. • . .. a ...7--,..: . ;: .• . • . .. . _. ..._. . . _ — • : • ' v:-I-:' . . . . ...p.., . ...- & ' ) '''''' ; ; ;„ , •. 4.:::. . ' . , • f A.EIVOCATri 111 .7•40' 3, f. - .:-. • .F, 4.....4.• . „.,...,, . . . . '.. sbylerlan Banner, Vol. V. No. 3. " ONE THING IS NEEDFUL:" "ONE THING HAVE I 3DESIitED OF THE LORD:" "THIS ONE THING I DO." WHOLE N' Ar ayterlaink Advocate, Vol. XVIII,No. 80.' , - ,'• EMI c ~1, . ‘7 • he ed , ld ti . - p lie Ile :. ace ,at Boo) at ,' he] ' rol A 1 ''at , • sr ), L at ,n I, ;• . e i, at .1i . , 'd I.r . , .1" se :,11 3 tie lA, eves id is r '. I en. ill i i 1 * , 4 . , I n . ' 4l 4 14 i : ; , CT . 4 g • -t Rea ''siz. bt : eh i ntl t - Ch. .Aft w:. `any 4oi ..,t, , `in ~. i,, I A 3 i . t . . ~,,,,, • 1.4. . ' '',. p p pi, ;I'f /, f 11 ,r nir , , r , ee , • it 7 1 C ) , 0' .0( II r si ,I ! 0 t a, n i " ~ ; i . 4. , ~ of ' - A3ll del' to 'Y) ; : .( ee taki 'tier -s r ast five ,an • ,'. ini. et . wh . , : . . ng pc •118; , Ili] ha, !T. I .:. th .. 'ice ;11: - .,nel 'Col • ed -1: ,y VID McKINNEY, Editor and Proprietor. S.--IN ADVANCE. Original retry; Reflections on Autumn. following lines were sent us as being corn by a child of fourteen years of age. We encourage talent; but we would not, by means, set all our young friends to write y. Let those who have a special gift in this cultivate it.] morning till night, in mournful delight, doleful Cecedi do sing; close of the year, as Winter draws near, ,rrowful message they bring. warning we hear, and well may wo fear, pale death is lingering near by ; may call in, to stop us from sin; a terrible thing 'tis to die I greatly are we in likeness to thee, In cold, icy Winter is near; , wn at the cold when the story is told, mingle each song with a sigh the same we may join in a strain, tolemn, as lasting, as long, richest Bestower, reward of the sower, wisdom almighty and strong. Summer has gone, and harvest is done, et us join in that anthem with thee, freshness of rain, for the richness of grain, cheered us in childhood and glee. youth, by tough time, is deprived of her prime, el ery loved action is old; shall be aid, in that deep, distant shade, a dark, gloomy future untold 1 eets are soon spread, those shrouds of the MEI the man who has ripened in age, features all show that he soon must go, be doomed unto bliss or to rage ! (Ise fears do tell that there is a hell, ch man in his end must shun, r torment, in flames never spent, devils and rebels undone I 's a heaven as true, for the humble, the few, away where the weary are free; angels of song, 'mid wise ones and strong— in heaven, kind Father, with thee! L, let us sing, like birds of the Suring, 11 Winter shall warn us away; we love and woo, may we hope and pursue, 11 we come to the portal of day ! ineeton, N. J., 1856. e Presbyterian Church on Slavery. "Subscriber," and many others, have essed a desire to know the precise posi occupied by the Old School Presbyte- Church, on the subject of Slavery. One of the action of the Assembly of 1818, other of that of 1845. We shall give nutes on the subject, of both those also of 1846 and 1850. lON OF THE ASSEMBLY OF 1818 The following resolution was sub ' to the Assembly, viz. , solved, That a person who shall sell lave, a member of the Church, who ,e at the time in good standing in the . and unwilling to be sold, acts incon iy with the spirit of Christianity, and to be debarred from the communion of 'arch. :ter considerable discussion, the sub as committed to Dr. Green, Dr. Bax id Mr. Burgess, to prepare a report to ipted by the Assembly, embracing the of the above resolution, and also es ag the opinion of the Assembly in gen us to slavery."—Minutes, 1818, p. report of the Committee was unani- adOnted, and is as follows, viz.] ; General Assembly of the Presby lurch, having taken into considers : subject of slavery, think proper to .nown their sentiments upon it to the es and people under their care. e consider the voluntary enslav one portion of the human race by er, as a gross violation of the most pre and sacred rights of human nature; as y inconsistent with the law of God, requires us to love our neighbor as yes, and as totally irreconcilable with :it and principles of the Gospel of which enjoin that ' all things what ye would that men should do to you, :ven so to them.' Slavery creates a par n the moral system; it exhibits ra accountable, and immortal beings in lircumstances as scarcely to leave them vier of moral action. It exhibits themes dent on the will of others, whether they •eceive religious instruction; whether hall know and worship the true God; 'r they shall enjoy the ordinances of spel ; whether they shall perform the Ind cherish the endearments of hin t, d wives, parents and children, neigh id friends ; whether they shall' pre 'sir chastity and purity, or regard the" ;of justice and humanity. Such are the consequences of slavery—oonse s not imaginary, but which connect Ives kith its very existence. The which the slave is always exposed, of. e place in fact, and in their very worst and form; and where all of them do :e place—as we rejoice to say in many ;es ' through the influence of the prin of humanity and religion on the mind ;tern, they do not--atill the slave is id of his natural right, degraded as a being, and exposed to the danger of ,g into the hands of a master who may upon him all the hardships and " , ich inhumanity and avarice may Bug_ From this view of the consequenees re-1 g from the practice into which Chri s _ ieople have most inconsistently fallen, slaving a portion of their brethren of ind—for ' God hath made of one blood tions of men to dwell on the face of earth '—it is manifestly the duty of all istiane who enjoy the light of the pres day, when the inconsistency of slavery, i with the dictates of humanity and re in, has been demonstrated, and is gen ly seen and acknowledged, to use their ist, earnest, and unwearied endeavors, greet the errors of former times, and as lily as possible to efface this blot on our religion, and ,to obtain the complete, ab- olition of slavery throughout Christendom, and if possible throughout the world. " We rejoice that the Church to which we belong commenced as early as any other in this country, the good work of endeavor ing to put an end to slavery, and that in the same work many of its members have ever since been, and now are, among the most active, vigorous, and efficient laborers. 