a proportionate improvement ? And have not our uncommon advantages been abused without shame or remorse ? As surely as there is a righteous God, so surely will he visit us iu his just dis- pleasure, unless his grace prevent, by awakening us to a sense of our guilt and recalling us to the practice of our duty. Our circumstances loudly de- .mand a public and solemn acknowledgment of God as our moral Governor and righteous Judge. It is time to cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; to look beyond second causes, and openly confess the hand and agency and government of God in the world. Let christians unite more cordially and openly, in adhering to their Master's cause, and opposing infi- delity in all its forms. God hath a controversy with us — let us prostrate ourselves before him ! .Let the deepest humiliation and the sincerest repent- ance mark our sense of national sins ; and let us not forget, at the same time, the personal sins of each individual, that have contributed to increase the mighty mass of corruption. Let the Ministers of religion weep and in- tercede for themselves and a guilty people ! Let all descriptions of persons lament their iniquities, and reform ! Let us practise all righteousness ! Let us be earnest and fervent in prayer, that God, for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Christ, would pour out his gracious Spirit upon Ministers and people; and that he would revive his work, not only amongst our Churches, but amongst all- denominations of Christians, until the blessed promises and predictions, with regard to the extent of the Redeemer's kingdom, be completely fulfilled. Let us conduct ourselves as quiet and peaceable citizens, submitting con- scientiously to the laws of our own making, and the government of our own choice. Let us treat with candour and respect our civil rulers. Let us re fleet that the Scripture precepts upon this subject are applicable to no peo- ple, if not to us,. under a representative government; yet, as in the present imperfect state of human nature, differences of opinion must exist, let us carefully cultivate the sentiment of brotherly kindness and mutual forbear- ance and charity. With a view to give the greater effect to the exhortations and admonitions in this letter expressed, we recommend that the last Thursday of August next be observed in all the Congregations under our care, as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer; and that the Ministers of our communion 846 MORAL AND SECULAR. [BOOK IX. do then read this letter to the people of their charge, and enforce the truth it contains in such discourses, founded on the word of God, as shall appeal best adapted to eflPect so desirable a purpose. § 53. Warning against political and other secular excitements. ''1838, p. 56. Among the causes which seem to have retarded the progress of the gospel, one which appears very prominent is a disposition among Grod's people to be carried away with, and to unite in keeping up, the various exciting topics of discussion which peculiarly distinguish the present day. This has been called the age of improvement. Such it may be. But it certainly is an age of excitement and innovation — an age in which many appear to think themselves called upon to question and unsettle principles and practices, which have received the enlightened sanction of centuries — to contest the propriety of things held most sacred — to uproot and destroy the deep foundations of all order, social, political, and religious — and to keep the mind of society in a state of constant excitement and change. This disposition has not been without the countenance of professing Chris- tians— and its effect has been felt throughout the whole Church. Many of God's people, instead of lending their talents, their influence, and their feelings to the great work of saving sinners, have given them another direc- tion. They have assisted in attracting the attention of the Church and of the world to other objects, which have so effectually engrossed the mind as to exclude the peaceful truths of the gospel, and prevent their efficacy. In order that the gospel may have its most rapid and glorious progress, the minds of men should be in such a calm, composed, and unexcited state, that the attention may be directed as individually as possible to gospel invitations and gospel truths. The Church, instead of countenancing any other state, of public feeling, should exert itself to allay and repress all such excite- ments— should throw oil upon the troubled waters — and should earnestly pray to the Great Head of the Church, that he would speak peace to the raging elements, that there might be no obstacles to hinder, no difficulties to retard the rapid advancement of his glorious kingdom. § 54. Indian civilization. 1820, p. 734. Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States are highly gratified in observing the benevo- lent exertions of the general government to promote the civilization of the Indian tribes wi,thin its territories, by the support of schools, and by intro- ducing among them the arts of social life. The Assembly feel confident that the general government, by adopting these measures, act in accordance with the wishes •of a large proportion of the American people. The Assembly sincerely pray that the Supreme Being may bless these exertions to reclaim the aborigines of our continent from the darkness and ferocity of their savage state, to the privileges and enjoyments of Christian civilization. Resolved, That an attested copy of the foregoing resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, signed by the Moderator and Clerks of this Assembly. 1822, p. 10. The committee to which was referred a communication from Dr. Morse, Corresponding Secretary of the American Society for promoting the civilization and general improvement of the Indians within the United States ; together with the constitution of said Society, reported, that they had examined these documents, and they recommended the following reso- lutions, which were adopted, viz : PEO 5? 1 CIVIL AFFAIRS. 847 1. That the Assembly highly approve of the objects proposea to be ac- complished by said Society. 2. That the plan of operation of the said Society appears calculated to awaken general attention to this important subject, to command great facili- ties, and obtain efficient means for promoting the temporal and eternal wel- fare of our hent'c n liL'hbours ; and for securing peace and friendly inter- course amonir ,i,.»'. who have been too much alienated from each other, although belt-uging to the same common family. 3. The Assembly, therefore, would devoutly implore the blessing of the God of mercy upon the exertions of the said Society j and recommend to the members of the Church, to lend what assistance they can in forwarding this laudable design. § 55. Peace among the nations. 1836, p. 274. The committee to whom was referred overture No. 7, being a memorial from the Presbytery of Madison, requesting the General Assem- bly to recommend to all Christian denominations in the world, to take into consideration the propriety and importance of using their influence with all Christian nations, to adopt some plan, by which all disputes between nations may be amiq^Joly settled without appealing to the sword; — made the follow- ing report, which was adopted, viz : Resolved, That while the Assembly believe it to be the duty of all the followers of the Prince of Peace to labour and pray for the speedy approach of that day " when the nations shall learn war no more," yet as there is room for diversity of opinion, as to the mode in which the object may be best promoted, the Assembly deem any particular action on the subject by them, at the present time, inexpedient. 848 STATISTICS. [book IX. BOOK IX. STATISTICS Title 1. chronological tables. § 1. Chronological Table of Presbyteries. [There are probably inaccuracies in the following table, as in some instances the facts are predicated upon defective reports. The fig-ures prefixed indicate the order of seniority among the older existing Presbyteries. Tliose annexed, tlie number of Ministers origi- nally composing them severally. Those marked with an asterisk, were erected by the General Assembly, and usually have six months' precedence of those of the same year erected by the Synods.] TEAR OF PRESBYTERIES OUT OF TEAR ORIGIN. NAMES OF PRESBYTERII S. WHICH FORMET). PARENT SYNOD. OF EXIT 1716 1. Philadelphia, T 2. New Castle, I Snow Hill, Md., (a) f Long Island, (1st.) J Created by the subdivi- sion of the General Presbytery. 1 1717 1738 1732 Donegal, (6) New Castle, 1786 1733 East Jersey, Philadelpliia, 173'8 1735 Lewes, New Castle, 1838 1738 3. New York, 4. New Brunswick, Union of East Jersey &, Long Island. N. York and Philada. The 1748 Suffolk, (Book VI. § 86.) 1790 1751 Abington, New Brunswick, 1758 1755 Hanover, New Castle, General 1829 1762 2nd Philadelphia, (1st.) Philadelphia, 1786 1765 Carlisle, (1st.) Donegal, 1766 " Lancaster, Pa. Union of New Castle & Donegal, Synod. ' 1766 Dutchess, N. Y. (Book VI. § 87,) 1796 1770 5. Orange, Hanover, 1781 6. Redstone, Missionaries, 1784 Soulli Carolina, Orange, 1799 1785 Abingdon, Hanover, 1838 1786 7. Transylvania, 5, 8. Lexington, 12, Abingdon, Hanover, H 9. Baltimore, 6, ( 10. Carlisle, (2nd) 22, C Division of Donegal, J • 1790 11. Albany, 7, i 12. Long Island, 12, ( Division of Suffolk, New York&New Jersey. ( a ) [Snow Hill as erected, consisted of three members, of whom one died within the year, and the Presbytery thus became extinct.] ( 6 ) [In 1765 tiie Presbytery of Donegal was dissolved, by erecting part of its members into the Presbytery of Carlisle (1st), and annexing the rest to that of New Castle, under tlic name of Lancaster; it was, however, the next year restored as before.] SEC. 1.] STATISTICS. 849 E B 01 PKESBYTERIES OUT OF TB\R Division of South Carolinas. 1810 " 21. Second S. Car., 8, } C Carolina. Do. South Car., 1810, ( Name changed, 800 Greenville, 4, Abingdon, Carolinas. 1804 801 22. Erie, 5, Redstone and Ohio, Virginia. 802 Columbia,*, Albany, N. Y. New York & New Jersey. " Oneida,* 6, Do. Do. do. 1837 " Cumberland, 11, Transylvania, Kentucky 1806 805 Geneva, Oneida, Albany. 1837 808 23. Hartford, 8 ) Erie. Pittsburgh. Beaver, 1833, ( Name changed, 808 24. Lancaster, 5, i Ohio. Pittsburgh, Zanesville, 1843, ^ Name changed. it 809 Middle Association, 18, 25. Londonderry, 11, (Book VL §§ 100,101,) Albany. Do. 1810 " Jersey, 26, New York, New York & New Jersey. 1824 u 26. Harmony, 4, First South Carolina, Carolinas. 810 Cayuga, 8, } Division of Middle 1837 " Onondaga, 12. ( Assoc. (B. VI. § 100,) Albany. " " West Tennessee, 4, Transylvania, Kentucky. 1849 » 27. Muhlenberg, 9. Do. Do. " 28. Miami, 5, Washington, 0. Do. 811 29. Northumberland, 5, Philadelphia. 812 30. Fayetteville, 9, Orange, Carolinas. 814 Grand River, 4, Hartford, Pittsburgh. " Champlain, 7, Albany. 1838 815 31. Louisville, Transylvania, Kentucky. " 32. Mississippi, West Tennessee, Do. 816 Shiloh, Ten. & Muhlenberg, Do. 1838 817 Niagara, 3, Geneva, Geneva. 1837 « Ontario, 19, Do. Do. " u Bath, 6, Do. Do. " >i 33. Richland, 6, Lancaster, Ohio, " 34. Newton, New Brunswick, New York & New Jersey. 1818 Portage, 7, Grand River, Pittsburgh. 