RESBYTERIAN BANNER & ADVICAT
L)
Presbyterian Banner, Vol. V, No. 8,
Presbyterian Advocate, Vol. XIX, No. 3.
DAVID AIeKINNEY, Editor and Proprietor.
TERMS.-IN ADVANCE.
Originat Pet%
Prayer.
When trembling 'Heath a lond of woe,
The heart o'ercloirged with grief and care,
Ab, whither can the mourner go,
But to a mercy seat in pro., er!
Vilma friends forsake, when love grows cold,
And all without is dark and army ;
'T i then true, humble faith grows bold,
In pleading With her God' in prayer.
Whcn death with ruthless hand removes
()dr dearest joys, 't is hard to bear;
u: ill our chasteniug Father loves—
T y will be done,"—be this onr prayer
It en dangers in our pathway lie,
14 ' hvn Satan spreads his tempting snare,
11(T.veri we lift a tearful eye,
A. 1 1 ,1 thence protection seek by prayer!
d 0, when darkness reigns 'within,
on the brink of clerk despair,
ett called to struggle hard with sin,
Slut ti w e relief is found in prayer!
over Zinn's wastes we mourn,
Ltiineuting that true love is rare;
t in faith to God we turn,
plead for quickening grace in prayer.
ipviag that lov'd oucs tread the road
That leads to regions of despair—
II trustillg iu a covenant God,
Ye plead fc,r them in earnest prayer.
,-f" eau e'er our bosoms swell,
nil; oppress, no doubt or fedr ;
w;:ilt but we may freely tell
who hears anti answers prayer
we e'er forget the place
Vh , 2re we, in every strait, repair;
p vivre!' eral, the throne of grace,
V!li.re we have met our God in prayer!
' o while within the bosom glows
The spark of life, will we repair
o .le,vis' feet, and seek repose
Iu humble, persevering prrtyer
Boon, soon we'll reach that blest abode,
F.o.ever free from sin and care,
Whore, in the presence of our God,
Piwi.le shall resound for auswer'd prayer.
Y. E
October, 1866.
JrF the rttebyterlen Banner and Advocate.
Catechetical Exposition.
Mu. EDiTon.:—lt is in contemplation to
itblish I , A Catechetical Exposition of the
Ipistle to the Romans; designed for the
of Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes;
. ',,atic capacities of the_young 'and
u n 1 e artiP Andthia,nthiord'esieeslO:
ado the opinion of such as take an inter
in matters of this kind, as to the utility
t work of this description. To aid such
in:jug au opinion, with your permission,
sir, it is proposed to publish some Barn
of the work. And we suppose the end
,gried would best be secured by publish
a continuous portion of the Exposition,
tgh necessarily appearing in. several
`leis of your paper.
is believed that, though so many valu
works have already been prepared, yet
of the kind proposed might still be use-
The object intended is to make the ac
ition of Scriptural knowledge as easy as
blc. It is well known that very many
tore attending Sabbath School have but
tripe to be devoted to study. Hence,
ill, if the subject be not made plain
easy, there is great danger that they
become discouraged, and either refuse
uly the Scriptures altogether, or else
the recitations without any• due
:e of preparation or profit. We are
of the danger of affording too much
stutly, but inclined to believe that,
'icr it is for the young and the un
to obtain Scriptural knowledge, so
tor. We think every facility
be :111' , ,rcled to such, in order to en
thee, to study the Word of. God.
ough the form of Exposition proposed
liable to objections, yet the advan
we think, would far wore than coun
the evils which might be appre
. But what the author earnestly
~ is a frank expression of opinion .
'hers, as there is no desire to publish,
it is pretty generally believed that a
i:s is proposed, might undoubted
iseful. And any suggestions in rela
it, would be very thankfully received
author.
CHAPTER L
What is contained in ft:lig chap-
A. A general introduction, down to
7 ; then an argument, prov
tt the Gentiles have incurred the
4' God, and, hence, there is no way
tiott Jr , i them but through the right
tio(l revealed in the Gospel.
Paul, n servant of Jesui Christ, called
separated unto the Gospel
was /And? A. :He was by
V. :11(1 a citizen of the Roman
known by any other name ?
was alb., u: , lled Saul.
\‘' he - have two names?
was his ilQhrew name, and Paul
.;k name; and as hi s 11_!_
iiipistles were
in the Greek lailage, in them he
name Paul.
W here Was Paul horn ? A. In
the chief city of Celieria, a province
Minor.
a liberal educa-
A.Hid Paul receive
He did, and was a man of much
How is this consistent with th e
;inn that he learned the trade of
? A. It was customary with
,ated Jews to learn some trade.,
Where did Paul receive his edu-
A. He probably commenced his
awl obtained a knowledge of the
language, at Tarsus, which was a
ed seat of learning ; and finished his
m at Jeru,alem, under Gamaliel, one
most famous Doctors of his age and
To which of the Jewish seots did
onr4 before his conversion? A. To
of the Pharisees.
What were the prominent charae
of this seat? A. They were the
"ONE THING IS NEEDFUL:" "ONE THING HAVE I DESIRED OF THE LORD:" "THIS ONE THING I DO."
strictest sect of religionists among the Jews;
very attentive to the rites and ceremonies of
religion ; and prone to rely on the observ
ance of outward forms for salvation ; they
gave such authority to human traditions as
to make void the law of God; they were
self-righteous, and very proud of their own
supposed piety.
Q. 10. How did Paul feel, befoio his
conversion, toward Christianity ? A. He
was a zealous, conscientious, and bitter per
secutor of the followers of •Christ.
Q. 11. Where did his .conversion take
place ? A. On his way from Jerusalem to
Damascus.
