ALT,Isox s. LITTLH ti )AVID D.VKINNEY & CO., Editors and Proprietors. TEEMS IN ADVANCE: STNn SURSCRIPTIONS ........................................ LUBS.... ............. . ...... . .......................... 1.23 lit: C IOW:11 IN EtTIIEN. QP IRE CITIES For TWO DOLLARS, WE , will NMI by mail sevolity monbo t i al a t.,r ONltaitAn, thirty-throo liunibors, I,,t4tory'ROlialtir: TWB:4TY stil.:4CriberS nail upwardeoTin t Itorelly vutit kit. to 0 parer '40004 chargr. Itenvwo Is 111411111{ br prompt. a little Imfirre the 10%1 explit.iti . sort pity atoms by .ole Itololo. I,r by Pi rod all tettpro to DAVID APHIPINEV l'lttalmmh, Pa..: lilinutes of the Synod , off.,Ameghelly. .‘ LLEGITENY CITY, Sept. 27, 1860 The of Allegheny nfet,'ficOording toltd :effluent. in the First'lresbyterian ellurch, and o pened with a sermon-by. the Moderator, John F. M'Laren,D.l)., on Eph. iv: 11, 12. he gave. some, apostles ; and some; po,plicts ; and some, evangelists; and some, I.l,t.rrS and teacher's ; Ai 'the perfecting of the ;:lints, for the work of the ministry, for the o ,ii!lving of the body of Christ." After which synod was constituted with prayer. MEMBERS PRESENT. . PRE:Iin:TEAT OF ERIE, Miniatera, Elders. J. V. Reynolds, D.P., JameiMiller, S. J. M. Eaton, Thomas M'Cleiry l . John W. M'Cune, E. Pollowa.y,, David Grier, Samuel Gelbier, James M. Shields, Team, Eaton: W. M. Blackburn, John R. Findlay, Jnhn 1). Howey, A. C. Junkin, llaey Newell, . George Scott. PREBBYTEAY OW lIEAVER. B °hurt. Dilworth, D.D., Williunt Fruit,, Jolla W. Johnston, William M. Francis, Benj. C. Critchlow, Edwin Rtibingon, David Waggoner, Alexander. Ross, lienry Webber, James Nesbit, Robert Dickson, Charles Kountz, William T. 'McAdam, S.. M. Ross i David C. Reed, t Joseph Cunningham Elliot E. Swift. PRESBYTERY OF ALLEM-IEINY. John Coulter, John H. Christy, Loyal Young, D,D., (2) A. B. Jamieson, 11. B. Walker, John Xirkpatrielc, James Coulter, John C. Martin, W. U. Taylor, Ezekiel Miller, Alex. Cunningham, William Brown, Ephraim Ogden, James Blain, V. P. Kean, James Boyd, .. J. Y. Miller, Robert "Patterson, .1. F. lloyd, . Nathaniel Cooper; Pa vid Hall, . John T. Bell,. s:;initel Williams, J. 11. Coulter. rxr:SBYTEIRY Of AIXEGIIENT CITY. Nathaniel Todd, . James M. Burchfield David Elliott, D.D., James Gibson, Elisha P. Swift; D.D., Thomas Pollock; S. Plumer, D.D., George Baker, John F. McLaren, D.D., John H. Whistler, 'William Annan, M. S. Hawkins; Aaron Williams, D.D., Peter Eisenhour, Leland it. MoAboy,D,D.,. George Whitesel, Edward S. Blake, William Woods, Louis L. Conrad, John D. Stokes, James Allison, John Brown.. , John Brown, John Davis; David A. Cunningham, M. L. Waltman, John A. F.•Lanniti.'• MEMBERS ABSENT. • •‘• Presbytery of Brie—James W. Dickey, G. Olmstead, John R. Hamilton, Ira M. Condit.: Presbytery of Beaver—Robert Johnson; Atha:. lom M'Cready,:Wm. Nesbit, Thomas G, Scott.; Presbytery of Allegheny—john Munson,.Eben ezer Henry. Presbytery of Allegheny , City—Daniel E. Nevin; H. R. Wilson, D.D,, H. W. Guthrie, William E t McLaren. An election for Moderator,' resulted in the choice of Rev. Benjamin C. Critchlow. - It was resolved to spend au hour in devotional exercises in the Theological Seminary, on Satur day morning, at o'clock. Adjourned to meet' to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. Concluded with prayer. FRIDAY AIORNENG, 9 o'clock. Synod met, and spent the usual half houi in devotional exorcises. The Minutes of thee last session were read. wrn. F. Prnan.was..annointetL Tenroorarst_ Clerk, The illinutes of 'the lut ;...ta. r orrirrolstooro rend.' Rev. A. 0. Rockwell, Rev. Samuel Fulton; +' or. S. C, Jennings, D.D., Rev. A. D. Campbell, )1.D., Rev. David W.Kinney, D.D., and Rev. Id. W. Jacobus, D.D., of the Synod of Pittsburgh; Rev, Wm. Fleming, of the Synod of Illinois'; Rev. M. A. Parkinson, of the Synod of Wheel- ing i and Rev. A. M. Bryan, D.D., of the Cum berland Presbyterian Church, being present, were invited to sit as Corresponding Members. The Moderator announced the following Com mittees : OS BILLS AND °WARTIME& —liliPitterB--.JOhn F, McLaren, M. Blackburn, David Waggoner,David Hall. Melva—Samuel Geib ner, Charls Kountz - , James Boyd, ,Ju DIV lAL COMMITTt c—Ministers—ltobert B. Walker, James M. Shields, David A. Cunning ham, Henry Webber. _Eiders—Alexander Boss, Robert, Patterson,, M, Z. Hawkins. I NOORDS OF TUE PREBBYTDRY OF F I RIE. iste s—jtobert Dilworth, D. D., J. H. Boyd. Ettier--James Blain. . . RECORDS OF TIRE PRESBYTERY OFBEAVER. ''lliniaters—William Annan, John 11. Findlay Eidit—lsacto Eaton.. • - „ RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ALLEUENP. —Minis/era—Robert Dickson, M. L. WorFman. Elder—James Gibson. RECORDS. OF . T i HE ,PRESBYTERY OP ALLEGHENY CITY.--4rinide7B—Ephraim Ogden, David Grier. Elder—Joseph Cunningham. Orr DFIVOTIONAL .EXEBOIS ES .