1837 " St. Lawrence, 5, i Oneida. \ Name changed. Albany. Watertown, 1828, h837 " 35. Missouri, Tennessee. " Otsego, 7, Oneida, Albany, 1837 " Genesee, Ontario, Geneva. 1837 >t Rochester, 8, Do. Do. 1837 (t 36. Steubenville, 8, Ohio, Pittsburgh. 1819 37. Washington, 9, Ohio, Pittsburgh. «' 38. North River, Hudson, Albany. 1820 39. Troy, Columbia, Do. 40. Allegheny, Erie, Pittsburgh. 41. Ebenczer, West Lexington, Kentucky. 1821 42. Susquehanna, New Jersey. u 43. Columbus, Ohio. u 44. Alabama, ^ Name changed. 'South Alabama, 1826, SouthCarolina&Georgia. + [This indicates the name of Washington to have been changed to Chillicothe, in 1821 ; and so in other cases.] 107 850 STATISTICS. [book IX. YEAR OF PRESBYTERIES OUT OF TEAR ORroiN. NAMES OP PEESBYTERll 8. WHICH FORMED. PARENT SYNOD. OF EXIT. 1821 45. Georgia, Hopewell, SouthCarolina«fcGeorgia. » 46. Cincinnati, Miami, Ohio. «' Ogdensburgli, 6, ) Cliamplain, S Name changed. Albany, 1837 St. Lawrence, 1829, 1822 47. Second New York, Associate Reformed 2nd Philadelphia,(2nd.) Synod. 1825 48. Charleston Union, } Harmony, ( c ) ^ Name changed, SouthCarolina&Georgia. " Charleston, 1839, " 49. Athens, Lancaster, Ohio. 1823 Buffalo, Niagara, Genesee. 1837 Oswego, 5, Oneida, Albany, 1837 1823 District of Columbia, Baltimore, Philadelphia. 1838 « Huron, Portage, Pittsburgh. 1837 >i 50. Salem, Ind. I Louisville, ^ Name changed. Kentucky. New Albany, 1848, 1824 51. Newark, 20, ) 52. Eliza betht'n, 17, \ 53. North Alabama, 9, Division of Jersey, New Jersey. . Do. S. Carolina, & Georgia. H Mechlinburgh, 8, Concord, North Carolina. 1828 U 54. Bethel, 8, Do. 1825 Cortland, Onondaga, Geneva. 1837 » French Broad, Union, Tennessee 1838 (' 55. Madison, Salem, Kentucky. (» 56. Wabash, > Do. ^ Name changed, Do. Vincennes, 1830, 1825 Newburyport, Londonderry, Albany. 1838 1826 Chenango, 11, Otsego, and others, Do. 1837 « Detroit,* 5, Western Reserve. 1838 57. Holston, 7, Abingdon, Tennessee. 1827 Trumbull, 11, Grand River, Western Reserve. 1837 1828 Angelica, 6, Bath, Geneva. u " Centre of Illinois, 10, Wabash, Indiana. 1830 u 58. Tombigbee, 7, Indian Mission, West Tennessee. 1829 59. Bedford, 12. North River and others. New York. u Tioga, 11, Cayuga, Geneva. 1837 " 60. Oxford, 11, Cincinnati, Ohio. « 61. Crawfordsville, 9, Wabash, Indiana. ic 62. East Hanover, 12, 63. West Hanover, 21, V Division of Hanover, Virginia. Do. X 64. Western District, 5, West Tennessee, West Tennessee. 1830 Third, New York, 15, New York, New York. 1838 « 65. Blairsville, 13, Redstone, Pittsburgh. 11 Cleveland, 14, Huron, Western Reserve. 1837 3d Philad'a," 1834, ) Philadelphia, (Book VII. ^ 91, 92.) Name changed. Philadelphia. 1837 " Second Long Island, 7, Long Island, New York. 1841 (( Montrose, 10, Susquehanna, New Jersey. 1838 1833 70. Schuyler, 5, 71. Palestine, 5, Illinois and Sangamon, Crawt'ds'v &c Kaskas'a, Illinois. " 72. 3d Philad'a, (4th,) (Synodical) 11, Philadelphia, Philadelphia. " Wilmington, 10, New Castle, " 1838 " 73. Good Hope, ) . , Flint River, 1835, ^^ Hopewell, S. Carolina & Georgia, " St. Joseph's, 4, Detroit, Western Reserve. 1838 " Monroe, 7; " " " 1834 Ottawa, Sangamon & Schuyler, Illinois. « " 74. Nashville, West Tennessee, West Tennessee. " 75. Arkansas, (d) Mississippi, Mississippi & So. Ala. " 76. Tuscaloosa, South Alabama, (( 11 77. Wooster, Richland, Ohio. 1835 78. Marion, 8, Columbus, " " 7S). Logansport, 5, Crawtbrdsville, Indiana. " Roanoake, 7, Orange, North Carolina. 1839 " Morgantown, 5, Concord, " 1840 " 80. Amite, 7, ) Mississippi, ( Name of Amite ch'd, Mississippi. (I Louisiana, 1836 1836 Chemung, 14, Maumee, Loraine, Medina, 10 ^ Bath, Geneva. Western Reserve. u 1837 " 81. Sidney, 7, Miami, Cincinnati. " 82. Peoria, 7, Illinois. " Alton, »i 1838 1837 83. Greenbriar, 10, Lexington, Virginia. 1838 C.iledonia, 8, The disowned Synods, New Jersey. 184a " 84. New Lisbon, 8, Beaver, Pittsburgh. " 85. St. Clairsville, 12, Steuben ville, " " 36. Ogdensburgh, 3, Tile disowned Synods, Albany. 1839 West Jersey, 12, Philadelphia, Philadelphia. " Raritan, 9, Newton, New Jersey. 1840 Florida, 5, Michigan, 3, Georgia, S. Carolina & Georgia. Indiana. " Palmyra, 9, Missouri. " Iowa, 6, Schuyler, Illinois. " Indian, (e) Arkansas, Mississippi. 1841 Lodiana,* 4, (./), Furrukhabad,* 4, f Tlie Missions in « Allahabad,* 6, i Northern India, u. ^ Holly Springs, 6, Chickasaw, 1842, 1 } Clinton, ^ Name changed, Mississippi. " Clarion, 6, AUegheny, Pittsburgh. " East Alabami, 11, South Alibaina, Alabama. 1842 Steuben, 7, ' Division of Caledonia, ' New Jersey. 1853 (rf) [The Presbytery of Arkansas was erected in 1834, consisting of five members. In 1842, the Synod of Mississij)i)i finding that it liad fiiiled of n quorum for several years, and that but two members remained, re-organized it hv setting off two additional mem- bers to it, and ordering a meeting at Little Rock, on Friday before the first Sabbath of January, 1843.] (e) [The Presbytery of Indian is composed of the Missions of the American Board, in the Indian Territory.] (/) [Lodiana, Brazos, and Nebraska Presbyteries were constituted by the members under the act of the Assembly to that effect, in Book V. (j 122.] b52 STATISTICS. [book IX TKAK OF PRESBYTERIES OUT OP 1 YEAR ORIGIN. XAMES OF PRBSBTTERIFS. WHICH FORMED. PARENT SYNOD. OF EXIT. 1842 Wyoming, 12, Division of Caledonia, New Jersey. 1853 " Doncg^al, 12, New Castle, Philadelphia. " Lake la., 6, Logansport, Indiana. 1843 Luzerne,* 9, Susquehanna Division of Wiscon'n, (Book IV. § 94.) " Winnebago,* 7, s " Talladega, 8, East Alabama, Alabama. 1855 " Rochester City, 8, Buffalo City, Buffalo. " Chicago, 10, Illinois. It Des Moines, 5, Iowa, " 852 Stockton,* 3, California and others, (Book IV. § 95.) " Passaic, 17, Elizabethtown, New Jersey. i853 Red River, Paducah, 5, Louisiana, Mississippi. Kentucky. " Allegheny City, 17, Ohio, Pittsburgh. " Central Texas, 4, Texas. Genesee River, 16, Union of Steuben and Wyoming, Buffalo. 1854 East Mississippi, Tombeckbee. Mississippi. " New Orleans, Louisiana, » " Yazoo, ) Mississippi, ^ Change of name. c b'o II 1820 11 59 741 108 99 1299 72096 8021 8792 1611 1821 11 62 734 103 101 1300 71364 7186 8105 2101 1822 12 66 1411 1823 12 71 13 1824 13 77 1679 9016 2217 13 1825 14 81 1080 176 193 1772 122382 10431 9730 1709! 20 1826 16 86 1127 187 204 1819 1274,92 9397 3453 14 1827 16 89 1214 218 229 1887 135285 12:)38 10229 2965 i 18 1828 16 90 1285 194 242il968 146.308 10790 3389 i 31 1829 19 92 1393 205 19512070 162816 14846 3155 12171 3982! 20 1830 19 98 1491 220 22812158 173329 11748 4237 12202 32551 13 1831 20 104 1584 216 2152253 182017 15357 4997 12198 4390 20 1832 21 110 1730 205 22012381 217.348 34160 6886 13246 9650 23 1833 22 111 1855 215 229 i 2500 1233580 23546 7252 14035 6950 26 1834 23 118 1914 236 185 2648 247964 20296 8145 13004 5738 36 1835 23 123 1836 23 128 1972 253 250 2807 219126 11512 7737 11089 2729 1837 23 135 2140 280 244 2865 220557 11580 9315 11697 3031 1838 19 107 1690 212 228 2343 177665 9562 7947 10164 2692 1839 17 96 1243 192 175 1823 128043 6377 4127 7714 16441 1840 17 96 1221 185 199 1763 126583 6944 4200 7844 1741 1841 17 99 1304 195 202 1911 134433 7624 4484 8365 1842 21 J 842 19 101 1316 192 229 1904 140433 9944 4770 9567 2748 21 1843 19 105 1434 183 314 2092'159137 16416 5154 10625 4363 16 1844 21 112 1523 203 364 2156!l66487 12068 5388 10996 3287 12 1845 21 115 1562 224 346 22291 171879 7329 5076 9608 1929 23 1846 22 11511647 218 339 2297 174714 7792 5733 9677 2036 19 1847 22 118 1713 231 343 2376 179453 7602 5673 2766 9342 1794 23 1848 23 117 1803 250 373 2459 192022 8851 6184 3303 9837 2338 19 1849 23 122 1860 252 364 2512 200830 8976 6351 4441 9895 2412 32 1850 23 127 1926 234 360 2595 207254 10358 7065 5389 10372 2772 26 1851 23 134 2027 237 381 2675 210306 10852 7892 7658 10994 2918 29 1852 25 140 2039 229 353 2733 210414 9728 7541 7782 11006 2549 34 1853 28 145 2139 232 363,2879 219263 11846 8180 9067 11644 2942 23 1854 30 148 2203 235 390 2976 225404 13433 8797 9737 12041 3597 1855 30 148 2261 237 435 3079 '23 1404 13085 9386 10412 11734 3433 48 1856 30 148 2320 240 482 3146 223755 12322 9266 106.35 11921 3189 38 1857 31 155 2411 257 452 3251 244825 13296 9719 11214 13007 3376 46 1858 33 159 2468 256 468,3324 259335 20792 10558 12115 13984 5170 46 Whole number of families reported in 1851, 52,952; in 1852, 71,664; in 1853, 76,840 ; and in 1854, 77,302, are reported by about 1500 Churches, but little more than one-lialf. SEC. 14.] STATISTICS. 859 § 15. Statistics of Benevolence from 1820 to 1858. [The following' fable, macie up from the annual reports of the Presbyteries, is very de- fective, efipecially in the earlier years, both from the frequent failure of Presbyteries to report, and from the omission of many important items on the schedule; the Bible, Tract, and Colonization Societies, &c , being- overlooked until the later year.^i, when they come in under the Miscellaneous column, in which is also included Church Extension.] Tear. Missions. Education. Presby- terial. Aggregate. Year. 1830 Missions. Education . Pr sby- terial. A;;gregat«. 1820!^ $4,578 $6,639 $1,456 $12,673 i $44,914 $35,774 $3,504 $84,192 18211 3,008 3,843 1,415! 8,266 i 1831 47,501 50,201 4,099 102,801 18221 4,082 7,341 1,498; 12,921 1832 69,231 63,065 5,522 137,818 1823' 4,126 12,898 1,580 18,604 1833 76,420 53,465 5,582 135,467 1824! 1834 114,687 73,945 5,814 194,446 1825; 12,517 19,349 4,040 35,906 : 18.35 1826 8,990 10,088 2,812 21,880 ! 1836 117,148 104,945 5,433 227,526 1827; 11,053 18,133 3,409 32,595 t 1837 163,563 111,265 7,161 281,989 1828 23,993 11,377 3,367 38,737 ; 1838 88,356 43,826 6,524 138,706 1829' 39,180 30,445 3,442 73,067 Year. Uouitstio Mis.si.jus. Foreign Missions. Education. Pul)li>'il- tiun Presby- terial. Congrega- tional. Miscella- neous. Aggregate. 183 J $33,989 $51,397 $37,080 $5,114 $6,904 $134,394 1840 35,113 48,523 33,643 50,190 6,128 173,597 1841 29,261 60,112 38,212 6,936 6,967 141,488 1842 29,770 46,541 30,538 7,578 6,552 $41,620 162,599 1843 24,304 39,578 24,350 1,496 6,070 53,086 148,884 1844 .35,611 48,01 1 37,858 1,647 6,087 82,856 212,170 1845 39,214 51,692 68,009 1,342 5,370 105,482 271,109 1846 3J,368 51,809 51,883 614 8,414 103,769 255,857 1847 50,706 58,767 58,206 5,091 7,481 129,8.34 310,085 1848 50,803 64,594 52,673 1,912 8,136 148,102 318,220 1849 60,332 80,210 49,160 20,316 7,409 151,944 369,371 1850 60,429 69,425 50,017 ll,2ii4 6,784 130,236 328,185 1851 91,255 83,770 89,386 20,182 12,357 $1,056,023 109,642 1,462,615 1852 85,580 82,480 56,034 17,052 15,084 934,877 141,561 1,387,668 1853 107,579 97,204 70,301 17,637 14,981 1,168,6.55 205,000 1,681,357 1854 141.390 100,430 170,075 23,689 13,807 1,407,931 193,209 2,050,531 1855 102,440 88,750 174,107 22,365 14,948 1,554,984 230,812 2,188,406 1856 96,092 108,921 147,414 25,991 18,339 1,725,825 266,220 2,370,463 1857 108,485 110,826 226,081 28,992 18,210 1,953,964 314,356 2,760,914 1858 104,067 123,421 115,267 21,001 21,771 1,886,166 272,999 2,544,692 § 16. Statistics of Domestic Missions from 1791 to 1858. [In the following' table the receipts from 1803 to 1852, are from a table prepared by the Treasurer of the Board, and published in the Record for November, 1852, with the fol- lowing note : " Note. — From the commencement of our Missionary operations until 1829, the Trea- surer of the Trustees of the General Assembly kept the account of Missionary funds re- ceived. In July, 1829, Mr. Solomon Allen entered upon his dutic.