Q. 12. What was the object of his jour
ney at that time ? A. He was going with
authority from the chief priests, to perse
cute the Christians at Damascus.
Q. 13. Was h,s conversion of an ordi
nary, or extraordinary kind ? A. It was
extraordinary; so much so as justly to be
called miraculous.
Q. 14. How long was it after his con
version when he wrote the Epistle to the
Rowans ? A. It was not less than twenty
years.
Q. 15. Where was Paul when he wrote
this Epistle ? A. He was in the city of
Corinth.
Q. 16. Where was Corinth ? A. It was
Greece.
Q. 17. In what direction did Rome lie
om Greece ? A. It lay Westward.
Q. 18. In what country was Rome ?
It *was in Italy.
Q. 19. Was Rome at that time a very
important city? A. It was the metropolis
of the powerful and widely-extended Roman
Empire.
Q. 20. How did - Romans usually style
the city ? A. "The mistress of the world."
Q: 21. What was then the religion of
the Roman Empire ? A. It was Paganism,
or the worship of dumb idols.
Q 22. By whom was the Gospel first
preached at Rome ? A. It is not certainly
]moan, but. probably by some of the
" strangers at Rome," who were at Jeru
salem on the day of Pentecost.
Q. 23. How long was it after the birth
of Christ when this Epistle was written ?
A. About fifty-eight years.
Q. 24. Were' there many Christians in
Rome when the Epistle was addressed to
them ? A. Yes, many had embraced the
religion of Christ, both of the Jews and also
of the Gentiles. '
Q 25. Who was the first pastor of the
Church at Rome ? A. Of this we have no
knowledge whatever.
Q. 26. Was not the Apr , stle Peter the
first pa,stor and bishop of that Church ?
A. Of this there is neither any evidence nor
probability; for there is no reliable evidence
that Peter ever was at Rome.
Q. 27. Why, then, does the Romish
Church now maintain that Peter was her
first bishop? A. It is an invention of that
apostate -Olitirch 3 -tosanswer' he'r owuta
tious designs.
Q. 28. How does the Apostle commence
this Epistle ? A. According to the ancient
custom; by prefixing the name, title, and
office of the writer.
Q. 29. Why does he style himself a ser
vant of Jesus Christ ? A. It implies that
he was bound to Christ's service by the
strongest ties, bath. of obligation and affec
tion i and that he was not the minister or
servant of men.
Q. 30. What is implied in his being
called to be an, Apostle P A. That he did
not thrust himself into this office ; but was
regularly appointed to, and, fully qualified
for it, by Christ himself.
Q. 31. What was the nature of the
apostolic office ? A. It was the highest
office in . the Christian Church, and of tem
porary duration.
Q. 32. Had the Apostles of Christ any
successors in office ? A. No, the office
ceased when they ceased from their labors.
Q. 33. Why could not the apostolic
office descend from one to another? A. Be
cause the essential qualifications of an
Apostle could not descend from one to
another.
Q. 34. What were these qualifications?
A. An Apostle must receive his commission
from the lips of Christ himself; he must
have seen the Saviour after his resurrection,
in order to be a, witness of that fact; he
must have power to work miracles, in attest
ation of his Divine commission; he must
enjoy a special inspiration to guide him in
fallihly in teaching Divine truth and order,
in the affairs of the Church; he must have
supreme and unlimited control throughout
the whole Church of God.
Q. 35. What was the special work of
the apostolic office? A. To introduce . and
establish the Gospel dispensation, with all
its provisions; to remodel and organize the
Church of God as she wad to remain till the
end of times
Q. 36. Did the Apostles complete this
great work ? A. They did; and as they could
not transmit their qualifications to others,
they appointed no successors in office; and
they needed none, because the apostolic
work was finished by themselves.
Q. 37. May others assume the right to
engage in the office-work of an Apostle ?
A. No man ever bad, or ever will have,
authority from God, to do the appropriate
work of an Apostle; or to make any change
in the ordinances and doctrines of the
Church, as finished by the Apostles.
Q. 38. _How was Paul separated unto
the Gospel of God ? A. By the appoint
ment of Christ, and the power of his Spirit,
he was withdrawn from other avocations,
and had the promulgation of the Gospel as
signed to him as the great business of his
life.
Q. 39. Why is it called the Gospel of
God? A. Because it is the good hews of
salvation for wan, of which God is the
author.
Q. 40. Row is God the author of it
A. Fie devised it in eternity ; his Son labor
ed and shed his blood for it in time ; and
Lis Spirit applies it to sinners and completes
i t in them in glory.
Verse 2. Which he had promised afore by his
Prophets in the holy Scriptures.
Q. L What was it God bad afore prom
ised by his prophets? It was the Gospel.
Q. 2. 'What is meant here by the Gos
pel ? A. Salvation through Jesus Christ.
Q. 3. Why does the Apostle say the Gos
pel had been promised in the Holy .Serip
tui•es ? A.. To meet the objection of Jews
and others, that Christianity was a new
religion.
Q. 4. What is meant by the Holy Scr-
PUBLICATION OFFICE, GAZETTE BUILDING, FIFTH STREET, ABOVE SMITHFIELD, PITTSBIPAGII, PA.
FOR THE WEEK ENDING SATITRDAY, NOVEMBER 159155 Z.
tures? EL The writings of the Old Testa
meet.
Q. 5. Why -are they called holy ?
A. Because they were inspired writings ;
" holy men of God spake them as they were
moved by the Holy Gr ost."
For the Prembyterian Banner and Aarocate.
The Church in Texas.
REV. D. .114cicsisssrEY, D. D.—ln contin
uation of my former remarks, upon the
state of the Church in Texas, and as that
which may he a, hindrance to its prosperity,
I would notice :
Secondly. Their want of liberality to
ward the Boards of the Church, especially
those of Missions. - .