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 sla very, and wish itsexterruination as sincerely as any others ; brut where the number of slaves, their ignorance, and their vicious habits generally, render an immediate and universal emancipation inconsistent alike with the safety and happiness of the master and slave. With those who are thus cir cumstanced, we repeat that we tenderly sym pathize. At the same time, we earnestly ex hort them to continue, and if possible, to in crease their exertions to effect a total aboli tion 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, de mands. "As our country has inflicted a most grievous injury upon the unhappy Africans, by bringing them ,into slavery, we cannot indeed urge that we should add a second in jury 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 hap piness. of the injured party, uninfluenced by the expense or inconvenience which such a regard may involve. We, therefore, warn all who belong to our denomination of Chris tians, 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 prac ticable, to extinguish this evil. "And we, at the same time, exhort oth ers to forbear harsh censures, and unchari table reflections on their _brethren, who un happily 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 expressed our views of slavery, and of the duty indispensably in cumbent on all Christians to labor for its complete extinction, we proceed to recom mend, and we do it with all the earnestness and solemnity which this momentous sub ject demands, a particular attention to the following points. "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 color in our country. We hope that much good may result from the . plans and' efforts of this So ciety. And while we exceedingly rejoice to have witnessed its origin and organiza tion among the holders of slaves, as giving an unequivocal pledge of their desires to deliver themselvei and their country from the calamity of slavery; we hope that those portions of the American Union, whose in habitants are by a gracious providence more favorably circumstanced, will cordially, and liberally, and earnestly co-operate with their brethren, in bringing about the great end contemplated. "We recommend to all the members of our religious denomination, not only to permit, but to facilitate 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 favoring the instruction of them in the Sabbath School, wherever those schCiols can be formed; and by giving them all other proper advantages 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 communicate religious instruction to those who are under their authority; so that the doing of this in the case before us, so far from operating, as some have apprehended that it might, as an incitement to insubordination and resurrec tion, would, on the contrary, operate as the most powerful means for the prevention of those evils. "We enjoin it on all Church Sessions and Presbyteries, under the care of this Assembly, 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 con sists in selling slaves to those who will either themselves 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 pro fessor in our communion shall sell a slave who is also in communion and good standing with our Church, contrary to his or her will •and inclination, it ought immediately 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 fol lowed, 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."—illinutes, 1818, p. 692. ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF 1845.. . [The subject having been from time to time, for a series of years, urged. upon the Assembly, it was token up in 1845, and the following paper adopted ;] The Committee to whom were referred the memorials on the subject of slavery, beg leave to submit the following report : " 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 a great evil, and pray this General. As sembly to adopt measures for the ameliora tion of the condition of the slaves. " 2 . Those which ask the Assembly to receive memorials on the subject of slavery, to allow a full discussion of it, and to enjoin upon the members of our Church, residing in States whose laws forbid the slaves being taught to read, to seek by all lawful means the repeal of those laws. "3. Those which represent slavery as a moral evil, a heinous sin in the eight of God, calculated to, bring upon the Church the PUBLICATION OFFICE, GAZETTE BUILDING, FIFTH STREik , ABOVE SMITHFIELD, PITTSBURGH, PA. FOR THE WEEK ENDING SATUR I OCTOBER 11, 1556. curse of God, and calling for the exercise of discipline in the case of those who persist in tbaintaining or justifying the relation of master to slaves. • " The question which is now unhap pily agitating and dividing other branches of the. Church, and which is pressed upon the attention of. the Assembly 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 discipline of the Church. "'The Church of Christ is a spiritual body, whose jurisdiction extends to the reli gious faith and 'moral conduct of her mem bers. She cannot legislate, where Christ has not legislated, nor make terms of mem bership which he has not made. The ques tion, therefore, which this Assembly is called to decide, is this : Do the Scriptures teach that the holding of slaves, without regard to circumstances, is'a sin, the renunciation of which should be made a condition of mem bership in the Church of 'Christ? "It. is iMpossible to answer this qyes tion in the affirmative, without ciiiitiadieting some of the plainest declarations of the Word of God. That slavery existed in the days, of Christ and his Apostles, is an ad mitted fact. That 'they did not dennunve the relation itself as sinful, as inconsistent with Christianity that slaveholders were admitted to membership in the churches organized by the Apostles; that whilst they were required to treat their slaves with kindness, and as rational, accountable, im mortal beings, and, if Christians, as brethren in