*, as Treasurer of the Board of Missions, at whicli time the Treasurer of tlie Board of Trustees of the Gene- ral Assembly had advanced the Board over $4,500. The annual interest money due the Contingent Missionary Fund, from the Permanent Missionary Fund of the General As- sembly, was in part retained by him, from year to year, with the consent of the Board, to pay this advance ; and although this interest money was an actual receipt for missions, it has not appeared in any previous statement of receipts, so far as we have been able to discover." Besides this statement, recourse has been had, in making out the table, to the Minutes of the General Assembly, prior to 1829, and the reports therein contained, from the Sy- nods who had cliarge of the Missionary business within their own bounds. From 1830, the Reports of the Board have furnished the elements. The table exhibits tlie statistics 860 STATISTICS. [book IX. of Missions, only so far as they have come under the management of our own ecclesias- tical organiziitions. The earlier Missionaries were invariably itinerants, their appoint- ment being- for short toul's, not averaging more than three months. Tlie compensation given was generally at the rate of about $400 a year, to ordained Missionaries. The Sy- nods usually employed Licentiates, paying them hall' that amount. The earlier operations were much embarrassed by the scarcity of Ministers, this cause reducing the number of Missionaries in 1797 and 17.^8, to three. The results of missionary labour here exhibited fall short of the truth, in consequence of the failure of Missionaries to report to the Board. Thus, of 2737 Missionaries em- ployed from 1850 to 1854, inclusive, 755, or two-sevenths of the whole number made no report; and consequently the results given, fall probably not far from that proportion below the truth.] Year, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, Missionaries, 6 8 15 10 653 35 48 10 2 ■^ a a on* 58 w" ^ w' 53 5' MO |-,HJ w Year. Year. 5' a Year. 5' i Year. S. o 2 = ^3 U i. >o •a ^3- •o $ ? f !" 3. 7- '-h ? 1803 17 $1,706 1812 30 $4,166 1821 37 $3,707 1830 198 $14,440 1804 16 2,430 1813 29 3,635 1822 52 3,442 1831 233 129 19,773 1805 18 2,893 1814 41 5,257 1823 39 3,473 1832 256 400 154 20,692 1806 17 2,688 1815 32 4,098 1824 37 2,977 1833 269 600 180 21,471 1807 18 2,997 1816 29 4,948 11825 54 3,048 il834 243 650 166 24,029 1808 14 3,383 1817 23 4,137 11826 42 3,051 1835 224 500 144 22,135 1809 12 3,431 1818 22 4,031 'l827 51 2,656 1836 242 500 147 30,040 1810 18 3,217 1819 25 4,466 ;1828 31 2,996 1837 272 675 174 29,715 1811 20 4,488 1820 33 3,560 1829 101 7,665 Year. g o- o2 if a B 2. 0^ '^ 2. ° a o |m OTO B IK a -•- •a 01 H Ig Total 01 o So S-O- o'S 2 P- • 0 T^B- 1- I's eg- a "' i^ Bei;eipts. 1838 274 600 200 1360 1650 50 100 $24,602 $2500 $6850 $286 $9,636 $34,238 1839 260 600 200 140011350 60 100 29,559 2600 7980! 280 11,860 39,419 1840 256 600 200 1650 1350 50 70 28,255 3000 79001 171 11,071 39,226 1841 272 700 200il800ll300 50 60 24,608 3000 5226! 188 8,914 33.522 1842 286 800 190 2000 1500 60 60 25,164 3000 3730] 188 6,918 32,082 1843 296 750 212 3600 1200 50 ! 70 24,039 2700 SOOO' 195 5,895 29,934 1844 316 900 250268811268 70 70 31,063 2700 2637 195 5,532 36,595 1845 349 1000 235 1282 1037 30 50 39,742 2700 3125 2.54 6,079 45,821 1846 382 1100 2401800 1200 50 100 41,215 3000 3078 338 6,416 47,631 1847 431 1200 373 1900 1400 70 95j 33,671 3000 48511 287 8,138 51,809 1848 460 1200 400 2000; 1500 60 100 48,732 3000 30861329 7,415 66,147 1849 514 1400 400 1936 1522 55 130 60,034 3377 5086 1943 10,406 70,440 1850 570 1461 420 218911855 60 140 57,781 3503 4272 2098 9,873 67,654 1851 591 1113 2118 1760 49 64 62,269 4152 3927 3525 11,604 74,974 1852* 538 1101 1919 1665 49 79 55,808 4241 2927,1380 8,548 64,356 18.53 515 838 1643 1287 32 45 1 t58,454 4940 3212 1296 9,448 81,455 1854 523 j 933 2006 1823 52 63 58,775 5900 3.562 2069 11,531 75,207 1855 525, 819 1778 1568 36 51 67,344 6600 2616 2384 11,600 71,290 1856* 566' 943 1832 1836 42 68,112 6800 1967 2958 11,725 85,747 1857 590 904 1940 2054 59 84,752 6550 862,2957 10,369 93,248 1858 610i 990 12338 1820 45 94,025 6828 None. 13300 1 10,128 105,277 * By a change in the beginning of the business year, these reports are made to compre- hend but eleven months. t Including payment of borrowed money. SEC. 16.] STATISTICS. 861 § 17. Sfatistics of the Board of Education. [The Board of Education was organized in 1819, although it was not until 1825 that the means were placed in its treasury to enter directly upon the business to which it was designated. In the meantime, however, a number of Presbyteries and Education Societies assumed a nominally au.\'ili:iry relation to it. These were generally merged in the Board upon its reorganization in 1829. From 1825 to 1834, inclusive, are given, first the number of beneficiaries, receipts, and expenses of the Board ; second, the whole number reported from Presbyteries, auxiliaries, and the Board. From 1835 the total receipts are given, excluding loans and balances of the preceding years.] ? w a ^ § . o 3 » w g=« 9 Tear. o. S •g H Year. •ss s-.? Total •o i o' r*- „^ n 4 i"" Receipts. 1819 59 $1487 $1233 1827 18 $1,334 $1,286 230 $12,167 1820 67 1738 1382 1828 19 1,133 1,067 98 16,230 1821 73 1496 1630 1829 1,037 1,274 1822 90 910 1098 1830 5,394 4,991 1823 1399 1058 276 $19,037 1831 3,998 4,960 1824 1070 976 250 20,000 1832 13,458 11,621 270 12,90] 1825 24 835 952 234 14,000 1833 ' 23,457 26,432 450 29,577 1826 19 979 935 251 46,740 1 1834 511 33,985 41,035 612 41,035 Year. «2! B £ as » 2 C f* St », ? 2. ?■■ s n. M, 1 i: M Is if p. 2. 5.' S- II So ■CE oot|' • so 1835 641 *$8,563 $1,101 $9,664 $27,378 $37,042 $33,921 1836 608 10,560 $1,714 1,128 13,402 28,472 48,088 50,064 1837 562 8,728 1,935 706 11,369 29,498 40,869 41,858 1838 526 7,123 958 902 8,935 26,345 35,330 33,094 1839 338 5,108 826 526 6,462 22,331 28,793 33,562 1840 270 7,922 1,191 830 9,945 13,197 23,142 23,273 1841 218 5,039 740 760 6,540 13,108 19,648 19,777 1842 300 4,205 686 728 5,620 17,627 23,247 24,530 1843 350 4,081 801 707 5,589 23,834 29,424 29,104 1844 408 2,883 815 613 4,312 26,767 31,080 31,057 1845 411 4,776 975 490 6,241 26,343 32,584 31,723 1846 385 6,331 944 634 7,910 22,575 30,486 32,953 1847 403 5,836 969 612 7,418 24,908 32,327 35,627 1848 373 5,400 765 823 6,988 23,765 30,753 32,126 $182 1849 373 5,157 637 870 6,664 23,920 35,126 37,105 4,641 1850 384 5,100 391 841 6,332 23,942 38,367 33,448 7,092 1851 388 4,756 488 1,060 6,304 25,238 38,011 37,707 6,118 1852 372 5,883 594 848 7,325 24,558 38,188 .39,7.35 6,458 1853 370 5,701 634 642 6,977 21,967 37,899 42,623 8,858 1854 340 6,259 736 969 7,962 25,648 46,589 46,137 12,989 1855 364 6,468 893 896 8,257 33,574 52,181 46,201 10,299 1856 382 4,625 495 1,039 6,159 34,264 48,071 48,169 7,489 1857 383 4,725 604 1,008 6,337 35,534 48,167 48,632 6,260 1858 385 4,725 258 1,143 6,126 36,577 48,980 52,693 5,594 •Travelling expenses for 1835 included. 862 STATISTICS. § 18. Church Extension Statistics. [book IX [Prior to 1856 the Church Extension business was managed by the Board of Missions. The statistics for 1856 are those contained in the first report of the Church Extension Committee located at St. Louis.] Year, . 1845 1846 18471 1848j 1849 185011851 1852118531185411855 Receipts, . $3670 6366 4596 6112 7527 8633 6492 7101 6498l6298l5246 Paid, .... $1429 2145 4364j 12763 7552 4995 2180 6177 7405 Churches aided. 1 1 39 29 17 35 49 --^ »9 a Year. 1 •5' n. •a ^ to 3 o ^1 If • a s4 ?■ 1856 $9,757 $8,676 $1099 $607 $1706 51 167 1857 23,265 14,251 1929 1296 3225 78 502 1858 24,741 21,342 1941 1100 3041 65 518 § 19. Statistics of the Board of Foreign Missions. [The Board of Foreign Missions was created in 1837, and in the fall of that year re- ceived all the missions, &c., of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, which upon the transfer was dissolved. The statement for 1837, in the following table, exhibits the state of the Society as thus incorporated with tiie Board. The number of scholars in the scliools of the Missions falls uniformly below the truth, as there are always omissions, and some- times quite large ones, on this point, in the reports. They are becoming increasingly ac- curate in the details. The column of receipts is exclusive of loans and balances.] Year. § 2. i ^ h- 1 0 H o' B > 1 B Pases Printed. 5" 1837 $21,499 $1504 $2027 $1191 $4,722 $22,832 11 26 9 1838 37,010 2782 1549 3062 7,393 45,498 15 23 9 190 1839 41,396 4000 5094 3079 12,173 58,779 16 29 9 1,355,030 235 1840 55,006 5076 3636 2796 11,508 56,944 19 31 11 1,239,738 640 1841 52.972 5195 3383 2792 11,370 67,081123 41 11 3,051,962 543 1842 47,748 5120 3022 3149 11,292 64,424! 27 45 12 5,587,730 517 1843 43,899 4820 3355 2299 10,474 62,883 '28 42 14112,544,685 549 1844 53,684 5120 3189 1858 10,167 69,953129 47 171 4,263,840 459 1845 72,929 51.30 2128 1280 8,538 88,669 '38 55 191 7,852,050 963 1846 81,077 4932 2148 1656 8,736 84,564 36 52 211 8,155,407 977 1847 85,468 4975 2646 2367 9,988 93,679 1 43 67 21 14,279,400 1200 J 848 97,466 5158 3204 2354 10,716 109,013 46 73 21 12,686,930 1190 1849 98,299 5154 3966 2788 11,908 110,534 50 76 26 14,260,454 1643 1850 111,096 5682 4428 3123 13,233 126,075 55 83 28| 8,447,763 1828 1851 125,735 6448 4559 3343 14,350 139,084 54 98 30 9,364,760 22;J0 1852 130,293 6465 5325 2387 14,177 144,923 54 111 30 7,851,020 2638 1853 140,447 6608 3249 2931 12,789 153,268 55 123 34 9,374,278 2957 1854 159,327 7896 2036 3925 13,858 173,834 56 136 38 No report. 3836 1855 162,689 8447 None. 4567 13,014 182,807 j. 59 158 40 1 4,257,462 1 4824 1856 187,433 9527 " 4946 14,473 193,564 66 173 46 16,264,518 4469 1857 203,410 9525 " 5735 15,260 218,496{72 jl96 48 16,515,370 4595 1858 179,038 9881 " 7081 16,962 223,977 169 !120* ♦ 4,505,600 » * [The calamities in India, and the war in China, occasion these returns to be defective.] SEC. 18.] STATISTICS. 863 § 20. A Summary View of the Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church, May 1, 1857. o S- Missionaries and Assist- ant Missionaries. i g SCHOLARS. Lay Teachers Boarding Day. Names of Stations 3B Ministers and others. MISSIONS. > American. 1 S'2 § 3. « Z 9 U O W 2 ^ " B 0 » < ^ ^ 1? § 5* a ^ ? r* p. 13 C Date. I- 1.