That such want of liberality does exist,
no one -can find risen) to doubt, who, will
consult the statistics given in the last reports
of those Boards, to the General Assembly.,
It is not soy purpose, or desire, however,
to animadvert upon the precise amount of
dollars and Cents, which the churches haVe
given; or to criminate them, -because .they
have failed to contribute any specified
amount; but merely to suggest, in a few re
marks, whether this want of liberality
among - the chinches, in sustaining the be
nevolent designs, and operations of the As
sembly's Boards, nary not do much to-lessen
their spirituality, and consequently very
much retard their advancement?
A neglect of duty, especially if that ne
glect be habitual, always produces.such ef
fects, to a greater or less extent.
Now, to fail in the exercise of a suitable
liberality to the Board of Missions, anti
others of a similar kind, under the supervi
sion of the General Assembly, can - not, be
viewed in any other light, if the Scriptural
authority of the Assembly, as the Church's
highest delegated authority be admitted,
than the neglect of a very important Christ
ian' duty. These several Boards' belonging
to our Church, were created for the express
purpose, that all tbe churchee within our
bounds might be fusnished with responsible
and efficient organs, through which, by their
contributions, they might .become more ex
tensively instrumental, in the extension of
the Redeemer's kingdom in the world. ' And yet, there are many professors of.
Christianity, sad many churches in Texas
(and no doubt many elsewhere,) who.appear
to entertain no very high estimate of their
utility, as mediums through which to exer
cise their Christian benevolenoe.
No wonder if that declaration of Sol
omon's should be verified in all sush cases,
"There is that witisholdeth more than is
meet, and it tendeth to poverty." 'A spirit
of enlarged Christian generosity is of such
indispensible importance to the prosperity of
the Church, that when it is not brought in
tOexereise, when suitable opportunities are
presented, but little increase of ...vital and
_ . ersonal piet can-be,,,e ss xp s eeted'. - What oes,,
'' t Je "'AO y - ioo d i;"
say upon this subject? " Give, and it shall
be given wnto you; good measure, pressed
down, and shaken together, and running over,
shall then give into your bosom. For with
the same measure that ye Mete with-all, it
shall he measured to you again."
Again : Can those churches expect to be
blessed with the rich communications of
God's grace, who so far neglect that Divine
sentiment of our Lord,." It is more blessed
to give than to receive," as to be willing to
receive .aid, from year to year, from those
treasuries which are supplied by the Chris
tian liberality of ether churches, ( and some
of them weak churches too) and never gi - Ve
a single dollar, in return, toward supplying
the destitute in other portions of the great
missionary field ?
I know it is argued by those churches
that are delinquent in this matter, that in as
much as they are not able to give a compe
tent support to their own ministers, build their
Churches, &c., without foreign aid, it is
highly prepoeterous to call upon them to
give for the support of others.
There does appear, at first thought, to be
some fordo in this course of reasoning; but it
amounts to nothing more than appearance,
when tested by those stiles of Christian con
duct'recorded in the Scriptures of Divine
truth. " The liberal.soui shall be made fat;
and he that watereth shall be watered."
"Freely ye have received, freely give." "It
is more blessed to give, than to receive."
The premises from which the argument is
drawn, in justification of not giving, viz
inability to accomplish all, that ought to be
done at home, is, in Many caseS, an assump
tion not susceptible of proof, and Of course
the conclusion is not legitiinate.
But in this matter, 'so intimately con
nected with the. s life and prosperity of the
Church of Christ, may it not be that our
ministers, do not perform their duty faith
fully ? No doubt they see and deeply deplore
the very,great and general want of liberality.
,apparent among the chuschei toward the
'Boards of the Assembly,' but, at . the same
time fail to give them suitable instructions
in relation to their duty and privilege in the
ease, or furnish them an opportunity to
show their liberality, by calling upon them
at regular set times for their contribution's.
Many of the churches in this Country are
poorly supplied with those Presbyterian
Journals from 'which they might be more
fully informed in relation to the designs and
operations of these Boards; and in the ab
sence Of such sources of information, it be
comes highly important that ministers should
supply the defipienoy, as far as circumstances
will permit.
I do not eipect to see our churches bere
possess that devotedness and activity in the
cause of man's salvation, , which ought 'to
characterize the Church of Jesus Chri,st,
until they are possessed of a larger spirit of
beneVolence, and learn. to appreciate the
Assembly's Boards more highly, and sustain
them much more liberally.
The churches of Texas, and especially of
Western Texas, occupy,a station of great
responsibility, situated, as they arc, in close.
proximity to: poor, benighted, degraded,
priestsridden Mexico.
Surely it was for some wise and benevo
lent purpose that the Church of Jesus
Christ has been planted in this good land,
where but recently roamed the wild and
ferocious Comanche, or the almost equally
unlettered, cruel and treacherous Mexican.
0 for a spirit of benevolence-and Christ
like liberality among the churches of Texas,
that they might be prepared to exhibit "this
mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who,
for our sakes, became poor that we,..through
his poverty, might be made- rich." Then
would their " righteousness go forth as
brightness, and their salvation as a lamp that
burneth."
Thirdly. I would notice but one more at
this time, of those evils •trhich nicw be, and
doubt not is, to a veg.:considerable ex
tent, the cause of the pid,sent low condition
of Christianity in our jhurches i .namely,.
the worldly-mindedneSepf. 'the members of
the churches. This etrilohan which it
would be difficult to nanAt-one more opposed
to "pure and undefile* eggion," ,prevails
to an alarming extent int,tiiscountry.