the Lord, they were not commanded to emancipate them; that slaves were required to be obedient to their masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, with singlenesS of heart as unto Christ,' are facts which meet the eye of every reader of the New Testament. This Assembly cannot, therefore denounce the holding of slaves as necessarily a heinous and scandalous sin, calculated to bring upon the Church the curse of God, without charging the Apostles of Christ with conniving at sin, introducing into the Church such sinners, and thus bringing upon them the curse of the Al mighty. "In so saying, however, the Assem bly are not to be understood as denying that there is evil connected with slavery., Much less do they approve those defective and op pressive laws by which, in some of the States, it is regulated. Nor would they by any means countenance the traffic in slaves for the sake of gain; the separation of hus bands and wives, parents and children, for the sake of I filthy lucre,' or for the conve nience of the master; or cruel treatment of slaves, in any respect. Every Christian and philanthropist certainly should seek by all peaceable and lawful means, the repeal of unjust and oppressive laws, and the amend ment of such is are defective, so as to pro tect the slaves from cruel treatment by wicked men, and secure to them the right to receive religious instruction. - "Nor is the Assembly to be under stood as countenancing the idea that masters may regard their servants as mere property, and not as human beings, rational, account able, immortal. The Scriptures prescribe not only the duties of servants, but of mas ters also, warning the latter to discharge those duties, knowing that their Master is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him.' "The Assembly intend simply to say, that since Christ and s his inspired Apostles did not make the holding of slaves a bar to communion, we, as a Court of Christ, have no authority to do so; since they did not attempt to remove it from the Church by legislation, We: have no authority to legislate on the subject. We feel constrained further to say, that .however desirable it may be to ameliorate the condition of the slaves in the Southern and Western States, or to remove slavery from_our country,_thcse objects, we are fatly persuaded, can never be secured - by ecclesiastical legislation. Much less Can they be attained by those indiscriminate denun ciations against slaveholders, without regard to their character or circumstances, which have, to so ; great an extent, characterized the movements of modern abolitionists, which, so far from - removing the evils com plained of, tend only to perpetuate and ag gravate them. " The Apostles of Christ sought` to‘ame- Borate the condition of slaves, not , by , de nouncinr,l' and excommunicating their-.mas ters, but by teaching beth masters and slaves the glorious doctrines of the Gospel, and enjoining upon each the discharge of their relative duties. Thus only can the Church of Christ as such, now improve the condition of the slaves in our country. "As to the extent of the evils involved in slavery, and the best methods of removing them, various opinions prevail, and neither the Scriptures nor our Constitution authorize this body to prescribe any particular course to be pursued by the churches under our care. The Assembly cannot but rejoice, however, to learn that the ministers and churches in the slaveholding Stntes, are awaking to a deeper sense of their obligation to extend to the slave population generally the means of grace, and many slaveholders not professedly religious favor this object. We earnestly' exhort them to abound more and more in this good work. We would exhort every believing master to remember that his Master is also in heaven, and in view of all the circumstances in which be is placed, to act in the spirit of the golden rule : Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even the same to them.' "In view of the above stated principles and facts, "Resolved, First. . That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States was originally organized, and has since continued the bond of union in the Church, upon the conceded principle that the existence of domestic slavery, under the circumstances in which it is found in the Southern , portion of the country, is no bar to Christian communion. " Second. Thit the petitions that ask the Assembly to make the holding of slaves in itself a matter of discipline, do virtually require this judicatory to dissolve itself, and abandon the organization, under which, by the Divine blessing, it has so long prospered. The tendency is evidently to separate the Northern from the Southern portion of the Church ; a result which every good citizen must deplore, as'tending •to the dissolution of the :Union of our beloved country, and which every enlightened Christian will op- pose as bringing about a ruing and unne cessary schism between brethreho main tain a common faith. ."The yeas and nays being 4,41. "red, were recorded! [Yeas 168, Nays -, ,Excused 4.]—Minutes, 1845, p. 16. [ln 1846, a collection of petitip and memo ri•tis on the subject of slavery wis. -4'eived and referred.] "The Committee recommend. •he adop . tion of the following minute, t. "Our Church has from time "tie, dur ing a period of nearly sixty yeara\;-xpressed its views on the subject of slave - d. During all this period, it has held and ':.!.red sub-' stantially the .same sentiments.... elieving that this uniform testimony is I nd cap able of vindication from the WO' of God, the Assembly is at the same tim, , early of the opinion: that it has already berately and solemnly spoken on, thist su -et with sufficient fullness and clearness. s erefore. "Resolved, That no further a, n upon this subject is at present neded. .following amendknent.