% S 0 2? i.3 if 1 a 1839 1630 4426 $1231 $1052 $45,686 $13,360 1840 1843 1846 3562 9679 1903 1459 1849 2812 7864 1474 325 1850 1714 4096 ]521 208 1851 1607 4126 2365 3.50 1852 1617 3931 2955 518 1853 1715 4032 3309 680 62,058 $53,143 28,922 $34,535 1854 1779 3873 3786 679 101,555 57,614 96,435 32,995 1855 1705 3924 3492 566 76,871 63,963 37,710 48,322 1856 1645 3394 6026* 96,052 55,359 48,921 46,033 1857 1665 3798 5726* 96,308 65,767 68,747 68,148 1858 2815 3786 4751* 88,439 64,536 55,651 60,592 [During the sessions of tlie New School Assembly, at Cleveland, in 1857, a portion of tlie members from the southern states withdrew, in consequence of the agitation on slavery. In this secession six Synods have concurred. A portion of these have organized them- selves undtr the designation of the United Synod of the Presbyterian Cliurch. Although in no way eonneeted with the New School body, these entire Synods are incorporated in the statistics of that body as published with their Minutes for 1858. By this means the totals are raised cons-idernbly abfjve tlie numbers here given. The secession comprehends the Synods of Missouri, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Tennessee, and Mississippi They a e represented in the New School Minutes as having an aggregate of 22 Prcsby- teries, ] '3 Ministers, 11 Licentiates, 29 Candidates, 280 Churches, and 16,147 Conimuni- cjints.l 109 * Includes the Contingent Fund. 866 GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. [APPENDIX. APPENDIX. GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. " The following rules, not having been submitted to the Presbyteries, make no part of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church. Yet the Greneral Assembly of 1821, considering uniformity in proceedings in all the subordinate judicatories, as greatly conducive to order and despatch of busi- ness, and having revised and approved these Rules, recommend them to the Synods, Presbyteries, and Sessions, as a system of regulations, which, if they think proper, maybe advantageously adopted by them." — Note to these rules^ as printed in the Constitution. [In the present edition, the rules are arranged according to their subjects, so as to fa- cihtate reference. For the same purpose descriptive titles are prefixed.] Of opening the Sessions. 1. The Moderator shall take the chair precisely at the hour to which the judicatory stands adjourned; shall immediately call the members to order; and, on the appearance of a quorum, shall open the session with prayer. 2. If a quorum be assembled at the hour appointed, and the Moderator be absent, the last Moderator present shall be requested to take his place without delay. 3. If a quorum be not assembled at the hour appointed, any two members shall be competent to adjourn from time to time, that an opportunity may be given for a quorum to assemble. 4. After calling the roll, and marking the absentees, the minutes of the last sitting shall be read, and, if requisite, corrected. Duties of the Moderator. 5. I^ shall be the duty of the Moderator, at all times, to preserve order and to endeavour to conduct all business before the judicatory to a speedy and proper result. 6. (8.) It shall be the duty of the Moderator, carefully to keep notes of the several articles of business which may be assigned to particular days, and to call them up at the time appointed. 7. (9.) The Moderator may speak to points of order, in preference to other members, rising from his seat for th;it purpose ; and shall decide questions of order, subject to an appeal to the judicatory by any two mem- bers. Duties of the Clerk. 8. (6.) It shall be the duty of the Clerk, as soon as possible after the commencement of the session of every judicatory, to form a complete ruil of the members present, and put the same in the hands of the Moderator. And it shall also be the duty of the Clerk, whenever any additional mem- APPENDIX.] GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 867 bers take their seats, to add their names, in their proper places, to the said roll. 9. (7.) It shall be the duty of the Clerk, immediately to file all papers, in the order in which they have been read, with proper endorsements, and to keep them in perfect order. Order of Business. 10. Business left unfinished at the last sitting, is ordinarily to be taken up first. Of Motions. 11. Amotion made must be seconded, and afterwards repeated by the Moderator, or read aloud, before it is debated ; and every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the Moderator or any member require it. Withdrawal of Motions. 12. Any member who shall have made a motion, shall have liberty to withdraw it with the consent of his second, before any debate has taken place thereon ; but not afterwards, without the leave of the judicatory. Debatable Questions. 13. Motions to lay on the table, to take up business, and to adjourn, and to call for the previous question, shall be put without debate. On ques- tions of order, postponement, or commitment, no member shall speak more than once. On all other questions, each member may speak twice, but not oftener, without express leave of the judicatory. Privileged Questions. 14. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received, unless to adjourn, to lay on the table, to postpone indefinitely, to postpone to a day certain, to commit, or to amend ; which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are herein arranged ; and the motion for adjourn- ment shall always be in order. Amendments. 15. An amendment may be moved on any motion, and shall be decided before the original motion. Reconsideration . 16. ( 19.) A question shall not be again called up, or reconsidered at the same sessions of the judicatory at which it has been decided, unless by the consent of two-thirds of the members who were present at the decision ; and. unless the motion to reconsider be made and seconded by persons who voted with the majority. liesumptioii after Postjxmemrnf. 17. (20.) A subject which has been indefinitely postponed, either by the operation of the previous question, or by a direct motion for indefinite post- ponement, shall not be again called up during the same sessions of the judi- catory, unless by the consent of three-fourths of the members who wero present at the decision. 868 GENERAL EULES FOR JUDICATORIES. [APPENDIX Of Speakers. 18. (26.) If more than one member rise to speak at the same time, the member who is most distant from the Moderator's chair shall speak first. 19. (21.) Every Member, when speaking shall address himself to the Moderator, and shall treat his fellow members, and especially the Moderator, with decorum and respect. Inter nipt ions. 20. (23.) No speaker shall be interrupted, unless he be out of order, or for the purpose of correcting mistakes or misrepresentations. Personalities. 21. (25.) No member, in the course of debate, shall be allowed to indulge in personal reflections. Previous Question. 22. (17.) The previous question shall be in this form : " Shall the main question be now put ?" and when demanded by a majority of the members present, shall be put without debate ; and until it is decided, shall preclude all amendment and further debate on the main question. 23. (18 ) If the previous question be decided in the affirmative, the main question shall be immediately put without debate ; if in the negative, the debate may proceed. 0/ Voting. 24. ( 30 ) Members ought not, without weighty reasons, to decline voting, as this practice might leave the decision of very interesting questions to a small portion of the judicatory. Silent members, unless excused from voting, must be considered as acquiescing with the majority. [See rule 44.] Division of the Question. 25. (16.) If a motion under debate contains several parts, any two mem- bers may have it divided and a question taken on each part Order of Voting. 26. (33.) When various motions are made with respect to the filling of blanks with particular numbers or times, the question shall always be first taken on the highest number, and the longest time. 27. (34.) When the Moderator has commenced taking the vote, no further debate or remarks shall be admitted, unless there has evidently been a mis- take ; in which case the mistake shall be rectified, and the Moderator shall recommence taking the vote. The Moderator's Vote. 28. (35.) When a vote is taken by ballot in any judicatory, the Modera- tor shall vote with the other members ; but he shall not vote in any other ease, unless the judicatory be equally divided ; when, if he do not choose to vote, the question shall be lost. Yeas and Nays. 29. ( 36.) The yeas and nays on any question shall not be recorded, un- 'e38 it be required by one-third of the members present. APPENDIX.] GENEEAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 668 Coinmittees. 30. (31.) It is the duty of the Moderator to appoint all committees, ex- cept in those cases in which the judicatory shall decide otherwise. 31. (32.) The person first named on any committee, shall be considered as the chairman thereof, whose duty it shall be to convene the committee, and, in case uf his absence, or inability to act, the second named member shall take his place, and perform his duties. Private Sessions. 32. ( 37.) All judicatories have a right to sit in private, on business which, in their judgment, ought not to be matter of public speculation. 33. (38.) Besides the right to sit judicially in private, whenever they think it right to do so, all judicatories have a right to hold what are commonly called " interlocutory meetings," or a sort of committee of the whole judicatory, in which members may freely converse together without th-e formalities which are usually necessary in judicial proceedings. Judicial Sessions. 34. (39.) Whenever a judicatory is about to sit in a judicial capacity, it shall be the duty of the Moderator, solemnly to announce from the chair, that the body is about to pass to the consideration of the business assigned for trial; and to enjoin on the members to recollect and regard their high character, as judges of a court of Jesus Christ, and the solemn duty in which they are about to act. Judicial Committee. 35. ( 40.) In all process before a judicatory, where there is an accuser, or prosecutor, it is expedient that there be a committee of the judicatory appointed, (provided the number of members be sufficient to admit of it without inconvenience,) who shall be called the Judicial Committee ; and whose duty it shall be, to digest and arrange all the papers, and to prescribe, under the direction of the judicatory, the whole order of the proceedings. The members of this committee shall be entitled, notwithstanding their per- formance of this duty, to sit and vote in the cause, as members of the judi- catory. Committee of Prosecution. 36. (41.) But in cases of process on the ground of general rumour, where there is, of course, no particular accuser, there may be a committee appointed, (if convenient,) who shall be called the Committee of Prosecution, and who shall conduct the whole cause on the part of the prosecution. The members of this committee shall not be permitted to sit in judgment in the case. Decorum. 37. (24.) It is indispensable that members of ecclesiastical judicatories maintain great gravity and dignity while judicially convened; that they attend closely, in their speeches, to the subject under consideration, and avoid prolix and desultory harangues : — and when they deviate from' the subject, it is the privilege of any member, and the duty of the Moderator, to call them to order. Conversation. '' 38. ( 22.) Without express permission, no member of a judicatory, while business is going on, sliall engage in private conversation ; nor shall members address one another, nor any person present, but through the 3Ioderator. 870 GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. [APPENDIX. Standing on the Jloor. 39. (27.) When more than three members of the judicatory shall be standing at the same time, the Moderator shall require all to take their seats, the person only excepted who may be speaking. Suppression of disorder. 40. (28.) If any member act, in any respect, in a disorderly manner, it shall be the privilege of any member, and the duty of the Moderator, to call him to order. Appeal from the Moderator. 