Worldly-mindedness deserves to . he desig-:
nated the besetting sin 'of
,Texas. The
people of the world, I Iklieve, are willing'
that it should go by its pioper name, world
ly-lniudeduess; but some Christians are
pleased to give it, as ; y #p ?
milder and more unexceP
&Won. But, by whateN'. ' , taa •
called, it is truly a- great' and: growing evil
is Texas; diffusing itself; througli all classes
of the community,;' and, affecting, to a
lamentable extent, the churches of the
living God. It so operates upon . the un
converted portion of our communities that,
although they 'may pay'a- decent respect to
the preaching of
.GOspel, by attending
the house of God on the Sabbath, they are
kept from a serious consideration of that
fearful question of our. Lord, " What.shall
it profit a man if he gain the whole world
and lose his own soul - 7" And it so on ,
grosses the Mind and time. of those who
.
profess the religion of our Lord, as greatly
to disqualify them for being " the salt of
the earth," and' " the light of the -world."
It is true, Worldly mindedness, ,p , ven in
the Church, is not confined to' TexaS; it is
an evil that militates against the prosperity
of God's Zion, more or less, in all places
and at all times; but it - is true, aleo„there
are few, if any, portions of the Uni
ted States, where' there' are so many and
powerful temptations to this sin as in Vexas.
Speculation in lands`b:pd stock has been
the ;host popular enttpriSe, by which
many have become weitithy, in a short
time, and in which all have embarked,
with but few exceptions, for the pur
pose of "mending their 'fortune." Indeed
it: was for this pm:pose that many, even of
professing Christians, came to this country;
and I am afraid that they have pursued, this
end much more faithfully tnau they have
their high calling, as "Christians. May God
save his people from this Church-enervating,
and soul.destroyiug- sin.
No more at present
• Lockhart, Texas
For the Presbyterian Banner and Advocate
A Jaunt to: Synod.
Some account of a trip to .Norristown, to
attend the - meeting of
,Synod, may probably
interest yourself and readers.
Stopping at Philadelphit, *ent in coin
-pan with a-brother to.**A - caTiertY6rPiie
Arts, to see Weit's picture of " Death on
the pale horse." Though often in the city,
I had never before seen it. And what a
wonderful painting it is What terrible
expression of malignity and rage-ignites the
face of the principal figure What a
sublime and holy beauty is in that of Christ,
going forth, crowned and armed, " conquer
ing and to conquer!" The minor parts of
the work are wrought with consummate skill,
all contributing to the main clesigu of the
piece—to, represent the reign of- death, and
the triumph of Jesus. My companion re
marked, as he looked at this masterpiece,
I never so felt the power of the Art
before."
Leaving Philadelphia about four in the
afternoony we reached Norristown in time to
be present at the opening of Synod. And
We may here observe, by the way, that the
most dilatory in attendance' were the very
brethren in whose midst we convened.
The Presbyteries faithest of£ were the best
represented, and "-held fast "- to the meet
ing the longest. Let, it be said to 'their
praise. ,
Norristown is, in all respects, beautiful
and -thriving town. The new Court
House is particularly attractive. It is one
of the finest specimens of the Doric archi
tecture we have ever seen. The eye rests
with great satisfaction on its faultless front,
its finely proportioned windows and door
ways. The only fault; and it is a tall one,
is •in the steeple. What could have in
duced the architect to stick such a thing on
s,uch an edifice, is hard to say: It ought to
be lifted off and set some where -by itself.
The church in which we assembled is
new and neat. When we had nothing bet
ter to do, we found ourselves constantly ad
miring the fresco-work of the audience
chamber. It is a perfect specimen of such
work, though some . might .think -there is, a
little too much of it. The, meeting of
Synod was a large one. There were a num
ber of quite respectable speeches, interesting
addresses from the Secretaries of our-Boards,
and a judicial case or two satisfactorily—at
least to some of the parties—disposed of.
During the discussion upon these, cases, we
could not help thinking of the wisdoni and
justness of the remarks in a late number of
the Rrvcrtory, respecting our mode—u ac
cording to the Book"—of treating judicial
oases in our higher Courts, ruling parties
out of the house, and virtually keeping
the merits of the case out of the house, too.
Why, not, as the Repertory asks, try the
case just, as it stands, and give everybody
the privilege. of voting, as in the first
instance.
On the second, day of our assembling, a
truly solemn and affecting providence oc
curred. A Mr. Snyder, (an old gentleman,
elder from, the Sixth church,. Philadelphia,)
was stricken down with paralysis, and was
carried to the parsonage, and afterwards re
moved to his home. We have not learned
whether he still survives. Himself and
friends were daily remembered in the prayers
of the Synod.
We adjourned after a very harmonious
and agreeable meeting, to meet in Lancas
ter. Any who may have left without leave,
on the presumption that " the roll would
not be called," will doubtless come pre
pared next time, to answer why they did so.
Leaving Norristown, we returned on Fri
day evening to the city, where we srient the
Sabbath. On Lord's day morning we went
to hear Mr. Willets, corner of Seventh and
Spring Garden, but were disappointed, and
heard a Mr. Street. If it be not deemed
intrusive, we would recommend an improve
ment in the arrangements of the church
-the widening of the pews„ It appears
necessary, because we,observed that when
the -minister and a few others rose to pray,
the greater part of the congregation re
mained sitting; and what could this have
been owing to, but the cramped, confined
position-in which they were sitting. Doubt
less. they could not get up. We observed
•the, same thing, though not to the same
extent, in a Presbyterian church, on Spruce
Street, that we attended in the afternoon.,
Seriously, it is a shame ,that any professing
Christians, who 'are not excused by infirmity,
thus wait upon God in his . house. There is
no authority for sitting in prayer in public
worship.. . , ,• ,
Allow one more remark.. There is too
much disposition apparent in our cities and
larger towns, to incur debt by putting up
extravagant houses of worship. Our Boards
ArUPlitiPgio :Lat,the MOP e -Y jU,the main
i.. .ht, t amp 1
. . e
t r •
Z` I pck441,9 , 1817 . 4 1 ,
with thirteen or fourfeen thousand dolliiiof
debt. How muoh will such a church cheer
'ally give the Board ? And so we came
home. R Y. N.