„:. :.:offered by the Rev: Whiter/ire - lat. oirthe table. viz : 'Except to say, that the sedan of the Assembly of 1845 is not understood by thiS Assembly to deny or , rescind the tes timony that has been uttered by the General Assembly previous to that date. "The question was then taken on the re port, when the ayes and noes were called for, and are as follows : 1 ' [Ayes, 119. Noes, 83.] " The following resolution was offered by the Rev. R. AL White, and was adopted, [without division "Resolved, That in the judgment of this House, the action of the General Assembly of 1845 was not intended to deny or rescind the testimony often uttered by the General Assemblies previous to that date."--Minutes, 1846, pp. 206, 207. [ln 1850, the subject being again introduced by overtures from the Presbytery of Beaver, and the church of Rocky Spring, in the Presbytery of. Chillicothe, the Committee of Bills and Overtures recommended that it be "Resolved, That the pre vious and repeated declarations of the General Assembly upon the subject of American slavery, are such as to render any action upon the above overture and memorial unnecessary," The over ture was laid on the table. (Minutes, 1850, pp. 456, 481.) The subject has not since come before the Assembly.] This position of the Assembly has ap peared to the great body of the Church, so Scriptural that there has been a general ac quiescence therein, North and South. Our Church Courts have met in harmony, and the people have felt and acted as brethren. Only a few ministers and members were dissatisfied; and these have mostly united in the "Free Presbyterian Church." Synod of Allegheny. The Synod of Allegheny met according to ad journment in the Presbyterian church of Butler, Pa., on , the 25th day of September, 1856, and was opened with a sermon, by Rev. E. P. Swift, D. D..;_the last Moderator,„.on, tbe Acts_of the Apostles v: 29—” We ought to obey God rather than men." After sermon, Synod was constituted with prayer. The following members were present : PRESBYTERY OE ERIE. " Ministers. Elders. Robert Glenn, David Zahniser, James Coulter, R. F. Raskin, Samuel J. M. Eaton,' Robert Clark, William Wilson, J. C. Porterfield, John W. McCune, James A. Leech. David Grier, James W. Dickey, William McCullough, William J. Alexander, James M. Shields. PRESBYTERY OF BEAVER. Ministers. Elders. • Robert Dilworth, D. D., John - -Newell, Absalom McCready, William Phillips, John W. Johnston, B. Rush. Bradford, Benjamin C. Critchlow, Agtmuel.Sattorfield, David w m -, 6 -oner, - - Aleicaudersto:).o7 Henry Webber; (2) 'Benjamin Cunningham, David C. Reed, John Nesbit, Elliot E. Swift, William Gibson, (2) Thos. P. Johnston, (2) Joseph Moore. (2) Amos S. Billingsly. • PRESBYTERY OF ALLEGHENY. Ministers. Elders. John Munson, James Wilson, John Coulter, Adam Black, Loyal Young, James McCurdy, R. B. Walker, Thomas Campbell, Newton. Bracken,, Alexander Mcßride; Ebenezer Henry, James Morrison, Ephraim Ogden, • James Crawford, W. F. Kean, Philip Miller, George Cairns, James Noble, J. V. Miller, Isaac Robb, Alex. Cunningham, (2) jamea Weleh, J. F. Boyd. James Adams, Ezekiel Miller, Ezekiel Have, Nathaniel Cooper, Ferris Armor, Robert 'Stevenson. PRESBYTERY OP ALLEGHENY CITY. Ninisters. Elders. David Elliott, D. D., Robert Davis, Elisha P. Swift, D. D., 'Tames Gibson, Wm. S. Plumy, D. D., David Duff, Henry R. Wilson, D.D., Robert Gilleland, Leland R. McAboy, James Schoonmaker, Louis L. Conrad, T. H. Nevin, James Allison, Joseph Moorehead, William G. Taylor, Martin L. Hawkins, James Smith, James McKee. (2) John Brown, Alexander Sinclair, William Annan. MEMBERS ABSENT. ' Presbytery of Erie --john V. Reynolds, George N. Zahniser, Lemuel. G. Olmstead; J. Irwin Smith and Charles A. Behrends. Presbytery of Beaver.-- Jaine's Satterfield, Robert Johnston, Samuel Henderson, William Nesbit and Jonathan Wilson. Preabytery of Alleythen,y City—Nathaniel Todd, John F.:McLaren, D. D., Daniel E:Nevin, John Arthur, Alexander Shand. Edward S. Blake, Charles B. Maclay and R. W. Guthrie AdjoUrned to meet tomorrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. FRIDAY MORNING, 9 o'clock. , Synod met and was openud with prayer. Rev. Robert Dilworth, D. P., was elected Mod erator, and Benjamin Rush Bradford, Temporary Clerk. On motion, 'the reading of the Oeneral Rules for Judicatories was dispensed with. The Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., of the Synod of South Carolina ; Rev. A. P. Happer, M. D., of the Synod of New York ; Rev. David McCay and Rev. Devitt McKinney, D. D., of the Synod of Pittsburgh'; Rev. John Smalley, of the Synod of Philadelphia, and Rev. A. B. Maxwell, of the Synod of Northern Indiana, being present, were invited to sit as correponding members. The minutes of the last meeting of Synod were read. The Moderator announced the following oommittees: ON BILLS AND ;:rirIIRTURES. Ministers—Messrs. IL P. Swift, D. D., James Coulter, D. Waggoner, John Munson. Eldtra—Thomaa Campbell, Wm. Philipp', James A. Leech. ,lIIDICIAL COMMITTEE. Ministers-li'; L. Conrad, Wm. Wilson, P.. B...Wslkor, Henry Wobber. Elders—Adam Blaek;Johctlt r oabit,-Bobart, Davis. • • ON PRESBYTERIAL RECORDS ALiatomurr.—ifinaOis—Berauel Eaton, James lison. Elder—Samuel Satterfield. DEAVER.— Atli:lagers—Newton Bracken, David Grier. Elder —Williain Gibson. Bum—Ministers—Leland R. MoAboy, Thomas P. John ,ston. Elder:--Philip Miller. ALLEfit(Elir 'OlTL—Ministers—John W. Johnston) John Coulter. Elder —Alexander Rom ' DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES. Ministers—Loyal Young, David Elliott, D. D. Elder— James M'Curdy. NARRATIVE OF RELIGION. Ministers—William F. Kean, Benj. C. Critchlow. Eider— Theo. R. Nevin. SYNODICAL DISCOURSE. Ministers—Louis L.Conrad, David C. Reed: Elder—James , Noble. . MINUTES OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY Ministers—Newton Bracken, James Dickey. Elder-3. C Porterfield. •tt • t Atinisters—James Smith,. Amos S. Billipgsly, Bplmam Ogden. Niders—Nathanied Cooper, John Newell, ON GRANTING LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM THIS AT ER i ING Ninisters - —William G. Taylor, Willhua M'Cullough Elders—James Welch, Dastd Duff. A letter was read from the Corresponding Secretary of the Church Extension Committee, whereupon Rev. Dr. Elliott and Rev. E.E. Swift were appointed a Committee, tci preparea minute in relation to the subject. • The first standing order was taken up, and Statistical reports were read and placed in the hands of the Stated Clerk. The second - standingtorder-tqa,s taken up, and the ReSoilkf'-Presbyteries - :,were'.