41. (29.) If any member consider himself as aggrieved by a decision of the Moderator, it shall be his privilege to appeal to the judicatory; and the question on such appeal shall be taken without debate. Withdrawal of Members. 42. No member shall retire from any judicatory, without the leave of the Moderator; nor withdraw from it to return home, without the consent of the judicatory. Close of the Sessions. 43. The Moderator of every judicatory, above the Church Session, in finally closing its Sessions, in addition to prayer, may cause to be sung an appropriate psalm or hymn, and shall pronounce the apostolical benediction. 44 In elections blank ballots counted. 1856. p. 529. Resolved, That blank votes shall be counted in ascertaining the result of any such election, [of a theological professor.] INDEX. Abingdon Presbytery troubles, p. 027. Abington church. Case of discipline, 118. Absence. Committee on leave, 298. Absentees called to account, 233. Act and Testimony, 684. Conference which issued it, 683. Convention called by it, and their memorial, 688. Assembly's action on the memorial, 691. Acts of reform and pacification in 1838, 773-777, 787. Admonition of the Court in judicial cases, 129. Admonition of certain Synods in 1837, 729. Adopting Act of 1729, 30. Preliminary act, 30. The act explained and enforced, 31. Misrepresented by the New School, 32. Position of the New Side on adop- tion, 32, 33. Position of the Old Side, 600. Reunion adopting act, 614. Adopting act of 1788, 36. Albany Synod erected 265. Alexander. Obituary of Dr., 304. Alexander Alexander's case, 129. Almsgiving, 173, 174. Means of revival, 225. Alphabetical list of Ministers in the min- utes, 293. Alternate and principal commissioners to the General Assembly, 288. Amendments to motions, 867. Amendments to the Constitution. How made, 36, 47, 48-50. May be sent down for a series of years, 47. General prin- ciples on the subject, 45. American Board of Commissioners. Over- ture from, 337. Missions transferred to, 336, 337, 339. Conference following Rice's overture, 364. Orthodo.xy of Mis- sionaries, 777. American Societies. See Congregational. American Home Missionary Society. In- terferes with our Board, 356. Admon- ished, 693. Excluded, 754, 757. American Education Society. Admonished, 693. Excluded, 754, 757. Amicable separation attempted in 1837,730. The attempt abandoned, 736. Amusements, Fashionable, 802. Andrews. Case of Solomon, 151. Andrews. Case of Josiah B., 132, 135. Apostle's Creed, an appendix to the Cate- chism, 36. Appeal from the Moderator, 870. Appeal and Complaint. Defined, 142. Appeal. Limited to the original parties, 143. Who are they? 157. Limited to judicial cases, 143. By members of an inferior court severally, 143. Against re. fusal to reconsider an unappealed deci- sion, 143. Upon a reference, 138. Bars to the process, 150. Notice of reasons, 149. Time and place of lodging, 153. Who may sit on it? 150. Usually goes to the next court, 152. May go to the highest, 152. Personal attendance of the pursuer, 154. Postponement, 154, With- drawal after abuse of the other party, 154. Failure to prosecute, 154. Resumption after failure, 155. Absence of the record, 155. Neglect of the court below, 156. Case remanded, 156. Matter not of re- cord, 156. Proof of allegations against the court below, 157. Order of hearing, 157. On technical issues the character of absent parties to be protected, 159. Calling of the roll, 159. Form and na- ture of the decision, 160. Appeal from another denomination, 124. Appellate jurisdiction. To be maintained, 136. Recourse to it not censurable, 137. Apprentices. Baptism of, 107. Arthur's case, 132. Ashmun Institute, 829. Assembly's Second Presbytery of Philadel- phia. Erection, 667. Dissolved and re- stored, 668. Withholds its records from the Synod, 705. Is dissolved, 706. Is restored by the Assembly, 709. Dis- solved by the Assembly of 1837, 752. Act of 1838 in respect to it, 778. Associate Reformed overture on Psalmody, 213. Correspondence with, 526, 535. Union with, 565. Astrology condemned, 802. Austin's case, 124. Baird's overture for reform, 658 Balch. Case of Hezekiah, 629. Baptism. Neglect of, 57, 108. By an im- postor, 102. By a deposed man, 102. Profane administration, 102. Unitarian 102. Romish, 103. Parental obligations, 105. 106. What is infancy ? 106. Of orphan heathen, 106. Of apprentices, 107. Of Slaves, 107. Immersion, 108. (871) 872 INDEX. Baptists admitted to occasional commu- nion. 102. Baptized cliildren. Instruction, 162. To be taught our tathers' faith, 163. Disci- pline of, 125. Barnes. First trial, 661. Decision of the Assembly, 666. Second trial, 694- Dr. Junkin's charges, 694. Decision of the Assembly's Second Presbytery, 694. Junkin's appeal, 696. Decision of the Synod, 699. Reversed by the Assembly, 700. Dr. Miller's resolution rejected, 700. Protests on the issue, 700, 702. Reply, 702. Barrier act, Scotch, 48. Bars to appeals and complaints, 150. " Basis of 1837-8," 773-777, 787, 789. Beecher. Case of Lyman, 143. Of George, 157. Belknap's case, 122. Bell's case, 161. Benediction. Apostolic, 108. Benevolence. Systematic, 174. Should be to selected objects, 173. A means of re- vival, 225. Female societies, 181. Bernese persecutions reprobated. 832. Bible. Classes, 186. Publication, 415. Ame- rican Society, 416. The revision move- ment, 417. Translation by the Union, 417. Bigamy. Case of, 189. Bills and overtures. Committee, 296. Birch. Case of Thomas L. 165. Bissell. A committee man, 575. Blair's case, 140. Boards. The four anticipated in 1801, 312. Duty of sustaining them, 313. Their reports to be given to the churches, 314. Their books of accounts to be exhibited, 314. The account of expenses to be in detail, 314. The printed reports in the Assembly, 314. Collecting agencies, 315. Distribution of members, 315. Congre- gational Societies set on a level with them, 660. Their statistics, 859-864. Board of Domestic Missions. The Consti- tution, 352 Controversy respecting re- organization, 354. The Western Commit- tee created, 355. Union with the A. H. M. Society proposed, 356. Cincinnati Convention, 357. Salaries of the mis- sionaries, 358. Discretion as to funds, 359. As to orthodoxy of missionaries, 359. Auxiliary organizations, 361 . Sta- tistics, 860. Board of Education. Erection, 399. Con- stitution, 400. Honorary menibers, 402. Scholarships, 402. Amount of aid to beneficiaries, 402. Distinction of proba- tioners and candidates, 403. The several funds, 403. Synodical agents, 403. Aid to theological seminaries, 403. Separa- tion of the two departments of operation, 412. Statistics, 861. Board of Foreign Missions, Constitution, 375. Ainendments, 376. Accession of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, 375. Statistics, 862. Tabular views of missions, 863. Board of Publication. Constitution, 418. Amendments, 419. Circulation of the issues, 420. German publications, 420 Depositories, 420. Colportage, 420. Financial management, 421, Statistics, 864. Books and publications censured, 588, 625, 631, 647. 649, 662. The right denied, 679, 703. The right vindicated, 681, 688, 692. Books and Tracts. Early distribution, 413. Boudinot funds, 502. Bourne's case, 165. Brainard. Mission of John, 330. Broadnax Professorship, 457. Breckinridge, Complaint of R, J., on the "elder question," 144. Bushnell's case, 150, 156. Call not allowed. Till ex-pastor is paid, 88. Because of inadequate salary, 89. Cameron's case, 152. Canada Synod. Correspondence with, 559. Candidates for the ministry. To be sought, 80, 397. Thorough training, 80, 84, 402. Letter to Rice on the subject, 80. Cau- tion in encouraging, 402. Literary qual- ifications waived, 82. Increase of, 397. Prcsbyterial relation of, 82, 83. Pastors to employ them, 402. Transfer from one Presbytery to another, 83. With whom to study, 777. Three years course, 84. Carolinas. Synod erected, 265. Catechisms. Are part of the Confession, 42. Instruction in them urged, 43, 182-186, 783, The Larger amended, 86, Catechists. Proposal to appoint, 349, Censors of the press appointed, 413. Censures, To be proportioned to the of- fence, 133. Without trial, 129. Removal of, 136. Centenary of the reunion of 1758, 617. Centre College, 405. Certificate. Requisite in removals, 58. To one who has been under charges, 60. Chambers' case, 518. Chaplains for the army and navy, 90. Charges. Should be specific, 130. Not judicially prosecuted, 128. Charleston Union Presbytery reunion, 789. Charleston Presbytery, 564. Charters, Should accord with the Consti- tution, 63. That of the Assembly, 481. Chavis, John. A negro missionary, 826. Children. Dedicated to the ministry, 184. Instruction of, 181. The baptized, 182. Christian Union, 545, 546. Church. A missionary society, 317. Ours always Presbyterian, 26. And moral re- form societies, 809. And State, Union of, 8.30. Attitude toward State schools, 412. Church Courts. Process against, 165, 705, 726. Costs of attendance on, 231. Duty of attendance, 298,249. INDEX- 873 Churches. Formation of new. See Con- gregation. Harmony among denomina- tions, 320. Church members. Admission, 56, 58, 779. Piety essential, 93. Reception amid re- vival, 58. Adoption of the Confession not required, 50. Conf()rmity to the dis- cipline required, 56, 57. Applicants op- posed to inlunt baptism, 57. Dealers in ar- dent spirits, 57. Universalists, Sabbath mail stage proprietors and postmasters, 57. Absent members, 58. Dismission inde- finite, 61). To another denomination, 59. A suspended member, 60. Witiidrawal, 59. Release to the world, 61. Churcii roll. Absent members, 59. Church Extension Connnittcc, 421. Aid to a church in Massachusetts, (1775) 421. A committee of the Board of Missions, 422. The committee at St. Louis, 424. Cincinnati. Convention, 357. Theological Seminary, 447. Memorial, 670. Citation committee, in 1837, 726-729. Jes- sup's proposition, 737. Clapp's case, 123. Clement's case, 130. Clerks. Duties of, 866. Of the Assembly, 282-284. Instructions to those of 1837-8, 292, 778. List of, 855. Collections. For Missions, 385. The As- sembly's appointments not to be set aside, 173. Colleges established by the church. 