' For the Presbyterian'Banner and Advocate.
• Synod of Wheeling.
The Synod of Wheeling held its.annual meeting
in Steubenville. Ohio, on the 21st, 22d, and 23d
of October, ]856. The opening sermon was
preached by the last Moderator, Rei. James
Sloan, U.D., from. 2.. Cor. : i;. and Rev.
,john
..Eagleton was chosen Moderator of Synod.
The attendance of members was unusually
Reports Trom the - Trdstees of Was'ningien
Col
lege, the Committee ad interim, and - the Commit
tee of Fxamination, ,were received; and referred
to the Committee on the Synodical College. This
toinmitteepubsequently made a report, containing
statements in regard to. the progress and prosper
ity of the Instittition, of a highly gratifying and
encouraging.character.. It appears from this re- -
port,,that during the past year, the - College has
enjoyed a special manifestation of the Divine
'presence and power; in the revival of God's work
of grace, as the result of which, twenty-live
young men have been hopefully converted, and
have made a public profession of religion 'that a
very large proportion of the students, two-thirds
of the - whole number, are professors of religion,
the greater part 'of whom have the Gospel minis
try in view;' that. the financial agent of the Col
lege, Rev. John M. Faris, has been eminently
suCcessful in raising - funds for the endoWnient,
having secured over $12,000 far that fund during
the year; that the endowment thud lacks but
about $l,OOO of the sum of $60,000; that the
internal state of the College, as to discipline,
order, and attention to study, is highly commend
able; that the number of - students is increasing ;
and that, in short; the prospects of the College
-were never more cheering and promising than at
the present time. .Synod expressed its full con
fidence in the competency and fidelity of the
President and Professors,, and, declared that in re
viewingthe labors and successes of the past year,
it felt constrained to say, " The Lord bath done
&bat things for us, whereof we arc glad; to his
name be the glory.;" at.the same time commend
ing this impel: tan tswork the 'prayers, the sympa
thies, and the Christianliberality of our churches,
and to the favorable regards, and fraternal co
operation, of neighboring Synods.
N P
• • CGLPORTAGE.
•The Rev': Me Ireati cry 'aids. - rm; - on&
raissionCrs from the Synol'of Allegheny, laid be
fore Synod a proposition for union with the
Synods of Pittsburgh and Allegheny, in the work
of colportage. A. committee of conference was
appointed, consisting of Rev. Messrs. J. W.
Scott, D. D., John Eagleson, and Joseph Grimes,
ministers, and VM. Plumer, Ruling Elder, to in
quire into the expediency of accepting said pro
position, with instructions to report at our next
meeting ; and if favorably, to suggest the steps
which may be necessary to consummate'a plan
of union.
THE BOA - RD AND THE SEMINARY.
Secretaries fram the four Boards of our Church,
and from the _Committee of Church Extension,
were heard by Synod, on .bebalf of the several
objects of benevolence intrusted to the said
Boards and Committee. Also, Rev.:Dr. -McKin
ney was heard on behalf of the Western Theo
logical Seminary. Whereupon a committee' was
appointed: to bring in a minute 'on the subject,
which committee subsequently reported the fol
lowing resolutions:
Resolved, That Synod have'heard with'peenlihr
pleasure the 'encouraging and animating state
"meats made by the Secretaries, in reference to
these various' objecti, sci 'important and so vital
toAhe interests of Zion. .
Resolved, That these'several objects be special
ly commended to the earnest peayers and liberal
contributions of all our churches. .
Resolved, That Synod have heard with great
pleasure the statements of Rev:Dr. McKinney,
respecting the. prosperity 'rind prospects of the
Western Theological Seminary ; and having not
only the highest confidence in its present manage. 4
went,• but also the strongest hopes of its further
enlargement and success, do ,fully approve the
action of the Board of Directors, in favor of the
endowment of Fourth Professorship, and the
speedy appointment:of a fourth Professor.
Resolutions were adopted approiing the notion
of the American Biole Society., in undertaking
.the work of re:supplying the entire 'country
with the Vol)? Scriptures; inviting the co-opera
. tionof our churches in this great enterprise; and
`e/pressing the hearty confidence of Synod in the
commonly received English translation, of the
Bible, as decidedly preferable to any, yet offered,
or 'likely soon to be offered, in whole or in part,
to take 'its place.
The Committee on the Narrative of the State
of Religihn reported the following
Nit:RRATIVE'ON .THE STATE OF RELIGION.
What is the state of religion in our hounds ?
.
is
a questionwhich frequently arises'in the ' mind`of
every one who feels an interest in Zion's cause:
A faithful response to this inquiry is what is ex
pected at the hands of "your Committee, and this
we, new,propose brifly to, give.
Niirratives from the four Presbyteries, which
compose this.body, have been placed in our hands,
and examined ; and the tone of these narratives,
while it varies 'in a few partiemlars, has been
found in its general chteractek; to be much the
same in all. While a few places here and there
have been favored wiih the special influences of
the Spirit of God, a wail of sorrow comes ' , up
from the e greater part of our field, over the low state
of spiritual religion. We are happy, however, to
record many tokens of the Divine favor in our
churches during the 'year.
Among the favorable tokens which mark the
. ,
eternal condition of our Zion, we may enumer
ate the following:
Only one death has been reported as occurring
amongst our nainisters, and very few in the elder
ship ; and whilst there has been some sickness
and mortalitrin certain localities, yet health and
outward prosperity have generally prevailed.