-oalledflor..4knd• placed in the hands of the Committees for exami nation. The third standing order was taken up, and narratives of the state of religion were called for and placed in the hands of the Committee on the Narrative. On motion, a collection of twenty-five cents from each member was taken up, amounting to $19,76, which was placed in the hands of the Treasurer. The - Committee on Devotional Exercises pre sented the following report for the religions exer cises, which, according to the standing rule, are to be observed this afternoon. 1. That the Moderator preside. 2. Psalmody and Prayer ; by Rev. David Elliott, D. D. 3. Addless, by Dr. J. L. Wilson, on Missions. 4. Psalmody and Prayer, by Rev. E. P. Swift, D. D. 5. Such other exercises as the Moderator may direct, and time allow. The report was accepted and adopted. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted in regard to the Bible" cause : Resolved, lot, That this Synod regards the present as a fitting occasion to renew expressions of its interest in the Bible cause, and of confidence in the American and Penn sylvania Bible,Societies and their Auxiliaries. Resolved. 2d, That we have heard with much pleasure, of the resolution of the American Bible Society, adopted at its last anniversary, to enter on a second exploration of our entire Country, with the purpose of placing a copy of the Sacred Volume, as early as practicable ' in every destitute household where there is a willingness to receive it. Resolved, 3d, That this Synod cordially recommends to our people to co-operate heartily with other friends of the Bible in all onr bounds, in carrying into execution the fore going reaolution. Resolved, 4thf That we cordially commend to our plain, honest people, who Cannot read the Scriptures in the origi nate, the Briglish translation of the Scriptures now in gen eral use, as being in every respect by far the best yet pre sented to the public. The Report of the Board of Colportage, was read, and referred to the following committee : Ab salom McCready and JamesW. Dickey, ministers ; and Robert Stevenson, elder. Adjourned to meet at 2 o'clock P. M. Conclu ded with prayer. • FRIDAY AFTERNOON, 2 .o'clock P. M. Synod met, and was opened with prayer. The minutes of the morning session were read. Rev. Cortlandt Van Rensselaer, D. D., of the Synod of New Jersey, and Rev. Reese flapper sett, D. b., of the Synod of Philadelphia, being present, were invited to set as corresponding members. Synod having beard Dr. Van Rensselaer on the subject of Education, and Dr. Happersett on the subject of Domestic Missions, appointed . Rev. Dr. Plumer, Rev. Win. J. Alexander, and Joseph Moorehead, elder, to bring in a minute In regard to the benevolent operations of the Church. - Synod then proceeded to appoint the place of its next meeting. It was resolved to meet in the city of Erie, on the fourth Thursday of Sept., A. D. 1857, at 711- o'clock P. M. Synod took a recess until? o'clock. aI.DAY EVEN:NO, 7 o'clock. After recess Synod met. A sermon was delivered by Rev. B. C. Critchlow, on the subject of "Systematic Benevolence," by ap pointment of Synod, on Acts of the Apostles xx-: 85; "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Adjourned to meet to morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. Concluded with prayer. SATURDAY MORNING, 9 o'clock. Synod met and was opened with prayer. Half an hour was spent, according to the standing rule, in devotional exercises. The Committe appointed• to bring in a minute in regard to the benevolent operations of the Church, presented the following report, which was accep ted and;adopted : --s r ...a hawing-I.d tirt.a.........1.1-42-.0-apettettLax...cuna interests of our various ecclesiastical organizations for the adiancement of Christ's kingdom, cordially adopts the fol lowiiirminute, as expressive of its present views: let. The htitory of these institutions, from their inception up to this time, clearly shows the good hand of our God upon us, leading us to believe that he neither has left nor will leave us to beat the air,-nor to run as uncertainly; but that he will establish the work of our bands upon us; yea, the work of our hands be will establish it. 2d. Resolved, That Synod has heard with great pleasure of the increased and increasing operations of the respective Boards of the Church, and of the increasing blessing of lied upon their faithful labors. ad, Resolved, That the Synod cordially recommends to' all the people within its bounds to endeavor to diffuse in all our congregations, sources of information respecting these institutions, and does especially recommend the circulation of the Home and Foreign Record. 4th. Resolved, That this - Synod heartily concurs in the views presented on these various subjects expressed in the resolutions adopted by the last General Assembly. The Committee on the Synodical Sermon report ed, recommending Rev. Henry R. Wilson, D. D., as the preacher, and " Foreign Missions "as the subject. The report was accepted and adopted. The Committee on the Records of Allegheny City reported, recommending their approval with the following exceptions lat. That Mr. Nestor Staicos preached an ordination ser mon without any information on the. Records .of the ap pointment of esubject for ordination, but such appointment for licensure.—Record, pages 61; 63, 69. 