411. Centre, 405. Jefferson, Pa., 404. Ma- kemie, 411. New Jersey, 392. Wash- ington, Va., 404. Colleges. Relation of the church to state institutions, 412. Collins' edition of the Bible, 416. Colonization Society, 826. Colportage, 420. Commentary proposed, 53. Commercial speculation and extravagance, 804. Commissions, Judicial. Definition, 233. Of the General Synod, 236-244. Of Presbytery, 244. Of the Synods of Vir- giiiia, Pittsburg, the Carolinas, Illinois, and Kentucky, 342, 245, 246, 640. Of the General Assembly, 24G. Commissions. Committee on, 295. Commissioners to the Assembly. From new Presbyteries, 284, 285. Without com- mission, 286. With defective connnis- sions, 286. Without election, 286, 287. Rule relaxed in favour of missionary Presbyteries, 286. Too many from a Presbytery, 285. Principal and alter- nate, 288. Committees of the Assembly, 295. On bills and overtures, 296. On the Boards, 300. On commissions, 295. On correspon- dence, 2!)8. On devotional exercises, 297. On elections, 296. On finance, 299. Judicial, 296. On leave of ab- sence, 298. On mileage, 299. On the Narrative, 296. To nominate delegates 110 to corresponding bodies, 297. On Sys- tematic benevolence, 300. On Theologi- cal seminaries, 300. Committees on amicable separation, in 1837, 730-736. Rule respecting committees, 869. Committee men. Excluded, 579. Bissell's case, 575. Lathrop's case, 574. Tut- tle's case, 576. Upson's case, 581. Wes- terii Reserve, 580. Communion. Terms of, 583, 56. Antipae- do-baptist occasionally admitted, 57. Complaint. Defined, 142. Notice of reasons requisite, 149. Limitation of time, 149, 153. In case of refusal to decide a con- stitutional question in thesi, 144. Against refusal to conform to a decision of an ap- pellate court, 144. Conference of Relbrmed churches, 543. Confession. See Constitution. Adoption by intrant ministers, 42. Adoption not required of members, 56. Use of creeds, 41. Includes the catechisms, 42. Congregations. Formation of, 54. With- out officers, 55. Order of Presbytery requisite, 55. Appeal against, 55. The majority opposed, 56. SuppUes without organization, 56. Congregational churches. Correspondence with, 506. With Presbyters pastors, 778. Congregational Societies unduly cherished, 660. Admonished, 693. Dis- countenanced, 754, 756. Conscience, Rights of, 830-834. Liberty of worship to Americans abroad, 834. Constitution. Unwritten at first, 25. First proposal to adopt, 27. Thompson's over- ture, 27. Adopting act, 30. Revisions, 34, 39, 46. Scripture proofs, 39. The marginal notes, 40. General principles on emendation, 45. The doctrinal part, how amended, 36, 47-50. Publication and circulation, 44. Adherence required, 320, 584, 676. Missionary discretion as to the letter of the book, 387. "Constitutional rules." Controversy re- specting them, 48. Contumacy, 134. See Resistance. Contributions. Should be to select objects, 173. Annual application to each indi- vidual, 181. Convention. Called by the act and testimony, 688. Cineimiati, 357. On tlie American Episcopate, 511. Of 1837, 710. Of Re. formed churches, 527, 543. Of Philadel- phia m 1837, 710. Correspondence with Churches. Its regu- lation belongs to the Assembly, 506. With the New England churches, 506. A standing committee, 510. With Connec- ticut, 511. Amended, 518. Terminated, 524. With Vermont, 514. With Maine, 516. With New Hampshire, 515. With Massachusetts, 515. With Riiode Island, 517. Amendment of the terms, 519. Violations of them, 518, 521 Proposal to correspond through the Pastoral Union, 874 INDEX. 521. Correspondence resumed after 1838, 5^2. With New York, 523. The slav- ery question, 523. Correspondence closed with the Congreyational churches, 525. Correspondence. With the Dutch, 525, 535. With tlie Dutch and Associate Re- formed, 52(J. With the Associate Re- formed, 534, 535. Witli the Associate Presbytery, 538. Witli the German Re- formed, 539. With tlie Relbrmed, 540. The slavery question, 541. With the Welsh Calvinistic Mctliodists, 543. With foreign churches, 548. The continentil churches 551. Tlie Waldenses, 552. The church of Scotland, 26, 553. The Irish church 322, 323, 555, 5.57, 559. The churches of London, 321, 324. The slavery question in our foreign corres- pondence, 555. Correspondence. Mileage of Delegates, 297. Committee on, 298, Corresponding members. Their ecclesias- tical connection to be recorded, 233. In the General Assembly, 289. Cowell and Tennent's case, 623. Creed. Apostles', an appendix to the Cate- chism, 36. Creeds and Confessions. Use of, 41, 46. Ministrrs hostib to, 43, 255. Abbrevi- ated, 729, 744, 779. Cross. Case of Robert, 133. Cumberland Schism. Origin of it, 640. A Comniiss'ion of the synod of Kentucky, 640. Suspension of the disorderly mem- bers. 642. Their memorials to the Assem- bly, 642. The synod sustained, 644. Atti- tude toward the Cumberland body, 644. Dancing condemned, 802. Dauphin. Congratulations on his birth, 842. Davies. Presidency of Samuel, 394. Mis- sion to Europe, 392. Other notices, 33, 82, 327 Davies. Case of J. Le Roy, 167. Davis. Case of William C, 646. Davis. Case of Thomas, 154, 155. Day's case. The Wooster church, 70. Deacons. They should be appointed, 63. Their duties, 64. Control over funds in their hands, 65. Their ordination, 116. The office combined with the eldership, 65. Deaf and Dumb. Instruction of, 187. Debate. Order to be followed, 868. Delaware Synod. Erected, 270, 669. Dis- solved, 693. Demission of the ministry. Disallowed, 93, 97. Allowed, 97, 98. Deposed Minister. Jurisdiction over, 124. Deposition and excomnnniication distinct, 134. In wliat cases published, 134. Digest. Measures of the Assembly to pro- cure one, 5. Sanction to this work, 4. Discipline, 118. That of other churches to be respected, 124. Of baptized children, 125. Dismission of Members, Valid though ir- regular, 59, To another denomination, 59, Indefinite, 60. To the world, 61. A suspended member, 60, Persons who have been under process, 60, Disowning Acts of the synods of Western Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and Genessee, 737 Protests and replies on these acts, 738-744. Pastoral vindication, 760, Dissent, Right and nature of, 117, Division, Geographical, of the Assembly proposed, 660. Of 1741, 592. Of 1838, 770. Divorce cases, 189. Dobbin's case, 60. Doctorate. The first in our church, 99. Doctrinal error. See Testimony. Domestic Missions, 341. See Missions. Donation visits, 200. Donegal troubles, 618. The schism, 620. Reunion, 621. Dublin Presbytery. Letters to, 322, 323. Duelling reprobated, 803. Dufficld. Case of George, (1773) 128. Duffield. Case of George, (1835) 163. Eakin's case, 123. Eastburn's seaman's chapel fund, 501. Economy in the Boards, 315. , Education. See Board of Education. Of / the ministry, 80. Early measures, 388. Schools and colleges ecclesiastical, 408. Corporation and state schools, 412. The General Synod's free scho(jl, (1744) 389. Its library, 390. Act of the Synod of Virginia, the origin of Washington and Jefferson colleges, 404. Education Register, 316. Elders. Election by the people essential, 66. Who are electors ? 67. The mode may be changed, 66. The session ap- points the election, 67. Abuse of this power, 68, Election without the session's authority, 66. A minister may not hold the office, 65. The office perpetual, 68. May not serve two churches, 68. Resto- ration to communion does not restore to office, 69, Resignation, 70. Elders with- out charge, 69. Re-installiition, 69, El- ders resisting the higher courts, 69. The quorum question, 70-80, The ordination question, 70-80, Ordination of elders, 116. Duties in vacant churches, 109. Elective affinity courts erected, 667. The principle condemned, 675, 688, 692, 754. The courts dissolved, 693, 752, 778. Episcopal Church. Rt'lations to, 547. Episcopate, Controversy of the American,511. European cliurches. Relations with,548-559, 26, 321-324, 289, 290, Evan, Case of David, 101. Evangelists. Ordained, 91. The office jier- manent in the elnireh, 93. Ewing's case, 130, 154, Examination, Of intrant ministers, 127 253. Of ministers suspected, 127. .Of candidates for the ministry, 93, 584. Of INDEX. 875 candidates for church membership, 58, 93. Exegesis. Subjects for, 86. Expenses in attending church courts, 231. Expository preaching, 101. Exscinding Acts. See Disowning acts. Family rthgion, 181. Family instruction and Sabbath schools, 183, 185. Fasting. A duty, 783. A means of revival, 224. D.iys appointed by the Slate, 835. Females. To be silent in public worship, 220. Benevolent societies, 181. Pray, er meetings, 206, 220. Fifth Philiuieiphia church case, 162. Finance ('oinniittee, 299. Fiiilcy. Case of R. S., 172. Foreign Correspondence. Committees on, 297. 298. History of, 26, 321-324, 548- 559. Foreign ministers. Rules in reception, 254- 262. Foreign Missionary newspaper, 316. Foreign Missions. See Board of Foreign Missions. foreman. Case of, 133. Foriu of Government. History of, 34-41, 48-50. Frankland state. Troubles respecting, G29. Eraser. Case of A. G., 155. French war of 1755, 835. Pastoral letter on the French Revolution, 844. Fund created for pious uses, 323. Funds of the Assembly. Manner of the accounts, 485, 493. A committee of in- vestigation in 1851, 486. Statement of the funds in 1852, 488-492. Measures for repairing losses, 492. Trust funds are not to be perverted, 493. The Commissioners' fund, 494. Contingent. 495. Permanent missionary, 495. Horton, 499. Lesly,499. Eastburn,501. Boudinot, 502. Colt scholarship, 501. Ed schol- arship, 501. Funds with the corporation of the widows' fund, 500. In the college of New Jersey, 497. Proposed division with the New School, 734, 791, 800, Funeral carousals reproved, 806. Gambling and Lotteries condemned, 805. General Assembly. Documentary history, 276. Scmicentinary commemoration, 51. Prayer for, 280. Order of organization, 281. In the absence of the last moderator, 281. Election of moderator, 281. His duties, 282, 8G6. Tlic casting vote, 282, 868. Connnuiiicatious to, 282. The roll printed, 284. The clerks, 282-284, 866. Expenses of officers, 284. Ratio of representation, 284. Connnissioners, 284. Those Irom new Presbyteries, 21)3. Cor- responding members, 289. Delegates from otlier churches, 289. Foreign min- isters correspondents, 290. Agents, 291. Arrangement of the roll, 293. Clirono- logical list oi" meetings, 854. Its powers, 300; in ordination, 300 ; in translation, 301 ; over Prebyteries, 301 ; over Syn- ods, 302 ; over missions, 303 ; general review and control, 303. General Presbytery. Had no written con. stitution, 25. Strictly Presbyterian, 26. Relation to the Scotch church, 26. Sub- divided and designated as the Synod, 276. General Synod. Lineal heir to the General Presbytery, 276, The schism, 592-618. Meets by delegation, 277. Reorganized to constitute the General Assembly. 278. Statistics from 1706 to 1788, 857. Genessee Synod erected, 267 ; dissolved, 737. Geneva Synod erected, 266 ; dissolved, 737. German. School fund in 1757,390. Confes- sion and Hymnbook, 420. German Reformed Synod. Correspondence with, 539. Gibson. Funeral of L. S., 308. Glasgow Synod. Letter to, 26. Glenn. Case of, 253. Gloucester, John. A negro minister, 826. Graham. Case of William, 629. Greek Testament in colleges, 411. Green, Dr. Ashbel. Last visit to the General Assembly, 290. Obituary notice, 305. Griffith, Case of G. H., 151. Griffith. Ordination of John, 82. Hanna. Case of Mrs., 155, 157. Harker's case, 624, His book censured 625. He is deposed, 626. Harney's case, 131. Harrison, Case of Joseph C, 163. Harrison. Letter to Sir Edmund, 321. Harrison. Death of President Wm, H.,310. Hawes, Case of Newton, 161. Hemphill's case, 135, Hindman's case, 136, 144. Historical Collections of the Assembly, 502. Historical Society. Presbyterian, 505. History of the church. A committee to write, 503. Hobbs. Case of Benedict H., 160. Hopkins, Case of D. C, 160. Hopkiiisianism. The Synod of Philadel- phia on it, 656. The Assembly on it, 657, Horton's Indian Mission, 329 Hotchkiss. Case of G. A., 108. Hudson (New School) Presbytery case, 791. Hunt. Case of Garner A., 122. Hymns, Watts's first allowed, 209, Use of frivolous or heretical, 209. The As- sembly's first Collection, 210, The pres- ent Collection, 211, Ilsley and Sharp's case, 164. Immersion in bajjlism, 108. Independent Presbyterians. Attitude to- ward, 542. 