There has been a very general, and, we hope,
increased attendance upon the worship of God
and the means of public instruction. Congrega
tions have been large, orderly?, and solemn ; and
it would be wrong for us not to record, with
grateful sensibility, this evidence of the Maiter's
favor.
New candidates, and perhaps an increased num
ber, . have been introduced, and taken under the
care of our various Presbyteries ;.:and the reports
presented concerning their habits of diligence,
application, and piety, and their progress in the
various departments of Academical and Theologi
cal study, have been quite encouraging.
Our ministers have been faithful in the great
work of preaching the Gospel, in pastoral visita
tion, and in instruction and prayer among the
families of their respective charges.
There has been,as we trust, an increased in
terest among the ureh-officers and people gen
erally, in the great department of Systematic Be
nevolence, and a growing attachment to the differ
ent Boards of our Church _ ; and, whilst we can
record, with entire_ confidence, an increase of
wealth and,ability among our people, we are hap
TIER. COLLEGE
py, likewise, to testify to an increased disposition
to bring the tithes into the storehouse—a growipg
determination among onr congregations, not only
to give amore liberal support to their pastors,
but likewise to aid in sending the Gospel abroad
- to the destitute.
•
Bible and Catechetical Classes, and Sabbath
Schools, are reported as increasing, in number,
and as being well sustained. •
Our Presbyteries report that, with few excep
tions, peace, harmony, and, brotherly.kindness
prevail among our churches, a blessing worthy of
special gratitude and praise to the - Mon
Whilst the Sabbath is still desecrated in poi.-
.
tions of our Zion, yet that holy day is ritoregen
orally observed than"heretotore; ' and' there is
likewise, we hope, an adiauce :in the tone and
spirituality of family religion, and in the instruc
tion of our children and youth in the o
summary of the great doctrines of the Bible,
contained in the Shorter Catechism:
Such, in brief, are the external marks of pros
ierify with Nyhich our Zion has been fuvored
aw
~ :4%tax.., e r-L4L'rt.
14: MP`ptrithil s a <l' . ; e I ' e — ll
•
portant. This is what constitutetohe real beauty
and glory of our, Zion. She . may look beautiful
ivitliout. and yet: in her internal spiritual state,
she may be unhealthy. -
Have,ive, then, aay evidence that the Lord has
been in our midAt, bringing preciol - 14, immortal
souls into the kingdom of Jesus ? Have the life
and power of vital piety been, manifesting them
selves in our churches? Accessions have been
made to most of our churches; but wh elnAre look.
at our spiritual .state,. and contrast it with what
it Might haVe been, and with-what it has been in
years 'that are pas.t,--we have reason to clothe Our
selves with the garments of, sadness, and take
our places in the dust.
The 'inward, spiritual condition of - our bOlOved
• Zion bas'been"low, and calls for deep humiliation.
Reports come up fr,cmmost of our churches, tell
ing the same sad tale' of coldnes; and Worldly
miudedness-.:among 'professors, and of levity and
gaiety among the young, and general aversion
among theunconVerted to bringing the plain truths
of the, Gospel • home_to their ;hearths. The.anx
ions inquiry is seldom heard,.." What must I do
to be saved?" There is little of that wrestling
with God in secret and social prayer, which are
the sure tokens of the presence . of the Spirit of
God.
Whilst this 'has been the mournful aspect, of
things in most of our churches, yet,.thanks be to
God, we are able to report a few'happy excep
tions.
In the Presbyteryof Washington, four e,onere
gations are reported as having experienced ex
tensive and .powerful. 'revivals, in which .large
numbers have been hopefully converted, and the
family altar reared in many,a home where it was
never known before.
But the most encouraging fact of all is, that
during the last Winter, God poured out his Spirit
upon our Synodical College at Washington. The
work of grace in that Institution commenced on
the very day of the concert of prayer for Colleges,
thus sealing the approbation of God to that union
of prayer, :ilia verifying, in 'an eminent degree,
his promise, that, •• While they are yet speaking,
117311 hear." Some twenty-five or thirty. stu
dents are reported 'as hopeful subjects of renew
ing gracein this revival. The greater part of
these, it is believed, will devote themselves to
Christ in the work of the ' - ralnistry.- Sorn6 of
there are already engaged in theological study.
Thus does the Lord of the harvest hear the
prayer of his people to send forth laborers into
the harvest. Thus does the great Head of the
Church employ our literary institutions for en
theAmders..af his I,thigdtun., _
Such is the varied picture - oe good and evil; of
light, and darkness, that has marked, the face of
our beloved Zion during the past year. In View
of all, it becomes us as Ministers, as elders, and
'as people, to humble ourselves befbfe God for our
multiplied delinquencies ; to be grateful for the
abundant tokens of his mercy, despite our own de
sert of his' wrath ; and to gird ourselves for more
faithful and industrious service in the time. to
come.