---.MiNidierB—E• P. Swift, D.D., William S. Plumer, D.D. ElderL— AmeA M. Burchfield. AILILATIVE OF THE• STATE OF RELIGION.--Min bitera—Willinan F. Rean, John W. IWCune. Elder—S. M. Ross. • ' .BY.NOD MAL D LSOOURSE.--.MiNiNtersDavid Bk. lot t, D. D. , John Conker. Eider—John D. Stokes. N[INUT ES OF TIrE GEN ERMA ASSEMB LY.—Minis-' ters—Leland R. Meilboy, D. D., J. V. Miller, Pider—B. Holloway. ltnasoNs pt. ABSENCE FROM PREVIOUS 11:TBET INO8 or SYNOD.—NiniSterd—David C. Reed, JaS, Coulter, J. it. Coulter. EN/a-a—James Bake; John C. Bell, 'LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM' TIIIB G.• Taylor, John W. Johnston, John D. Hosvey. Elders—William M. Francis, William BroWn. Statistical Reports were called for, read;. and placed in the hands of the Stated Clerk. ''he Committee on Devotional Exercises pre sented their report, which was accepted. The; Committee would report - in part as follows: • That the religious exercises of this afternoon con list of prayer, praise, exhortation, and the reading , - of the Narrative ; the same to be under the direc tion of the Moderator. 'That for the administration of the Lord's Sup per, at 3 o'clock M. on the approaching Sab bath, the,following appointments be made: Rev. R,, B. 'Walker to preach the preparatory sermon, on Saturday, at 3 o'clock P. M. The Moderator preach the action sermon, on Sabbath morning. ' • Rev, 3. V. Reynolds, D.D„ Rev. David Wag goner, and Rev. W. F. Kean, adniinister the ordinance. The Rev, D, 'C. Reed to pretichat.7f o'clock on . Sabbath evening. For the Central' church (Dr. Pliiiner's)-Rev: ' E. E. Swift to preach in the morning, and,Rev. W. M. Blackburn at 3 o'clock P. M. For the Second church, Pittsburgb= 2 -ilev. Jelin F. McLaren, D.D., to preach in the morning,:and Rev. E, E. Swift in t:.e evening. • For Lawrenceville—Rev. E. Ogden to `preach in the •morning, and Rev. D. Waggoner in the evening. For the First church, Pittsburgh—Rev. S. J M. Eaten to preach on Fridny evening, Rev.i R. C. Ceitohlow on Saturday afternoon, and Rev. W, M. Blackburn on Sabbath evening, For the -Fourth Presbyterian church, Pitts burgh—Rev. r J. R. Findlay to preach in the morning, and Rev. D.. Ball in the evening. Cumb jrland Presbyterian church, Pittsburgh— Rev. .1. 11. Findlay to-preach in the evening. Presbyterian church of Manchester—Rev. D. Hall to preach in the Morning, and ReV. Samuel Williams in the evening. • A' collection of twenty-fivecents was taken up from each member of Synod, to. replenish the Contingent Fund. A paper was presented from the Synod of Bal timore, in regard to Government Chaplaincies, which was referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures. Presbyterial Records were presented and placed in the hands of Committees for examination. Synod then proceeded to appoint the li - face and hour of its next meeting.., It was - repolired 'to ~ meet in the Presbyterian ohnrch of - ger/castle, at 7 o'clock P. M. P 00P. , ...: ~ ,,t 1, 6 1111., , , ,1 PPW, P 1e 1.1%7.^P5", A . ". 10' ,t' ~...,0401.., 1 , 4 PP., ~ ,. ., . ., . .../1 P.,..,.....,-,,,,m0n,, , ,,,, , 10rrp0wv,,,, ,• P •,.. , qmowtwep.}l,,,,, ..- r• , MON"' - ..... : 4, ..*, ,,, .. , ... , ..W.Mr . U .0-200,0140004.0"* " ."W#14#4108"/"P" 9 ' 'l. ' • _ , • ~ . r . ' 1 2: / . -- )01 -r• • ' "` 1 . - q :ii : 1,, ... I I I ° , q - . , lb ' ;I' .; { j .',' Ii A .......„ . . ~ .. 1, ir. r .11. yl ,i . ~. -, t • , , , . . .. . . ~hNls w:r~rl'A*daN Mlh:.-:ry VOL. IL NO. 4. Rev. W. T. McAdam, appointed .to preach the Synodical sermon, having been excused from that duty, on motion, flev. James . M.,Shields, Ives ap pointed to'preabh this evening. Adjourned 4.6 'meet at 2 o'clock. Concluded with 'prayer. „ • • FRIDAY ArrtrixooN, 2 o'cLoott. • , Synod mot and•was opened with prayer. The Synodical Board of Colportago presented their. Annual Report.. Synod then heard Rev. Dl'liinn on behalf of the Board. Where upon the . ey . e Report of tho'BOard of Coliortage was 'committed to'Rev. Win: Annan, and Elders Wm. Frdit.andllrm. Dr. Frances. • • The Committee appointed by the last-meeting of Oriod, on the mutter, of securing n Rsceiying Agent for the benevolent funds fa, the, Syriod, who would be willing to serve the,Qhurch without 'compensation, l'eporteth 1 The report 'iras• aceepied, ' and a Committee consisting - of Rev. Dm NcAboy, Rev; Wm. Annan, .and J: Burchfield; was . appointed to confer with the Boards in regard to the same matter., The hour r having arrived, Synod. sp'ent an Hour and a half in devotional exercises, including the reading of the Narrative. ' The report of the Committee on the HarratiVe was then accepted, adopted, and is as .follows "And Some days'after, Paul said Unto Barna has,, Let us go again and visit, the brethren in every city where we have_ preached the Word of the Lord; amine how they doi" To Christians no inquiry can be more full of interest than that which relates to the progress of the kin,gdom of God: Every 'time they go, each into his closet, every time they meet, two or three together, for social worship,. every time they assemble in great congregations on the Lord's day, their prayer to God is, ""Thy king dom come !". For the final universal prevalence of this'kingdom, the world stands. Though they think not so, nor intend so, buthave regard only to the selfish ends of the lust after worldly glory and power,. the, Christian knows that the rulers, the kings, the counsellors of this'WOrld, are working'to bring to piss the counsel of Him who has said: ," Yet have I set my. King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree '—the Lord hath said unto , me, 'Thou art my Son, this day. have I begotten, thee. Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utterniest• parts of the earth for thy pos session.'" The :Christian believes in, God, and believes God.. He sees God everywhere, and in tar things. `-He bees him in 'the history of nations —which history is all written beforehand the book of his purposes. He sees God working in the revolutions of 'which the - wrath of men and the rage of oppressed people are ,the, visible, in strumental' Causes'. He sees' that it is for the sake of the kingdom of God,•onet nation is cast down and another is set up, and by him whowill overturn and+overturn, until he whose right 9t is shall i reign, confessed Lord of lords, and King of kings, he knows that all things ,are for the Church, and the Church' is 'for - God, and the Lord's'Ohrist, Having this faith, it cannotbe otherwise than that' the; Christian will eagerly desire, 'and seek information Concerning the state and progress, and prospect, of the churches. He will rejoice in prosperity, and weep - for her afflictions. He will look,' too, With the curious and earnest, eye of it Christian philosopher to see the way it is making, the wonderful working in the renewal and sanctification of souls, in ;the accompliehing of, what all human wisdom andieffort have , ,failed to do—viz.: the description and the cure of the hurt-of humanity, of that Gospel which,'" to the, Jew a stumbling-block, and lo the.' Greek, foolishness," God has put forth as "hie power andhis 'wisdom Unto' salvation. " The,great ; instrumentality. for. the. edification and increase of the Church, is the preaching of the Word. Besides this are other various means of grace—such as thelSabbath, , iirayeri benevo lent offerings, the sacraments,, religious instruc tion in the' family,ln" Sabbath Schools, and Bible Classes, , The 'eviderfeeS of theprosperity of the,Church are.found in the faithful ;administra tion of the means of grace, and in the ahopnd ing 'of , tho lir; he't ChriFit ts,....tfueethe-r-veithatua_tur.a.4 , - -e—koners fig& the Lord. For such_ things, then, the Chris , tian; desiring to learn the condition- of the Church; wiLlook. He look to see' if the seeds of the Word are sown, and with what re sult—if the means of grace are employed,' `and with what effect—inrregard to the Church itself and the influence made upon, the world. , If Was for the sake of obgerying the Triiitg of the Word preached, in' this' effects manifested after certain days, in the .places wherein 'they had labored, and upon those whO had professed receilt it by faith, that the.ayiostle Paul proposed to l3arnabas to visit, again, together, the cities in which Churches had been planted. We accom plish the'saine end by 'a . different means. '' As sembling tegether,from-all parts ot a certain ,re gion in Presbyteries, not. the least interesting and imptiftant of the 'objects had in view; is to. listen. to the information which • each one brings and imparts concerning the state of religion in the' chdellea. For the sake of getting this, information; instead of •travelling:forth to , many, and distant .places, we journey to one place from many, rinds Wide [Launder. ' What is communicated by particular'. churches to their Presbyteries, is by them collected and compared, and theirvork is brought here, where their several reports are fn turn 'collected and compar6d. Thus we hitie a somewhat, accurate knowledge of the state of religion throughout our entire field. 'What is thus collected is again sent back to the churches for the information and - edification of all, and to provoke to emulation and excite to more earnest, fervent prayer; and to giving more 'diligenCe to abound in good works. , • • Li this paper we lay before the churches the prinoipal theta gathered, touching the State of piety within:our bounds during. the past year. For convenience we may consider the whole subject' under'seieral partiettlir heada. 