876 INDEX. Indian Missions, 329-337. Brainard em- ployed, 330. Aid from Europe, 331. Those of the Pittsburg Synod, 334-336. Indian civilization, 846. Infant baptism. The duty, 106. Period of infancy, 106. Statistics, 858. Intemperance. Duty of church officers, 806. Pastoral letter, 807. Day of fast- ing and prayer, 808. Total abstinence, 808. Manufacture and sale of ardent spirits, 808. Sale to heathen tribes, 809. liitLrlocutory meetings of courts, 869. Intoxicating drinks. See Intemperance. Irish Church. Correspondence with, 322, 323, 555, 557, 559. Itinerants. Our first, 326. The system urged, 346. Pastors should make tours, 358. Jessup's substitute for the disowning acts, 737. Johns. Obituary noticp of Chancellor, 311. Judicial. Committee, 296. Process against a court, 165, 705, 726. Actions should be definite, 130, 131. Judicial Cases. Alex. Alexander, 129. Andrews, Josiah B., 132, 135. Andrews, Solomon, 151. Arthur, 132. Austin, 124. Balch, Hczekiah, 629. Barnes's first trial, 661-666; second trial, 694- 702. Beecher, Lyman, 143. Beecher, George, 157. Belknap, 122. Bell, Jo- seph E., 161. Birch, T. L., 165. Blair, 140. Bourne, 165. Bushnell, 150, 156. Cameron, Wm., 152. Chambers, 518. Clapp, 123. Clement, 130. Collins, 125. Cesser, Mrs., 155. Cowell, 623. Cross, Robert, 133. Da vies, Le Roy J., 167. Davis, Thomas, 154, 155. Davis, W. C, 646. Dolibins, 60. Duffield, (1773) 128. Duffiekl, (1835) 163. Eakins, 123. Ew- ing, 130, 154. Fifth Church Philadel- phia, 162. Finley, R. S., 172. Fore- man, 133. Fraser, A. G., 155. Glenn, 253. Graham Wm., 629. Griffith, G. H., 151. Hanna, Mrs., 155, 157. Bar- ker, 624-626. Harney, 131. Harrison, Joseph C, 163. Hawes, Newton, 161. Hemphill, 135. Hindman, 136, 144. Hobbs, B. H., 160. Hopkins, D. C, 160. Hotchkiss, 108. Hudson Presbytery, 791. Hunt, Garner A., 122. Ilsley and Sharp, 164. Kellar, 169, 170. Kingston Dutch Reformed clmrch, 537. Kollock, 137. Lowrey, 167, 169. McCalla, 58, 129. McDowell, 162. MeGill 125. McKim, 706, 708. McQueen, 144, 194. Mahaf- fey, 137. Marquess, 130, 151. Metcalf, 143. Miller, 125, 135. Mnnro, 60. Niclwl, 184. Parsons, 124. Price, 133, 134. Rennick, 118. Rice, M. H., 128. Russell, 155. St. Charles church, 163. Scott, 152. Second Presbytery of Phila- delphia, 706, 709. Shepherd, 2.52. Skin- ner, 162. Snodgrass, 155. Spicer, 133. Taylor, James, 154. Taylor R., 153. Todd, 161. Van Court, 170. Van Dyke, 536. Wade, 506. Ward, 136. Wiley, 57. Wilmington Presbytery, 706. Wood, Mrs., 124. Wylie, 128, 143. Yale, 152. Jurisdiction. Territorial, 119. Over can- didates and licentiates, 120. Deprived licentiate nonresident, 121. In default of competent Session, 121. A member of a defunct Presbytery, 121. A minis- ter nonresident, 122. A minister failing in attempt to join another body, 122, ]23. A deposed minister, 124. Declinature does not bar, 123. Case of Theodore Clapp, 123. Cellar's case with the Peoria church, 169, 170. Kentucky Synod erected, 265. Kingston Dutch Reformed church case, 537. Kollock. Case of Dr., 137. Laird professorship at Danville, 457. Lathrop. A committee man, 574. Latta. Obituary of Dr. Wm., 311. Law suits among Christians, 804. Law suits of the New School, 791. Nar- rative of the Trustees, 791-793. Opin- ion of the court, 795. Action of the As- sembly on the subject, 794. Letter of the Hon. John Sergeant, 795. Lay preaching condemned, 101. Leave of absence. Duty to obtain, 233. Committee on, 298. Legislative powers of church courts, 1J6. Letters correspondent. To the Synod of Glasgow, 26. To the Snffulk Presby- tery, 37. To Rev. David Rice, 80. To the London churches, through Sir E. Harrison, 321, 324. To the ministers of Dublin, 323. To the governor of Vir- ginia, 327. To Dr. Stephenson, 644. To the ministers of Connecticut, 506. To the Association of Massachusetts, 515. To the Congregational Associations, 519. To the church of Scotland, 393, 555. To the church of Ireland, 555, 557, 559. To the Cumberland party, 642, 643. To the Presbytery of South Carolina, 5G3 To the Synod of Ken- tucky, 643. To Dr. Clapp of Yale Col- lege, 609. To. Dr. Lcechman, 99, To the churches of Christ, on the reform of 1837-8, 763. Letters pastoral. In vindication of the re- form of ] 837-8, 760, 763. On missions in 1719, 325 ; in 1760, 331 ; in 1791, 344; in 1817,317; in 1840, 381. To foreign missionaries, 377. On syste- matic benevolence, 174. On ministcri- al supi)ort, 199. To frontier and vacant churches, 110. On dangers in revivals, 218. On promoting revivals, 222. At founding Princeton seminary, 430. On maintaining sound doctrine, 582. In behalf of the Waldenses, 552. On the INDEX. 877 Abington difficulties, 630. On the old French war, 835. On the repeal of the stamp act, 836. On the Revolutionary war, 838. On tlie French Revolution, 844. Of the Synod of Kentucky on the New Liglit troubles, 637. Of the Synod of Pliiladelphia on Hopkinsian error, 656. Liberty of conscience. To Americans abroad, 834. The right, 830, 832. Libraries. Pastoral, recommended, 95. Library. Of tlie General Synod's scliool, 390. Associate Reformed Synod's, 567. Licentiates, 84. Probation lor tlie ministry necessary, 84. To attend tiie clmrch courts, 86. May solemnize marriage, 189. Licensure. Precipitate, 85. Going abroad to procure it, 85. Limitation of time. Judicial, 130, 150, 153. Lindsley. Obituary of Dr., 308, 309. Liquor dealers church members, 57. Litigation amongst Christians, 62. Lowry. Cases of Samuel, 167, 169. McCalla's case, 58, 129. McDowell's case, 162. McCiill's case, 125. McKim's case, 706, 708. McQueen's case, 144, 194. MahafFey's case, 137. Mail on Sunday, 57, 813-816. Marginal notes in the constitution, 40, Marquess' case, 130, 151. Marriage. Inconsiderate engagements, 189. Licentiates may solemnize, 189. A proprietary law resisted, 831. Publi- cation of bans, 189. Clandestine, 190. Of mission converts, 190. Cases of atfinity, 191-195. Proposed changes in the constitution on tlie subject, 194. Masonry, 804. Mattiiews. Obituary of Dr., 306. Members of the court, 127, 129. 150. Memorial. Pittsburg, (1826) 658. Cin- cinnati, (1834) 670. From the conven- tion of 1835, 688. From that of 1837, 710. From the Cumberland Presbytery, 642, 643. In judicial cases, 642, 643. Mctcalf's complaint, 143. Michigan Synod. Erected, 270. Dissolved, 785. Mileage. Committee, 299. Of the Assem- bly's officers, 284. Miller. Case of Alexander, 125, 135. Miller, Dr. Resolution in Barnes's case, 700. Resignation, 443. Obituary, 303. Ministers. Are not members of particular churches, 96. Nonresident, 97. With- . drawal from Presbytery, 262. Removal without leave, 97. Holding civil office, 96. Unknown ti-avclling, 96. Intruders on the churches of others, 102, 592, 595. Those without charge are members of Presbytery, 250. Dismission by com- mittee, 262. Must be dismissed to a Bpecified body, 262. Support of aged and invalid, 204. Piety and faithfulness, 93. Means of greater efficiency, 94. Support of, 197 et seq. Ministry. Neglect of the work, 91. De- mission, 93, 97, 98, 99. Consecration of ciiildren to it, 184. To be wholly devoted to their work, 94. Minutes of the Assembly. Printed. Old, 291. Annual, 292 Alphabetical list of ministers, 293. Index, 293. To whom sent, 294. Measures for preservation, 294. Selections read to the churches, 294. Movers' names to be given, 293. Missionaries. Pastoral letter to, 377. Missionary. First stated, 348. Missionary. Department in Princeton, 440. Contributions, 95. Salaries, 358. Missions. The duty of all, 317. Presbyte- rial duty, 360. Among the Germans, 359. Missions. Early domestic, 321. Aid from Europe, 321-324. Earliest fund, 323. First appropriation, 325. A yearly col- lection, 325. First itinerant, 326. Two classes of missionaries, 328. First dis- tinct fund, 329. A committee appointed, 341. The standing committee, 350. By the Synods of Virginia and the C.irolinas, 342. See Board of Domestic Missions. Missions. Foreign. Rice's overture, 363. Committee of conference with the A. B. C. F. M., (1831) 364. Pastoral letter on, 381. Duty of pastors and sessions, 384. Collections, 385. Annual day of prayer, 385. Presbyteries and Synods in the missions, 385. See Board of Foreign Missions. Moderator. Duties, 282, 866. Vote, 868. In judicial cases, 129. Monthly concert, 206. See Prayer. Moral reform and the church, 809. Motions and their withdrawal, 867. Movers' names to be recorded, 293. Munro's case, 60. Music. Under the Session's control, 197. The Assembly's collection, 195. Instru- mental, 197.' Narrative. Committee on, 296. Necrology of the General Assembly, 303. Negroes, Religious instruction, 826-829. New Brunswick schism, 592. New Jersey college, 392. Collections for, 392, 395. Appeal to Scotland, 393. New Light heresy, 634. New School controversy, 656. A pastoral letter of Piiiladelphia Synod in 1816, 656. Complaint against error discour- aged, 658. Pittsburg reform overture of 1826, 658. Resolution of attachment to the truth in 1834, 682. Creed of 1837, 750. Secession, 770. Joint celebration of the I>ord's supper, 788. Division of the funds, 800. The suits at law, 791. Present relations, 789. United Synod, (South) 790. Statistics, 865. Ncwspipers, Religious, 783. New trial. On new evidence, 136. Ail^r a lapse of years, 136. 878 INDEX. New York and New Jersey Synod. Erect- ed, 264. Divided, 268. New York difficulties, (1721) 508, 238. Nichol's case, 134. Nonsubscribcrs. Irish, 255. North Carolina Synod. Erected, 266. Notice of appeal or complaint, 149, 153. Oath, judicial. Lawfulness of, 204. Obituary notices, 303-311. Ordinances. Logical distribution, 100. Ne- glect of, 108. In vacant churches, 109. Ordination. Hasty, 84, 85. By laymen, 114. Procured by fraud, 115. Irregu- lar yet valid, 86, 114. Sine titulo, \13, 114. Olden trials, 111. The first on our records. 111. Sought abroad, 85, 112. By committee in early times, 111. At a distance from the charge, 112. Of other denominations, 114. Laying on of hands on elders and deacons, 116. El- ders laying hands on ministers, 70, 71, 75, 77. On the Sabbath, 113. Original parties. Who are ? 157. Papacy. Is excommunicate, 60, 103, 560. Prayer for its overthrow, 207. Its Bap- tism, 103. Its schools, 561. Parochial schools, 6.3, 95. Report on, 406. Policy adopted, 410. Parsonage houses to be obtained, 62. Parsons. Case of Horatio A., 124. Pastor. Elected by the people, 86. Elec- tors, 88. Mode of election, 87. Collec- tion of the salary, 62. Inadequate salary a bar to installation, 89. He and the church must be of the same Presbytery, 88. Office arising prescriptively, 88. Relation, how dissolved, 89. Translation, 89. Duties of, 89, 95. Pastoral libraries recommended, 95. Pastoral Union. Proposed correspondence through it, 521. Peace among the nations, 847. Pelagian errors. Testimonies against, 675, 685, 711, 745. Peoria church case, 169. Periodicals of the Boards, 315-317. Suita- ble religious ones to be encouraged, 783. Persecutions. In Virginia, 326. In'Switz- erland, 832. Petition. The right of, 117. Effect in judicial cases, 642, 643. Phifer, John H., in Davies' case, 159. Pittsburg. Second cliurch case, 56. Con- vention, 688. Reform overture, 658. Plan of Union. Origin, 570. Plan of the Presbytery of Albany, (1802) 571. Plan of the Synod of Albany, (1808) 572. Operation in the Western Reserve, 580. Complaints against, G70, 680, 689. Defence of it, 679, 716. Discouraged in 1835, 693. Abrogation, 715. Protest against this, 716. Reply, 720. Pa.storal letter vindicating the abrogation 760. See Committee men. Pluralities not to be allowed, 90. Political excitements to be avoided, 846. Poor widows and orphans, 62. Popery. See Papacy. Postmasters and the Sabbath, 57, 813, Praise. The duty of, 225. Prayer. Posture, 205. Secret, 89, 220, 224, 783. Family, 181. Social, 205^ 220, 224. For the overthrow of the Pa- pacy, 207. For the General Assembly, 280. For the spread of the Gospel, 320, 385. For rulers, 311. Female meetings, 206. Monthly concert, 206. Preaching. Expository, 95, 101. Lay, 101. Reading sermons, 101. Presbyterian Historical Society, 505. Presbytery. Radical principles, 230. Meet- ing, how postponed, 230. Order of pro. ceeding, 249. Opening sermon, 250 Ministers without charge entitled to sit, 250. Pro re nata meetings, 231. Meet- ing called by Synod, 251. 