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ayterlaink Advocate, Vol. XVIII,No. 80.'
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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.