1. We-will notice what is repprted concerning the use of, and attendance ,upon, the outward means of grace ' liiregard-to this topic, the reports are .alinost uniformly of a cheering, character—so far, at least, as relates to the 'public worship 'of God upon the LortVe das. The Gospel has, for the most part, been regularly and faithfully preached from our pulpits. Moreover, it is made a gen eral 'cause for rejoicing, that increasing numbers are disposed to be present where the Word is, ad ministered, apd give respectful attention to the services of the sanctuary. It 'is true , that this %apt,: ;standing ,by itself, may -consist with the absence, in a great measure, of the converting and sanctifying 'energies- of 'the 'Holy Spirit: Many may hearthe Word, influenced by various motives, besides that of ." hungering and thirst ing aftovrightebiiStiess ' " - and "the Word prOach etbnot.prcifit therm not being mixed: with faith im them that hear." tF . yst r it is always, good„ cause, for joy wheal many, by whtitscie,ver motives iii ilueneed;lasserdble . to hear the Gospel.: Being present, though with neither the expectation nor desire to get gobtl, they are in the way of being benefited. - Faith. cometh 'by hearing; ,and hearing by the Word%of, God.” " Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be Saved. , But hOW shall thercall on 'Him• of whom they have not, heard ?" • , It g' encouraging to learn that prayer-meetings are'held in most of our congregations, and that their importance is, in. some .good , measure, apr , predated as powerfully affecting the state of piety in' a 'Church, of whiCh it la also 'a sure in dex. To. learn the amount of spirituality, .of genuine, warm-hearted, nctive love for Christ and his cause, and of for the' salvation.. 'of souls, we may,- with perhalls more !probability of aiming, atsafe results, look into the-place, • at the appointed hour, of social prayer, `than into the, sanctuary ion the Sabbath. For while vari-. 1 gas pauses may induce attendance in, the latter, usually attendance at the former is secured by a senhd'Of duty; together with a love for God rand hie people,and a desire for the prosperity, of the Church, which will not suffer unnecessary ab sence, "and which inspire . a longing wish' to be there. !Phoprayer4neeting- is .the pulse. -of the Church. And we are not in. much danger of erriag as go`the judgment we forrn,''by an exami nation of it; ! concorning the amount. of -real, efficient, believing, -working power in the Church. We cannot too earnestly' rge upon the churches to remember .the injunction, " Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.", ' Sabbath School and 13ilile Claes instruction has not been negleted.- c . A.t leastlthe mival, we hope an increase of interest,„has ! been manifested,in this important department of .effort. 'lt - is stated inihe report of 'die - Presbytery. . . we trust it might have been truly stated in all— that the duty on the part of parents to consecrate their children to God in the use of the sacrament of baptism, has been regarded more carefully than during some former years. 2. In regard to the inward life' of ChriSt. in - tbe Church' , a 9 witnessed . in the walle.and conyersa tion.of Christians, we, have to report that, com paratively few churches send us such intelligenee ad filled the' hetirts -of all'-iirho love- -thel , Lofd Jes,uS , Christ, with exceeding,glathtestWoy,ears ago especially—when we were told of the wort , aortal - Working of God in adeirdi tPth 1 1)iityler` °fa Ws pe9p14.1 kstiO4i, alert; reyive !! PITTSKRGT - L. , SATURPIV:',. I -OCl' U. .1 3,186 a When one after another stood up with. " mouth filled with 'laughter, and tongue with singing totsay "The Lord bath done great, things tot us whereof we are glad." Thett ,with tears, of joy, one after another arose to of the "stately steppings Of the lord in the sanctuary;" '4 , the love of ,Christians, and. of the tretittent inquiry of sinners, "What must we ,do to be saved?" and of the "Ways of Zion v filled with Many hastening to her solemn festivals.. New, though a few tell Us cheering news, yet not many report unusuallytin' interest : ln the things - Of religion. Nevertheless, the general tone of vital godliness is represented its above that which, ex isted, prior to the '" great' tiivakeriing." 'On the contrary, 'it is made matter 'or hunibling 'confes sion, that. irtmot. atew churches 'there is a state of lamentable worldliness on the . part, of many Christians. There is too ,much,,ground . for fear that the , spirit of the World—so inconsistent with 'the 'pi bgenee and manifestation of ' the Spirit' of , Chriit; so ''Oeadening in its' influence upon holy ,n,ffeetion; so , antagonistio to the; in dwelliog iof , the Holy •Spirithas entered largely ,among, and been cherished, instead; of resisted, by .numbers of 'those who profess .that, ; by, the Cross of `Christ "they haVe been crucified .unto the world; and , the' world has been crucified: unto them." By - too many it seems to have 'beentor gotten that the sure Word ,of Trophecy ;has de elared,, ",For all that is in ,the world—thettist of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and 