Brethren, our time is short. Let us be active
while the day lasts. Let us, by :our constant
labor and zeal, prove ourselves worthy of our
history; worthy of the Church to which we be
long; worthy of :the high mission with which
we are entrusted ; worthy of the age in which
God has allosved us to live and labor; and worthy
of the high vocation with which we have been
called. Soon the service and the strife will be
over, and the' day of victory and reisard
come. • • ' • '
PROMOTION OF: VITAL GODLINESS
On Thursday forenoon, a free conference, of :a
very interesting and animating nature, was held
on the State,' or Religion within our bounds,
whereupon a committee, consisting of one minis
ter and one elder from each of, our Presbyteries,
was appointed, to digest and repOrt some meas
ures for the promotion of - vital godliness among
the. churches. of this Synod. Said, committee
subsequently reported the following resolu-
Resolved That -it be earnestly recommended to
all our members, in conducting the devotional
exercises of our congregations and•religious as
semblies, to make the revival of _religion, by the
effusion of the Holy Spirit, a prominent object of
supplication. • •
Resolved, That it be further recommended, with
equal earnestness to all, our pastors, on or about
the third Sabbath of NoveMber, to preach' on the
necessity of ...a revived state_ of piety. among us,
and on the Scriptural 111CallEk of promoting IL
Behaved, That the' Synod reconimen'd that; as
soon after the above sermon shall have been
preached as may be convenient, each - Session be
convened, with a view to confer together in refer
once to the state or vital g,odliness in their respec
tive churehei, and the most effective means for
its promotion.
Resolved, That cur Sessions, if on such con
sultation they deem it expedient, be recommended
to invite, from the . milpit, all those to - meet them
at a specified time-who.especially desire the re
vival of God's work of graces to the end that they
may take counsel rand -offer prayer in regard to
this great blessing. ••
fthe undersigned feel that:they do'not transcend
the duty committed to them, in calling the special
attention of our pastors and gessions to this sub
ject. 'The plan adopted by Synod embraces four
points, viz : First, That the revival of religion
be made a prominent object in the public` praye.is
of our churches. Second, That- our ministers
preach to their. respective ,congregations on the
subject, on a specified day. Third, That our
Sessions confer together on the state of religion
in their churches. Fourth, That., if deemed ex
pedient, a public meeting he held of those, and
those only, who specially desire - a revival of God's
work of grace. These several'measures are
closely connected ; each springs naturally out of
that which precedes it; and alllogether form one
scheme effort, directed to one common end;
SERMONS
. On Wednesday evening, Rev. James J. Brown‘
son, in accordance - with previous appointment,
preached a discourse on the duty of ministers
and. elders to the careless. Within. their respective
fields of labor, from John xvii 20;. and on Thurs
day- evening, Rev. Robert , llickson, by-alike ap
pointment, preached on the subject of Systematic
Benevolence, from 1. `Cor. xvi : .Both.. these
discourses were Imard by large and attentive con
gregations. Synod requested copies of; them for
publication in the Presbyteilan Bannerantg.Adile-
The Rev. E. C. Wines. D. D., WAS chosen Stated
Clerk of Synod, and Rev. Alezander Swaney,
permanent Clerk.
The Stated Clerk, and Rev. James J. Brown
son, were appointed a committee to select and
publish such portions of our nainntes as may be
of general interest.
A resolution was adopted,,: approving of Dr.
Smith's intention to publish a amend volanne of
Old Redstone, and commending it to the patron
age of our people.
Synod adjourned to meet in the First Presby
terian church of Wheeling,'on the third Tuesday
of October, 1857, at 4 o'clock P. M.
Concluded with singing, prayer, and the apos
tolic benediction.
C • `..'
= committee
J.A.Aqs J. B.RowlisAN, ,
vtr7
Philadelphia, 27 South . Tenth Street, below Chestnut
By la il, or at the Office, WO per Year,
t SEE PROSPECTUS
Delivered in the City, 1.75 "
WHOLE NO. 5116
Ter the Presbyterian Banner and Advocate
Skacid . of Ne-t-i
The Synod of New Jersey met at the city of
Elizabeth, N. J., on the 21st ult., and was opened
with a sermon by• Rev: 11: Street, from John iii :
8: Rev. A. H. Hand was elected Moderator, and
Rev. Messrs. Rodgers-and Hale,'Clerks. - . -
The annual missionary 'sermon was preached
by. Rev. J. .C. Rankin, from lech. iv: G. The
claims of the Board . of Foreign Missions were
presented by Dr. J. C. Lowrie, President Mac
lean made some interesting statements in regard
to the past and present religious condition of the
College of Now Jersey. Dr. Hodge spoke of the
undiminished prosperity,. of Princeton Theologi
cal Seminary, and passed a high encomium upon
the corps of instructers' 'Connected with the col
lege. At the devotional exercis.e.s, on Wednesday
evening, the Narrative of the State of Religion
was rend hi Rev. H. Perkins, and addresses were
delivered by 11ev. Dr. Riggs, Rev. 11. V. Rankin and
Rev. Dr. Hodge. A warm interest was awakened in
labliadt'of The Bible' eimae; thfogit,dit r es s eS.
Atk e44 *Yo4lo , lollle4V.
, Fratt4i.v - v`Z
Tc
resolution was unanimously passed :
WHEREAS, The American Bible 'Society is!en.
gaged in, the great work of re-supplying the
United States with the Word, of God ; and,
Whereas In'the judgment of-this Synod, there
is loud and urgent calls for these united and sim
ultaneous efforts of the friends of the Bible ;
therefore,
Resolved, That this enterprise, in nil its im
portant bearings, deserves the sympathies and
'prayers of-God's people; and that equally with
the Boards of our Church, the churches under
our care be recommendedjo rtake liberal collec
tions annually for the American Bible Society.