'I'ransfer of churches, 250. Excessive subdivision, 250, 285. Geographical bounds, 250. Reception of ministers set aside by the higher courts, 251, 2.52. May reject clean papers, 252. Examination in re- ceiving members, 253. Reception of min- isters from other churches, 253. Presbytery. Of South Carolina, 563. Of Charleston, 564. Of Charleston Union, 789, 850. Of Suffolk, 562, 37. Of Duchess county, 562. Assembly's Sec- ond, See Assembly's Second. Presbyteries. Chronological list, 848. Erect- ed at foreign missions, 386, 301, 851. Price. Case of David, 183, 134. Process against cliurch courts, 165, 705, 726. Professional counsel not allowed, 129. ' Pro re nata meetings, 231. Protest. Old School in 1834 refused re. cord, 683. Right and nature of, 117, 615. Protestation of 1741,. 597. Protracted meetings, 227. Abuses, 58. Psalmodist. Compilation of, 195. Abridged for family and social use, 197. Psalmody. Allowance of Watts, 207, 209. Conscientious scruples, 209. Frivolous or heretical, 209. Assembly's first col- lection, 210. The present, 210. Associ- ate Reformed overture, 213. Selections from Rouse, 214. Publications, injudicial cases, 130. Publishers' books. Recommendation, 415. Question. Form in appeal or complaint, 159. Questions, privileged and dcbateablc, 867. Quorum. Judicial, 127. Obtained on ad- journment from a failing ^'ro r^n^/^ff, 232. Proceedings when there is rione, 23 J. The "quorum question," 70-80. Ralston. Death of George, 311. Rankin's overture on Psalmody, 209. Reading instead of preaching, 101. Readjustment of 18.S7 and 1888, 773, 785. Reconsideration of a vote, 867. INDEX. 879 Record, Home and Foreign, 316. Record. Should be full, 139. Nothing- entered without order, 139. Corrected and passed by the court, 139. Subse- quent amendment, 139, To be unmuti- luted, 140. Annual review imperative, 140. Exhibition required, 141. Copies when accepted, 141. Absent, in appeals, 155, 156. Matter foreign to the issue, in appeals, omitted in reading, 156. Of the General Synod belong to the Assembly, 291. Reference. Without the testimony, 137. Direct to the supreme court, 137. Sad- dled with appeals and complaints, 138. Reform of 1837. Letters in vindication, 760, 763. Measures of 1838, 773. Re- adjustment after the division, 773, 785. Remonstrance. The right, 164. Rennick's case, 118. Resistance of censure. Precludes rehear- ing, 166. Involves higher censure, 134. Resumption after postponement, 867. Review. Annual, imperative, 140. Mem- bers may not vote on their own ' records, 141. Reasons of exceptions to be given, 142. Neglect of them disorderly, 142. In judicial cases, 142. Revision. Of the Westminster standards, 34. Of the book of discipline, 39, 40. Revivals. Dangers and abuses in, 218. Receptions in, 58. Means of promoting, 222. Testimony to that of 1801-4, 215. Disorders in it, 216, 217, 218. Revolution. Pastoral letter in behalf of, 838. Days of fasting and prayer for it, 838. Rice. Correspondence with David, 80. Rice. Missionary overture from J.H., 363. Rice. Case of Matthew H., 128. Roll. Call in judicial cases, 159. Arrange, ment of the Assembly's, 293. Roman church. See Papacy. Russell's case, 155. Sabbath. Desecration by Congress, 835. Mails, 57, 813-816. Postmasters, 67. Sabbath schools, 185. Auxiliaries to parents, 185. Abuse of, 183. Subject to the Ses- sions, 185. The catechism in them, 186. Sabbath School Visitor, 317. Sacraments, 101. Where there is no church, 101. Administered without leave of Pas- tor and Session, 102. See Baptism. St. Charles Church case, 163. Sampson. Obituary of Dr., 307. Schism. The evil of, 37. Thatof 1741, 592. Donegal, 618. Abington, 627. New Light, 634-640. Cumberland, 640-644. New School, 656-801. Scholarships. Of the Board of Education, 402. That of Colt, 501. The Ed, 501. Schools. Parochial, 63, 95, 388, 403, 406, 410. Established by the State, 412. For deaf and dumb, 187. Scotch church. Early relations to, 26, 33. Disruption, 53. Correspondence with, 563-556. Scott. Case of Dr., 152. Scripture proofs to tiie constitution, 39. Seamen's chapel. Eastburn fund, 501. Secession. &« Schism. Secret societies, 804. Sentence. Must be precise, 131 . A copy may be claimed, 132. Not void, if just, though informal, 132. If irregular, may be corrected, 132. On appeal, 160. Re- cord of it, 164. Publication, 164. Sergeant, Esq, Letter trom Joiin, 795. Session. Quorum, 247, Moderator, 247. " Register," 247. Sentence of one ap- pointed by the Presbytery null, 167. Re- presentation in the superior courts, 248, Shepherd, Case of John, 252, Skinner. Case of Dr., 162. Slaves. Baptism of, 107, Religious in- struction, 826-829. Slavery. Question first noticed, 817. Action of 1787, 817. Action of 1818, 820; of 1845, 822; of 1846, 824; of 1849, 825 ; Communion with slave- holders, 818, 819. 822. Letter to Transylvania PresbytPry, 819. Sever- ity and traffic, 819. The subject in cor- respondence with New Ensjland, 523 ; with the British churches, 555. Smith. Ordinntion of S. S., as an evan- gelist refused, 113. Snodgrass. Case of James, 155. Speakers in debate, 868. Spicer's case. 133. Stamp act. Pastoral on its repeal, 836. State. Days of worship appointed by, 835. Stated supply system disapproved, 90, 92, Stated meeting of church court failing, how reassembled, 282, Statistical reports. Rules for, 855, Syn- opsis from 1706 to 1819, 857. From 1820 to 1858, 858. Benevolence, 859. Domestic missions, 860. Education, 861. Church extension, 862. Foreign missions, 862. Tabular view of foreign missions in 1857, 863. Publication, 864. New School, 865. Stone's heresy and schism, 634-640, Suffolk, Presbytery of. Received, 562. Threatens secession, 37. Suspension. Pending trial, 130. For a limited time, 133. Suspended minister. May not exhort, 133. To be continued on the roll, 134. Synod. Is a large Presbytery, 263. Extent of territorial jurisdiction, 120. Meeting postponed, 230, Fro re nata meetings, 264. Adjourned meetings, 264. Open- ing sermon, 264, Synods erected, Alabama, 271. Albany, 265. Allegheny, 274, Arkansas, 273. Baltimore, 274, Buffalo, 271. Caroli- nas, 265. Chesape;ike, 270. Chicago, 274. Cincinnati, 269. Delaware, 270, 669. Genessee, 267. Geneva, 266. Georgia, 271. Illinois, 269. Indiana. 268. Iowa, 273, Kentucky, 265. Mem- phis, 272. Michigan, 270, Mississippi 880 INDEX. and South Alabama 269. Mississippi, 271. Missouri, 269. Nashville, 268. New Jersey, 268. New York and New Jersey, 265. Now York, 265. North Caroluia, 266. Northern India, 386. Northern Indiana, 271. Ohio, 266. Pa- cific, 273. Philadelphia, 268. Pittsburg:, 265. South Carolina and Georgia, 266, Southern Iowa, 274. Tennessee, 267. Texas, 272. Upper Missouri, 275. Utica, 268. Virginia, 265. Western Reserve, 268. West Tennessee, 268. Wisconsin, 272. Synods dissolved. Chesapeake, 270. Del- aware, 693. Genessee, 737. Geneva, 737. Michigan, 785. Tennessee, 785. Utica, 737. Western Reserve, 737. Pro- tests upon the dissolutions of Geneva, Genessee, Utica, and Western Reserve ; and replies, 738-744. Systematic benevolence, 174. Duty of Presbyteries on the subject, 180. Taylor. Case of J., 154 Case of R., 153. Temperance, 806 Temporalities, Management of, 62. Tennent. Reasons for quitting Episcopacy, 547. Case with Cowell, 623. Mission to Europe, 392. Territorial jurisdiction, 119. Conflicting Presbyteries, 119. A dissolved Presby- tery, 119. Testimony injudicial cases. Husband and wife, 131. Minister cited before session, 131. Member of the court cited without notice, 131. Testimonies and warnings against error in doctrine. On duty of opposing heresy, 582, 630. Against Universalism and Sncinianism, 590. Against Hopkinsian- ism, 656. Pittsburg overture of 1826. 658. Cincinnati memorial, 670. Act and Testimony, 685. Pittsburg Conven- tion's memorial, 688. That of the' con- vention of 1837, 711. The Assembly of 1837, 745. Pastoral letter of 1837, 582. Testimonies against violations of order. In revivals, 216, 217, 218. Protestation of 1721, 597. The Stoneite disorders, 637. Cincinnati memorial, 670. Act and Tes. timony, 685. Pittsburg convention, 688. Convention of 1837. Assembly of 1837, 744, 760. Thanksgiving days, 835. Thatcher. Case of G. H., 171. Theatre condemned, 802. Theological instruction. Rule in 1838. 777. Early provisions respecting, 426, A chair in New Jersey college, 395,426. Theological Seminaries. Alleghany, 444. Centre, 470. Columbia, 463. Danville, 447. Lane, 470. Maryvillc, 470. New Albany, 465. Princeton, 427. Union, 460 Relation of the synods to the sub- ; ject, 458. Proposals to transfer all to the synods, 459- Thompson's overture on adopting the Con. stitution, 28. Time. Judicial limitation, 130, 150, 153. Titles, Honorary, of ministers, 293. Todd. Case of, 161. Total abstinence, 808. Tract distribution. Early, 413. Societies proposed in 1809, 415. Transylvania academy, 397. Troy church case, 149. Trustees of the Assembly. Charter, 481. Mode of election, 484. Relations to the Assembly, 484. See Funds. Tuttle, Clement, a committee man, 576. Protest and reply in his case, 576, 578. Union. Of Suffolk Presbytery, 562. OfDuch- ess, 562. Of Charleston Union, 789. Of the Associate Reformed Synod, 565. Proposals from the United Synod, (New School, at the South) 790. Unitarian. Baptism, 102. Doctrine, .590. United Foreign Missionary Society, 337. Its union with the American Board, 339. United Synod of the Presbyterian Church rejected, 790. Universalists. Excommunicate, 57. Warn- ing against their error, 590. Upson, a committee man, 581. Uraguay. Right of worship in, 834. Vaccination encouraged, 806. Van Court's case, 170. Van Dyke's case, 536. Virginia. Synod erected, 265. Letter to the Governor of, 327. Wade's case, (1708) 506. Waldenses. Correspondence with, 552, 290. Their Table or Commission, 235. W^ard's case, 136. Washington. Correspondence with, 842. Western Reserve Synod. Erected, 268. Disowned, 737-739. Western Foreign Missionary Society. Its origin, 364. Constitution, 365. Recogni- tion, 366. Treaty for its transfer to the Assembly, 367-371. Its rejection, 371. Protest on it, 371. Reply, 372. Its unioi with the Assembly's Board, 375. Westminster Assembly bicentenary, 52. Westminster Confession, Adopted, 30. A- mended, 34. The Directory adopted, 31. Widows of ministers. Provision for, 472, 478. Corporation of the fund, 472. Rates of assurance, 476. Wiley's case. Sabbath post office, 57, Wilmington Presbytery case, 706-710, Withdrawal literal in judicial cases, 159. Witncs.ses, See Testimony, Wood. Case of Mrs., 124, Wylie. Case of Dr., 128, 143. .->■■■ i ^i'^-^ Aa ^w-^fcj- «s*-vu t f^' CKA.Kt 6 R ii --- ^