'the pride of life=-is not of the pither','but is of the,world;" and On this . declaratiOri'lles fonntied the exhorts don; .1 0 Love .not the world neither the .things that areib the World." They, seem! to lave for gotten, that their Master, earnestly, and affec tionatly, and tenderly, interested in their wel fare, and regarding his own honor, prayslit 'their behalf- that "they- may ;be kept froth the that is-in the , world,' seeing. " they are note of the world, even—as I am not of the , world." They, have forgotten that an apostle has written " Whosoever wilt be a friend' of the world, is the enemy of God," and'that'anotheriOstle has et them, "Be not confortned to this World." They have forgotten , that the . world crucified their Lord, aud ,still hates ihim with a murderous hatred. This spirit shows itself in a variety , of ways In some, it is la spirit of 'coVetodMiess:',,' hasting to become 'rich, ' fall l into and a snare,. and into many , foolislt , 'and' hurtful lusts which drown Men : in.destruction-and perdi tion." There are, even in the outward fellow- ship'of the Onirch; some who appear to putniore ", trust fiLuneertain rioke§," than theliTing God," and who are' ledle overlook die far greater impertance of: being , " ridli in good Works, ' , than in worldly pos,sessiqis. In others, the, spirit of the world reveals itself as a spirit' of pleasure-seeking. 'Many pierefaie, who in this respect , are so 'closely -conformed to' this world that none would suspect ta, e La „tp be dead unto it. They mingle, ,as if alive, among the living in riiltitni to it,. in those- anintienients" upon, which the world has seized,, and,rwhich it has appropriated for the nanifestation of its own spirit—such' iii the ditnee; theltheatre; the oterS; and the card table., 'They ; indulge freely :in the extravagances and vanity _or its fashions keep : the foremost in de+otiOn and showing a reluctance to give up thetworld to themorldly,themselves satisfied with CArist and ccbiteilfed With 'his love. ' There are' matey' Who do not give evidence in.their,lives; of choosing rather affliction - with the people of god, plan to 'enjoy the pleasures of ein'for a season." It is a deplorable fact that over many, -the influence:of the love, of ,the worlti, is : so strong that, the ;prayer meeting will , fersaken for the party of pleas ure,- or at the solicitation of worldly coMpanione: There are,some again, in whom, the ; spirit of the' world manifests itself in missure, and bitterness, and intolerance' of 'political,' partiian 3 zeal, that is inconsistent with. their, profession; that they belong to a kingdom not of:this world, and that they acknowledge 'for their Rin'elliin who; as born.and , came into this world, that might 'bear witness, to the truth." ;While .he Christian has a right, and - While it iney be his duty talexercise his right--ta.perfortn the priv ileges of a citizen—he cannot, vvitliout,danger to, his own character ai a . .. Christian without suffer ing, , in'regard:to'his spiritual :state; :and withbut injury to the cause of Christ, give himself up to' those violent passions which are too apt to mark our political-conffictsptand-to - o-blind - the - eyes of c,opscience, to..the r . importance ,of .seakin: to t o , Ili o avoid bearing false"svitn'ess against any. We ust refrain .from saying more on,; this subject'of , worldliness of mind: "'But we 'cannot leave it , without , earnestly' reminding all Miembers of our churches, that the world must.be,esteemed tin enemy; and as such; must be subdUed, put, under' his leet; by every one who .shill , be 'count— ed worthy to belong to the kingdom of God.. "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world!' and' this is 'the victory that 'oirereoniethi the world, -even- our,faith." . One, thing more, demands our attention while speaking of the causes that exist for lamentation,' and.of matters that call for humiliation lof The Narrative presented one. of .our,.P,resbyT teries, makes mention of a fact, which we appre hend is by-no'nfeatts.true as , to that Presbytery alone, but might be safely . affirmed as .obtaining quite generally. We refer to the ,mant,. or ab sencennd neglect of suitable and- careful ,paren-. tal diligence, and faithfulness in watching 'and discipline.... One ef the most. disheartening signs of this. ,time—one that Areatens disastrous things to society, State, and.Churoh—is the man ifest lack of restraint:ever the' young.:. Disobe-. dience toward parent,. contempt: of parental authority, .want of respect-toward superiors in age and. - wisdom,, scorn of the counsel..and-.in7 struction of the-experienced, .rudeness .and garity of speech and behaviour, are fearfully common among our youth. Of the,young of the male se's; too many receive theireducatlon away from home—on, the; streets, and about, the: haunts of vice. They learn to lespise