2d. That Mr. Staicos was ordained without having been previously licensed, or having made any trials with a view to ordination. ..id. That it appears that' the Presbytery ordained Mr. Al exander St:Clair without having atrial sermon, he being ea= nosed from that part of trial for reasons considered wadi tient by the Presbytery. The discussion pending, Synod adjourned to meet after public worship this afternoon. Con cluded with prayer. SATURDAY AFTBRNOON, 8 o'clock. Synod met and was opened with prayer. The Committee on Devotional Exercises presented a fUrther report, which was accepted and adopted and is as follows : That.the'Synod unite with the church of Butler in the observance of the Lours Supper, on tomorrow. That Rev. Henry Webber preach the preparatory sermon, on Saturday afternoon, at 2 o'clock. - . That Rev. Samuel M. Eaton preach on Sabbath morning. That Rev. David, Elliott, D. D.. and Rev. John Munson officiate at the administration of the Lord's Supper, and that Rev. David C. Reed preach at 7 o'clock on Sabbath evening. That Roe. Elliot E. Swift preach in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, at 11 o'clock on Sabbath morning, and the Rev. Divid Grier in the same plane, at 1 o'clock P. M. That Rev David Waggoner preach in the English Evan gelical Luthdran church at 11 o'clock, on Sabbath morning, and the Rev. Win. Wilson in the same place, at 7 o'clock The Committee would further recommend, that the mout hy, so far as convenient, meet at 3!.4 o'clock on Sabbath afternoon, to spend an hour and a half in religious confer ence, on the subject of revivals and necessities of "our ohurehev. .ftvv. Messrs. E. P. Swift, D. D., , Benj. C. Critch• low, and Lewis L. Conrad, giving brief narratives of the work of grace in: their churches last Winter, the Moderator to preside at the meeting. The Commmittee on the Board of Colportage presented the following report, which was accep ted and adopted: Resolved, Ist, That this Synod has' learned with great pleasure the success that has attended the operations of this Board, that the sales have been greatly increased, that there is now a freedom from debt, and that there appears to be a growing interest in this enterprise, not only among the churches of our own denomination; but also among the churches of other branches of the Presbyterian family; and also that there seems to be a still widening door of useful. neee open to this board. Resolved, 2d, That this Synod recommends the Botrd to make still greater additions to its Sabbath School books, that the libraries of our Sabbath Schools' may -he properly furnished, as the publication of new books and the dream stances of the Board may permit. Resolved, 3d, That if. any members of this Synod are ac quainted with any books suitable for Sabbath-School booke, nut now among the selections of this Board, they are re quested to 'furnish the Executive Committee with the DEMOB of such works. 17,sared, 4th, That each Presbytery be requested to nomi nate one or more Colporteurs to labor within Its bounds, St enoh labor shou/d be considered necessary, and that the ex pensesom far as possible, be bane by tbb vault percentage allowed on the sales or books, that the'Board may he ablate avoid expenses as far as possible. The following persons were elected members of the Board of Colportage: Lewis L. Conrad, E. E. Swift sad Loyal Young, ministers : B. R. Brad ford, Wm. Campbell and James Schoonmaker el ders. Also, Rev.. Henry IL Wilson, D. D., was elec ted in place of Rev. Dr. Plumer, resigned. The Committee on Leave of Absence from the present meetings of Synod, presented the follow ing report, which was accepted and adopted. The Committee on Leave of Absence report that they have granted leave of absence as follows, fro the remaining see atone of Synod: After Friday noon. to elder J. C. Porterfield. After Friday evening, to Rev. IL R. Wilson, D. D., Rev. J. W. Dickey, and elder David Duff. After Saturday noon, to Rev. W. S. Plumer, D.,D" and elder James Gibson to. Rev. Robert Glenn and elder Jas. Noble; Ezekiel Howe, James Adams, Isaac Robb, Robert Clarke, j. Campbell, Alex. Mc- Bride. and N. Cooper; Rev. John Coulter and Rev. Alex. Cunningham. After Saturday noon, to return on Monday morning. Revs. W. F. Kean and Thomas P. Johnston and George Cairns. All of which is respectfully submitted. The consideration of the report of the Com mittee on the Records of the Presbytery of Alle gheny City, was . resumed. The : report was adopted. ' Synod took a recess until seven. &chick. , SATURDAY EVENING 7 o'clock. After recess, Synod met and proceeded to the consideration of the report' submitted by the JudicialCoMmittee, In. regard .ito certain gaper. ; iv"' t-tpladedlethe . a - r . • The report awe led and adapted, and is as follows : That we deeply sympathize with Mrs. Harding in her peculiar sorrows and afflictions, and regret that the papers put into the hands of the Judicial Committee are of such a character as to put it out of our power to redress the griev anon of which she complains. The following report made by the Committee on Reasons of Absence from Previous Meetings, was accepted and adopted : That Rev. Messrs, David Elliott, D. D., David Grier, and-L. L. Conrad had assigned' reasons for absence from the last meeting, which were sustained, and that Rev- Messrs. Thos. P. Johnston, Alexander Cunningham, and Henry Webber, and Elders Joseph Moore, James. M'Kee, and William Gibson had assigned reasons for late attendance, which were also sustained. The Committee on the Records of the Presby tery of Beaver reported, recommending their prove'. The report was adopted, and the Ite....ords were approved. The Presbyteries were called upon in accord ance with a resolution on page 51 of the Minutes adopted at' a previous meeting, to report as to what had been done in the Work of. Church Ex tension within their bounds. The Presbyteries were also called upon to re port as to what had been done to secure contri butions from churches within their bounds, to the fund for Superannuated Ministers. The Committees appointed to examine the Re cords of the Presbyteries of Erie and Allegheny, reported, recommending their approval, as far as written. The reports were accepted'and adopted. The following resolutions were passed in rela tion to the Western Theological. Seminary: Resolved, That the Synod hereby express their gratitude to the great Read of the Church, for his continued smiles upon the Western Theological . Seminary in the increased number of students (luring the last year. Resolved, That this Synud will sanction any judicious ef fort on the part of the Board of that Seminary, to raise funds for the endowment of a Fourth professorship, or any other abject essential to the welfare of the Institution. The Committee on Church Extension presented the following report: The Committee appointed in reference to Church Bxten• sion report, that the subject is one of vast importance, and calls for the most serious attention of all the ministers and churches within our bounds; therefore, Resolved; Ist, That this Synod looks with unabated favor upon this enterprise, as organized and entered upon by our General Assembly. Resolved, 2d, That the Synod earnestly recommend to all the pastors and churches within our bounds, so to arrange their plans of Systematic Benevolence, as to give this object a place among their stated annual colleetione. The rep.rt was accepted and adoptel The Treasurer presented the following report, which was accepted and adopted: • TREASURER'S REPORT. Balance from last year - - $10.43 Synodical Collection - - - 19.75 Paid Stated Clerk -.