A'spirited diseussion 'the'subject of .Clirch
•E , 4ension„oceupied the Synod fera.season, wheu
it was
'Resolved; That Synod-earriestly request all the
chnrehes under its cure, tq takc;up a collection
annually in behalf of the Church Extension Coni
-,
tnittee of' the General Assembly. '
• Two hundred and five dollars were raised on
the...spot:o build churches in Kansas, one hun
dred Of which- wus given iy it' Worthy elder
piTSent. - • : •
The following resolutions were passed with en
tire approbation and deep sympathy:
WHEREAS, ' The la - to - Rev. - Mallard Webster, a
member of this Synod, has left for publication a
Hi story. of the Presbyterian Church in this.coun
.
try—a. work to which he devoted much time and
labor--and whereas the needy circumstances Of
his family, as well as the intrinsic, value of the
work, render its extensive circulation desirable ;
•
therefore, - •
Resolved; That•this Synod cordially and ear
nestly recommend this . History of the,Presbyte
rirui Chur . ch (abbut published,) to the min
isters and churches under our care; and likewise
express the-hope that suitable effort will be used
secure the sale of as large a number of copies
ma possible wilhin the bounds of the Synod.
iieBoZvvd, That•the,lloarci of'Publication be re
requested to take such action in reference to this
work as Shall 'enable them to put it into the hands
of the Colporteurp of the Board for more, general
circulation..
l'he'Synod decided, as it"dill also a year ago,
by a nearly unanimous vote, to adopt the,!ecom
mendation of the Committee of Overtures, de
claring it inexpedient fni' the present to agitate
the question of a division of-Synod.
,Rev. Elias Riggs, D; D., missionary from Con
stantinople, was cordially welcomed, after his ab
sence of twenty-four years. His communications
respecting, the progress of religious libeity in
Tark4.,—azul-,take-4sea:_-circulation of thn Bible
among the 'Mohateinedans- and -Jtws, with other
information on the subject of missions, added
greatly to the interest of the meeting. An un
usually large assemblage of ministers and elders
was present ; a delightful spirit pervaded the
body ;• the various exercises were solemn, ani
mating and profitable ',• a.s the members parted
with one another, and with the two worthy pastors
of the churches at Elizabeth, and their hospitable
people, they felt that= they were leaving a spot
hallowed not only by, the prayers of Dickinson,
and the blood of Caldwell, but by the cheering,
life-giving presence of the Spirit of God. H.
The Presbytery of Findley.
Held'their stated Fall meeting in Shannon, Allen
County, :Ohio;.on the 21st . andl2 E 2d:inet.,
The ministeriaLmembers were all present„ and
the churches were generally represented by
elders. Our sessions were very interesting, and
'every decision:wits made with-entire unanimity.
Mr. IL B.,Fry, a licentiate :under the care of
the_, Presbytery of Cincinnati, was received under
the care of this Presbytery. A call from the
chtirch of Lima, to brother Fry, to become their
pastor, was presented to .Presbytery, and, being
fond in order; wag - placed in. his hands; and he
sicrnified , his•acceptance of,it.
The church of Kenton obtaincd,leave to secure
their own supplies nail - the next' stated meeting
of Presbytery. This church: Was supplied during
a part of the Summer and Fall by the Rev. John
Wiseman. It is now rendered Vacant' by this
hrothefliaving accepted an invitation from the
church of Greenfield.. Kenton : presents an im
portant and, interesting field of labor. Letters
- ef inquiry -can; be addressed :to Mr. Edward
The folluwing resolutions, presented by the
Committee' on Systematic Benevolence, were
adopted
Resolved, That, as a.Presbytery, we approve of
the hothin of Synod on the subject of Systematic
Benevolence :•; ;and we recommend to all our
churches to 'adopt the plan of Synod in raising
contribuliona in aid of the several Boards of our
Church. • ' '
Resolved, Thatit be enjoined upon all our min
isters and Sessions to use their best efforts to se
cute a contribution from their respective churches,
to each of the several objects of benevolence un
der the direction of the General Assembly, in the
order ree,ornmentled by Synod.
'Resolved, That it be the duty :of the Sessions
of all our churches, to, make a .report of their
thiti matter; at' each stated Meeting
of Presbytery. " ' •
The following supplies were appointed:
Pelphos.--Mr. Fry, last Sabbath in November.
Mr. Campbell, last. Sabbath in December. Mr.
Bleach, one Sabbath at , discretion.
Jilanchard.—Mr. Badeau, First Sabbath in No
vertiber.
The Presbytery resolved to hold au adjourned
meeting in Lima, on the third Wednesday, No
i-ember 19, at half-past two' o'clock P. M.
R. IL HuuLYmar i Stated Clerk.
Per the Presbyterian Banner and Ad'vacate
Supplies intha Presbytery of Washington.
'Church . :Union.—Mr David Hervey,
Third Sabbath in November.. Mr.. James Her
vey, First. Sabbath.,,in. Dedember. Mr. Lester,
Second Sabbath, in. December. Mr. David Her
vey, Third Sabbathin 'December.. Mr. M'Oarroll,
First. Sabbath in January.. Mr. David Hervey,
Third Sabbath, in January. Mr. Woods, .First
Sabbth•in February.' 'Mr. David Hervey, Third
S.abbath February. Mr. Eagleson, Third
Sabbath in March.; to administer the Lord's
Sup*r."
Churelt of Mount Prospect.—Mr. Stockton,
First Sabbath in January. Mr. Tackl, First Cab-
February: Mr. M'Carroll, First Sabbath
in March.
. Second Church of Wheeling.—Mr. Comingo,
FirSt Sabbath in "Noveinber: Mr. Wines, Third
Sabbath in November. Mr: Brownson, Fourth
Sabbath in November.. Mr. Eagleson, Fifth
Sabbath in-November. Mr. 'Stockton, First Sab-
December.' .•
Church of Mount • Picasout.— ' Mr. Pomeroy,
Third Sabbath in_December,; to administer tile
Lord's Supper. -
Church of. Wolf ;Run.--Mr. Fleming, First
Sabbath in November; to administer the Lord's
Supper. Mr. Lester, Third Sabbath in-No
vember.
Church of Pennsborough.—Mr., J. R. Duncan,
one Sabbath at discretion..
he church of. Bethel:wits granted leave to ob
tain supplies out of the bounds of Presbytery. r.