learning, to grow up in ignorance, of Which they boastrand to glory in-their-shame.. They 'are the .annoyance and.dread of a community,_ and are preparing Co becoine its useless, its vicions, ifs criminarmeifit hers.: Among them. the ornamentslof modesty , and reverence are becoming more and more rare. We hope theseetateinents do not apply to all lo calities:. Yet' everywhere there:is a tendency to' degeneracy, from what.prevailed in former, times.. The evil begins with the • Ibesening of parental eard, l and' prayer 'and Iselicitude, 'Parents tine teachere.show a, disposition to think themselves wiser than. Soltnnon, and to look with diefavor upon the old pcitlie'tiedden bY thetralkticA elnd' great,.but : reckoned. to have ; een tnot np to, the: progress of the present age. 'The :fathers ,ancl mothers are 'looked' back upon tig well-meaning, t i but mistaken in their' notions, and..quite too; strict in their views. Children, of Christian parents are too Ere , quently bring& uplir theCifurel.' They are' denieti,their rightsrartd privileges to be takenan their infancy to the house of God. and made to ha t ve their e'arliesereitiembranceS aisoailifedwith its. glad hied solemn worship, 'and. with the eon-, greettions, of the saints. Parents and others, and 'Oren tee litany past'o'rs;' fear to 'suffer 'annoy anbe from: that source,c,and - fhence children. are , too apt to be banished from the house of their heavenly Father; and not to `be pr'esented before tha Lord, during their early years, dit' the sane, Wary, and in after life do not remember it as the familiar home of their infariey. We" cannot' help believing these are' great cind eryingi evils,.that for. "reform and .re dress. We would earnestly ask, attention ; to them of parents, pastors, and all havih charge of'the young.' 'A radical change? is loudly . de manded. Though, the, spirit of the age is to decrY tire poet, yet in regard to many things-4n' regard itcr the while matter :'of ~religious truth--' safety is in the good old ,pallts, aftexywhielt winild wellto inquire and get into them. In Al inatteriin Which viehave the counsel of:God; we' cannot get beyond it nor forsake it, under the, pre,- tense of discovery and progress, without falling into fatal mistakes. 8. Finally; and very briefly, we; notice • the state of morals outside the church within, our bounde, and the effect of the means of grace upon 'the. World, in restraining from vice. And' on this point we may shortly remark the mate of things is by no means cheering or encourag ing. Intemperanee, soine Places dicniniahed, in others has become, more shameless and abound ing. Sabbath desecration has come in, on some coinmunitied, 'like a 'flood;'though in others there has been improvement' in this respect:' Profanity,' licentiousness, lawlessness, &c., pre vail to alimehtable extent. Demoralising liter ature, the, prcipagation;'hy zealous cbampions, of heresies, such - as Universalist:a, Socinianisni, Spiritualism, Infidelity, in-refined Anti gross. forms„have,tended to deaden- the; consciences of multitudes, to break down the 'restraints against the indulgence' 'Of' passion and , appetite,. and : to lead to the practice of ungodliness. We have thuS presented some facts, on the one hand,' of an. encouraging- and sheering; on-the other, of a dark ,and. unprontising nature.- ',The former call us to praise, God, who has not left us without testimony' that 'he is faithful `vrhe has promised tolaelwith his.People, , and in answer to their prayers, to give success to the preaching of his Word, to accompany' it with the regehertiting, enlightening and sanctifying gifts and influences. of the Holy SpirAt,ta edifythis . ,Ohtir,ch, - to save sinners,' to .comfort them that, mpurn, to, T give gistee =Ltd !fhb! lekilyt a The Utter 4iili:ation iN faatingriconftiptkipg nor,ainsi—tcs krl, • • , , ..: prayer and supplication, with eatchfulneis. In view of the causes given -v.o 4 fti'r rejbicing, we would exclaim : "Bless . the', F , rd, 0 our, souls, and all that is within us,'l:d s his holy name. Blesa the'Lord, 0 Our souls,' sa foiletnot, all his , benefits ' ,Iwho forgiveth a yolir iniquities,: who healeth allyour diseases ' 4 ,. "The Lord is, merciful and 'gracious, slow' t , rtger; and' 'flee.- t eousim m ercy. He bat h not de *with us after our . sins, nor rewarded:us accordi. 4 our iniquities,. Far as the heaven is high ab e ifie earth,' so great'ls his mercy toward they' that-fear him.' we ; view of the causes we ha for humiliation,. We would' be reminded of the ey.tci ieperit, and, to '" strengthen the things th iabiain-that= are' ready to ,perish." We would e lort one another, L , as we are exhorted by our 'Alas* "Be faithful," . 'tGiie all 'diligence - to make' . 