- Permanent Clerk - - Janitor - - - Stationary - - Bri-So Balance in hands of Treasurer - • $12.88 The Committee :in the Minutes of the General Assembly presented the folio wing'report; which was accepted and adapted: They find nothing hi the Minutes requiring the action of this body, except a resolution on page 631, in referenoa to a fund for the widows and families of deceased ministers, and for the relief of superannuated and disabled living minis• tors. The Committee recommend that the Synod re-athrm their action of last year on this subject, as follows: That the Presbyteries be recommended to adopt, as soon aa practicable, such measures as will bring this subject be fore the people, interest them in it, and lead them to con- tribute to this object. ,Besolved, That the Editor of the Presbyterian Banner and Advocate be requested to publish the Minutes 'of Synod in his paper, and that the Stated and Temporary Clerks be appointed to attend to said publication. The thanks 431 - 6 - ynon — were -- tenuered= - Intr citizens of Butler for their hospitality to its members. The Committee on the Narrative presented the following report, which was accepted and adopted: NANSATITE ON ME STATE OF RELTqION The Synod of Allegheny, in making their Narrative on the State of Religion, feel called upon to express their mill• tude to the God of all grace, for his goodness in having brought through another year; for he is good, supremely good, and kind are all his wars. All the Presbyteries in form us that the usual means of grace are enjoyed, as in former years,Land it would seem that in quite a number of instances pleasing tokens of God's gracious presence have been experienced. Quite a number of the churches have been 'kited with the special outpourings of the Holy Ghost. Among these we may mention the tiret church of. Alle gheny City, Manchester, Newcastle,-Westfield, "Bearer Falls, Butler, and others; and when we remember the worth of the soul, it is not possible for us to form too high an esti mate of- these Livine visitations. It is, however, to be feared that we have not received the blessing with that gratitude which was pleasing to Ued, and theretbre we axe in danger of being left to greater spiritual dearth than before. Awake, 0 North wind, come thou South. And the Synod *Mild express the earnest hope that all our people in all our churches would give themselves to earnest prayer and sup. plication fora more wide spread and general revival of re ligion Therenre, indeed, many things within our bounds, showing that our churches are steadily advancing in the good work of the Lord, but it does not seem important to mention them here, as they are such as are common when ever the Church enjoys the regular ordinances. , There are also many things that are discouraging,' but they are such as exist in all places where sin is entrenched in the hearts of men, and, where vice and error war with truth and holiness. On Whole, therefore, we think that our course is onward, because our .God is with ns. Resolved, That the. Synod will now appoint a Committee on the Narrative of the State of Reli gion for the next annual meeting of Synod, and that hereafter such a committee be appointed at every meeting of Synod for the ensuing meeting; and that the committee consist of, two ministers and one elder. Rev. L. Young, Rev. L. L. Conrad and Robert Davis, elder, were appointed said committee, and the Stated Clerks of Presbyteries directed to send their respective narratives to the committee, 'pre vious to the first of September,, in each year. _Resolved, That the report of the Board of Col portage be referred to the Board for Publication. On motion, Synod adjourned wit singing, prayer and the Apostolical benediction. S. J. M. EATON, Permanent Clerk. For the Presbyterian Banner and Advocate. Proceedings of Redstone Presbytery. The Presbytery of Redstone met in Clarks burg, Va., SeptembeT 18th, 1856, at 'which time and place Rev. Reuben Lewis, of the Presbytery of Blairsville, was received .tis' a memb'er, and measures adopted for his installment as' pastor of the hurch of Fairmont: In relation to benevolent contributions, thefol lowing action was taken: Resolved, That it be affectionately enjoined upon all our churches that have not taken up contributions for Church Extension, to do so be fore the close of the ecclesiastical year. Reiolved, That it be enjoined upon all our min isters and Sessions to take up contributions to the Fund for Disabled Ministers and their families. Resolved, That it be enjoined on all our minis ters and Sessions to afford to all their meMbers opportunity of making annual contributions to the various objects ordered by the General Assembly. On the subject of Colportage, it was enjoined on delinquent churches, within our bounds, to take proper measures to raise the quota of the assessment' - made of them by Presbyteu,' to create a Synodical Fund of . $5;000: The Philadelphia, 27 South Tenth Street, below Chestnut. By Mail, or at the Office, $1.50 per Ye i ar, BEE p ßospEms. Delivered in the City, 1.75 " churches reported delinquent are :---Dnnlap's Creek and M'Clellandtown, $4.44;. Laurel Hill and Tyrone, $12.34; Mt- Pleasant, $B-50; Long Run, $14.00; West Newton, $5.18; Round Hill, $7,75; New Providence, $10.00; Fairmont, $10.00; "Uniontown, $50.00; Greensburg, $16.00; George's Creek and Tent. It was also enjoined upon all our ministers,. in each of their congregations, to preach a sermon on the subject of temperance, before the next