'fir calling and election,sure." "Watch and' ;!..y.," "Quench; not, 11Q the Spirit." "Grieve, ' tb.e. Holy Spirif, Ittli . eby Ye'rire sealed unto t ploy of redemp:' tioml 1:t. , . ,-14 i Brethren,. "it is high time4iLawake out of sleep." " Work while it ' de'*l"fe, 0- , - cometh when no man can together with God." Work tiot; 'work' for the prospi work for the. conversion work for the glory of God, the Mitstef—for to these you: may work, you are sop and brought into. the Chin bear much fruit to the glOl rire ingrafted•into Christ. as if lour own salvation,, pended on your working ak nieitiber - that - "Paul may' but, pod only, can give the out Christ you can do :" *orketh'itfus `good !pleasure."" ' 'Therefor 'work. " Pray always.." ing::" ' The thUrch is yet enemies to its: prosperity. t _ .-__. ~,,, ..-- cessingly diligent. They 14 be met with dili- : , g'env, energy, persevering pryer. "Wherefore,: take unto you the whole, ann.& of 'God, that yet may, be able to withstand, in theevil ,day,' and having done all, to Stand:" TbUs; though while . ' this present world 'shall endttretwe"toannot hope forTreedomfromgroundaScr b*miliation in many., respects„ yet we may corefidently look for the ' abounding &ger . them `of, CanieVfor gratititdo-and;' praise to qoct, and for . mutual,Ongratulation and , rejoicing, when we come tog ,her, and havb to tell' and - hear .and report 'be'Le '''`the churches f j that Godis with us. The Committee on the appointment of a preach- • er and subject for the next meeting of, Synod,„ presented the folio - lying . Report, .which was me cepted and: adOtedi Resated,'Ttiat the practice, of malting 'stated appointments :for the. , deliver) , of ',sermons, ,, on'; special subjeets . _a f t. each :meting. ~or Synod, be dikonarmed, and that the pa torsSeasiOna . of the churches.. in ,which thdiSYnod , shall meet:. , hereafter, be requested; to mat.: arrangements to.. have' as cinch Imeething of a devotional and' Ileac character; • as shall .be Minsistent-witli•the ) proper discharge of, the other. duties of Synod: Synod' then took a.eeess - - - ,:antil the hour of public worship, this evening. 'EVENING, 7} o'cLocn. , 'Synod andhetiM a sernth fiern Rev. Jas: Shields, ion' Heb. xi: 6- 4 Snt without'-faith t is impossible to.pleasethim.':!,:.3 . ' . The, Committee O% -the: i Western; Theological_-- Seminary presented the folloTing Iteportovhich was accepted : . -, ..„ , .. 'Your Conanittee would call the attention of Synod tcothe following Facts: I ' ol ..,:! • ! 7 7 : .' ' 1. i The.,conddence of the churphes in this Insti-2, tution, as one well adapted to i prepaien learned,„ popular,. and godly•Minietry. — 2. , The ,marked blessing. 434 the Head, of the! Church, in so rapidly increasing,its students with- . r in theSix - Years now' Past; 'rising from liffy=fonr: to one hundred and forty. . t t; / ( // , • .. ~ . : .• ' ,3. The recorded pledge of is Synod in con- , nekien: with the Synods of Virketlirg,' PietsbUrgh,. and Ohio, to .raisel 424000 los ardl the , exidow.- ment of the-Fourth Professo9 'p.,„ . , • , , • '4. The . Obligation to redeemt e - pledge affirmed ta i by this Synbd in 1850:-'z ii - . !-:=,; ... .: .:._ 5.- -Tho..frict;:firat- -- of;ther , K.,,r - ,4esarned - ;byr, enalrnyu'''Syidio s, or ---- Z''S;l'W,sol'. have been e - on-: tribitted by the Churches. .''' 6. That.of,,the ,$*,596,, the proportion. of .0.4! Synod, less than $l,OOO have been, as yet, eon-, tributed by the`Churehea. ' ' ' " 'n' • ' In view, of these facts, your / Committee would submit for the consideration of Synod, the fol lowing resolutions :—.: " I '' -' - ' - .Resolved; That,we exPress our.anahafedtconfi- dome in this Seminary, and our deep Bonne, of the obligation resting on the churches ' amply to endow and, cordially to sustain it. -, . 0 . • i• Resolved, That in view of the blessing , .of ,i)od on the labors 'of the husbandman;•aridtX6'gener.: ab prosperity of our country; Synodmeoommendt the Presbyteries to ,press this endow,mmit entprz, prise to a speedy 'termination. • • ' Resolved, That the• last Sabbath:of February. -being the day, of preyer ,for Colleges - -be re conimend4d to the churchei es an . appropriate' time for making contributions' to , this:Object. , Resolved,.-Tho„t, inasmuch , es , the presence , of, the Holy Spirit alone can make any-Institution a blessing to 'the•• Church, we earnestly commend thisfour ,Seminary, its •Professqrs- and :students, to the fervent prayers of the people of God with in. our bounds.' . .." • • • ' Resolved, That • we. ; call the -1 attention •of the olturches to that invariable accompaniment of true prayer; 'prompt and *geneiliil in,first establishing-on a lbroad l bisis,•and• then, sustaining, an Institution in . 7hose effairs the . good -hand 'of our God has been so signally displayed :in the days past as f well the ,time• present, . 403jaarne4,to meet nt.the ; Weatern Theologica Seminary to-morrow, morning, at 9 o'clock Cainolnded with prayer. ' .) • SkriTIMAY MORNING, 9 o'cLoci. . . ii i kitoirnadVit tli9 Western Theolotiant.Seidna iyistild was opgned'iirith oisydr hair and altaiit were; sient in praifii interspersed with remarks Iby -Dr. Toungr-Riv.. John Coulter,,snd Wm... M. Fratioes, ; elder. , ter these exercises, Synod repaired to the usuak phice of Meeting, and reeatineq. its regular busi ndia. • - - . Thb dlitenseiori the'Seport of 'the Comrdit- tee on the TheologioatiSenditiry, was taken up,' lifter4olo ll .oo rePortofaktoluanimously; adopted. • T1,1e7.p0 . ep.Oke Wl,iuutee of the General Aseiyinbli pieeentea thel'ollowing Report which was adopted': The doings an'd sayings of the highest Court, of , the ()habit, 'should ttlerapr" l be•oligeftdlf weighed and considered by the , lower:':- come to us clothed with the sanction and author ity .Of the • Church ; they set•'forth' the 'artier cure for existing ,evils,•which.lie in .the° way of progress. .The Assembly; on page s tEcommeneto the‘churclies•to.observe the Sectind week in Jtitn-'• , • ttlp7, commencing•on. M on day, a.S a seasons of spe cial prayer for the'outt)ouring of die Holy on all:flesh. • • • The Assembly, cm, the semo.page, Make a delivre eranco.in answer to an overture on "Dancing . and Stage-Plays„" which is worthy of ;lir' subs.- tien, in view of the growing, evils. • • They say: " That whilst we regard •the prao• tine of pi>iniiaeuons sbcial dancing, by ineinkieis ora t hOCktu.cti, •aslalMouinful inconsistency,;and; the giving of parties for such son the part of the hits& of Christian suer as tend-' ing;to : ciomprothise their religions•profession; and: , .. the sending of children by Christian parents to the dancing school, as a sad error in family dis ciplincslyct; we `think that the , Session !of each church ,is fully competent to .decide when disci- ' plinb is necessary, and the extent to which it should be adminisiered." • • • In the matter of Foreign Alissions the Assem-; bly say, page 22, "tha t it is incumbent on . qq,-- the churches to - iiid . ,` by their contributio ns" - And the, Ass,erubly would call on all the churok-i es to, join their brethren in making known the. only Inviol:Li to the perishin.rmUltitudee." ,In the mattbr of. Domestic b Missions,:!(see page' 24,) It The Assembly observe, with profound sor row' and grief, the large number of cbur‘clies that do no share in this service of Christ." ' 3 ,In the matter of Education , (page 25,) " They; earnestly urge all our Presbyteries and Conimit toes ad interim,. to guard with a -becoming caution and a firm vigilance, the,door .to the holy minis try, so as not to admit to that sacred calling, men wanting in mental and•-moral qualifiCations for its high and holy ; functions.; I And further-, t more, as a means of excluding im oper persons, that this Assembly enjoin upon' . very' Presby teryTs which has :not so. done, to.:. Cont point a. Co.!: mitten whose duty it Shall,be to m ke careful in qdiry nett" tbeconduct and i'ogr s in study of all candidates:under its care, and . to make report,- to their Presbytery, at every stated meeting, or oftener; if Piesbyterial action is needed.," .Also; the last Thursday of IFebriary jet recoin-- meiided to; be *served t ae s day, of special Asypt , for childreh iind' s yStaili: t ipeiially those collected iniAeademiele;;Gollegos,.-and Seniimiries:. .' '' On MeitiutheAuMel9o4*ClLMO V;Cognikol • •-• Committee is changed to the "The Board of Church -Building." Also, Iteaolved i That it be earnestly urged-tip onthe Presbyteries to take such measures, either by . annual sermons or otherwise, as may induce amt. appreciation of the interests intrusted to this Committee, and bring it fully abreast of the other Boards of the. Church in the affections and benefibtions of the people. The Assemby, by a decided vote when the yeas and nays were ordered, decided—yeas 248, nays 69, exciteed'A—That 'it is' inetpedient ',ek; make any organic change, in the Domestic 13oai'd of Missiops. , 'Ott•PagO '49, in the matter of the Western The ological Seminary, 5; • - Resolped, That it is a matter of devout grati tide to God; that, he his so abundantlilavore,d. the Western Theological Seminary , during the last year, mercifully, ontipuing the hetilth and sparing the lives of Professors, and, students, filling' its hills with'pious'sttidiinis arid4romis ing, candidates fort ;the ministry, .and raising IV for it earnest and liberal 'friends, vvillipg , to sus , tian it in iis'tinte of need. ' ' Also,- Resolved; . the Assembly earnestly recommend to ; those ,immediately concerned in the manag,ement'of thelnstibition, the vigorous prosecution , endowment of the several funds necessary, fon* complete and permanent success. , . 3-e.ipag,e-85, the' Asieenibly , - earnestly call 'the attention-,,0f Pre,shyteries ; to the uece,ssity,-of Making full provision for such of our ministers, or the families of deceased- Ministers, as in t < Ir.v* f ence-of,, s od stand-In -need of the ''"SX• • ••••