stated-meeting. The following supplies were appointed: Spring Hilt—Mr. Fairchild, Second Sabbath in October; Mr. M'Clintock, Second Sabbath in November, and adminieter the Lord's &Upper ; Mr. Howell, Second Sabbath in January; Mr. Biggs, Second Sabbath in February. Ht. Washington—Mr. Hamilton, Second SA bath in October ; Mr. Wallace, Second Sabbath in November ; Mr. Wilson, Second Sabbath in December, and administer the Lord's Supper; Mr. Stoneroad, Second Sabbath in January. Petersburg—Mr. Black, Third Sabbath in Octo ber, and administer the Lord's Supper; Mr. Rosborough, First Sabbath in December; Mr. Hughes, Third Sabbath in February. Jennerville—Mr. . Riggs, Second Sabbath in October; Mr. Williams, Second ,Sabbath in De cember;; Mr. M'Ganghey, Second Sabbath in Februa"r Mr. 14.1413,,j.44„§y..ttk0 41.)t.. 000' and'place: ' Presbytery adjourned to meet in Pittsburgh on the second day of the sessions of Synod, JOHN M'CLurocic, Stated Clerk. Too many Sermons. A clerical friend recently expressed to us his approbation of the article of the Dis patch on this subject, and stated that it had been received with strong approval by the whole religious press of the country: We are happy that the views expressed in that article have the approbation of the clergy; but no good can be done, unless they receive the approval of the laity. The congregations of the country must consent to give up the cruel tyranny of compelling clergymen to preach two sermons every Sabbath, besides a lecture in the week, or the abuse can nev er be remedied. There is no profession in the country worked as bard, and paid as poorly as the clergy. We know a prominent clergyman' in Richmond, who, during the last Summer, actually preached eight sermons in a single week. Gan any man stand up long, under such exhausting toils? We venture, to, say that no member of a congre gation would require as bard work of a good horse. One sermon a week is as much as any Divine can preach with credit to his reputation, and as much as any congregation is likely to digest and practice. Yet two and, often three, are demanded every Sab bath, and they must be all tip-top ones ; no milk and water; • the energies must never flag; no allowances made for trouble, for sick ness, for mind and body worn down by con tinual labor. If the sermons are not first rate; splendid, superb, the minister is thought to be rather failing. If they come up fully in every respect, to the standard, logical as Whateley, eloquent as Whitfield, sublime as Massillon, very well, he has the applause of the pit and boxes; but, after all, he is an unprofitable servant, he has done no more than it was his duty to do. The clergy are regarded as a sort of a spirit ual flour-mill, always bound to produce the best family flour; and when there is any falling, off in the quality, people begin grumbling; get the dyspepsia, and look around for another brand. $O.lB - $.OO - 5:00 $.OO We would respectfully suggest that min isters have other duties besides preaching, and congregations other besides hearing. As much benefit is accomplished by pastoral intercourse as by pulpit _orations; but no time is, permitted for this, when the clergy man is kept constantly in his study, prepar ing and writing sermons. He has a hard lot, certainly I In order to gratify the public expectations on the Sabbath, he must stick closely to his desk through the week; yet, if he does that, people complain that he don't visit enough; that he is reserved and unsocial. It is a difficult thing to satisfy mankind .1 Let congregations consider this great oppressionand crying wrong to the scholars and gentlemen who occupy their pulpits, and, in fact, the impolicy of the thing. If they want good sermons, they may ensure one a week, by requiring no more; if they demand two, - they may not get one worth hearing, for the reason that the speaker has no time for - preparation. When the public shall he satisfied with one sermon on Sunday 7 and sharbe willing to meet together a secontl=tima for the pur pose of prayer and praise, we have no, doubt they will afford as substantial evidence of their zeal for religion, and advance their own spiritual progress as much, as under a system which breaks down clergymen, and deludes congregations, by making the, intellectual gratification and entertainment' of an audi ence a prominent and indispensable part of public worship.—Exchange. Sin is the greatest folly, and the sinner the greatest fool in the world. There is no such madness in the most fitful lunacy. Think of a man risking eternity and his ev erlasting haPpiness on the uncertain chance of surviving another year. Think of a man purchasing a momentary pleasure at the cost of endless pain. Think of a dying man living as if he were never to die. Is there a convert to God who looks back upon his unconverted state, and does not say with David, "Lord, I was as a beastbefore thee." Now, conversion not only restores God to tile heart, but ' reason also to her throne. Time and eternity are now seen in their just proportions—in their right relative di mensions; the one in its littleruss, and the other in its greatness. When the light of heaven rises on the sonl, what grand discov eries does she make, of the exceeding evil of Sin, of the, holiness of the Divine aw, of the infinite purity of Divine justice, of the grace And greatness of Divine love. On Sinai's summit and on Calvary's cross, what new, sublime, affecting scenes open on her astonished eyes:! She now, as by one convulsive' bound, leaps to the conclusion that salvation is the one thing needful, and that if a man will give all he hath for the life that now is,'much more should he part with all for the life to oomr. The Saviour and Satan, the soul and body, holiness and sin, have competing claims. Between these; reason now holds the balance even, and man finds, in the visit of converting grace, what the demoniac foirnd in Jesus' advent. The man whose dwelling was among the tombs; whom no chains could bind; is seated at .the Net of Jesus, " clothed, and in right mind! —Guthrie. - despise a Neaki Christiiawfor ten ! seientious soraplors. 0. 211. Sm.
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