o itice of Treasurer and Book-keeper to be com
bined—Superintendent of Colport age and of De
pository to be combined—Editor and Secretary to
be . 6 ombined—Solicitor to he ab o lished. Th us
the Board would save $4,800.
The annual statement should be more full and
definite. A question was made whether the
Board should not do all its own work. Commit
tee advise against it. No fault found with
prices.
The following statement of capital, business,
expenses, &c., was exhibited :
1.- , ,4
to do Co Co do co coco co OD co do 60 6 ,
c• ct
I•D^ -•
or.• •—• --I q t : ..71 - W •—• 0 00 a
t 0
. 50
0:10 4-1.:00
ar, OD
h7CY3 P.+ to aa. = wo., •
C 4 CA3 •••• 6 6 C::) . ca 5' `l
- co so op. c> •
ck 41-Va cac , aa a - =
a a a a. aaa co a a c
c> c> c> O C> oa P
CO Ott 00 s 1 GO 0 Ct., CGS
- c. 7.11
53
IX 044 C.+4 • , 1 CA . 4.0 :0..4 41 g
OQ 00 C.
.. 4 6 ,
03 - oo 1P .ti
ek. C 7,
01 - 03 " , 1 CCO . 4:= , tti ,
C' ^ OD —4 SO *6 CO tO C. 00 CC 0*
, 7 OOON 03 ts 3 00 CO 0 CO Co , CD Er.
T=IMIM
0-40-4 0 -4 e.o 0 0 01
CO a Co 0 Co 0 0097-'-4 C.
tO C C.O. CD lA. CD co
• * 'GO It
. 0 . 0 ... t.Z
t , D 0 - CC OCD t 4
OCMCDCO CO CO C/". CC OD OOD P.'o CO -2r
co 0 CO 0 11..4, 0 , 0 I. CM 0
•
:
t•oCtt Cri PPPP . P P 03. Cu
GIS 03 0.-+ 00 03 10, c.lO
07;:, mc. W CE Os
t..z I , * co
Ca ..1 cp. r- p pc'
ab 1772 2°-
t.O NO t.. 0 b. 7 0 kc> •-• 7 .1 90 -4 57 ,
"c 5 io co it. --- 00 a 4 t
• .
" Having before said that the average of prof
its on the entire capital was 6.8 per cent., we
now add that the average per cent. of profits on
the active capital as estimated is 11.9: the aver
age per cent. cost of salaries on average sales is
16.4: the average per cent. of total expenges
average sales is 21.3: and the average per cent.
of profits above expenses on average sales is
17.6 "
The Board is not to be considered as a mere
business concern. is to support the truth,
and circulate knoviledge. But the benevolent
portion of the enterprise is no reason for its
doing less business, but rather for its doing more
business.
The sphere of the Board might be enlarged.
The work should not, however, be transferred to
en individual ; nor should distant. Depositories
be established. But greater attention should he
given to . Sabbath School hooks. The Board
should now aim at no more additions to its cap
ital, beyond what may be incident to new books.
Books should be Pent- postage paid by mail, when
the retail price is advanced. Booksellers in
large cities are already, by advice of the Com
mittee, allowed contracts by which they can
afford - to sell again on terms as favorable as
those offered by the Board at its own rooms.
Sales of editions, and a system of exchanges
with other publishers are recommended.
Colportage is an important topic. The work
should be benevolent, missionary; not a mere
book agency. An . arrangement might be made,
to some extent, between this Board and the
Board of Domestic Missions. Too much has
been expended on agents. Let the work go on.
.The Home and Foreign Record belongs to all
the Boards. No change is recommended. It
costs the Boards about $1,700 over receipts.
The Sabbath School Visitor should be made ex
cellent, but not too expensive. It costs from
$5OO to $BOO a year over receipts.
The report was accepted, and referred to , the
Committee on the Board of Publication. The
thanks of the Assembly were tendered to' the
special Committee.
On motion, the unfinished business of the
morning., being the consideration of the case of
Dr. Breckinridge and others, was then taken up,
and the clerk proceeded with the call of the roll.
Dr. DFLAtiov wished some information. There
was a divided opinion as to whether this was a
call for a vote or for an expression of opinion
from the members.
The chair decided that, in accordance with the
rules, this call was to allow each member of the
Assembly to express his views of the case on
trial.
Rev. Mr. %mon proceeded into an argument
upon the subject, when he was called to order by
the Moderator, who stated that the arguments on
both aides were closed, end that. nothing but,
brief expressions of opinion were now admissa
hie. Mr. Rankin therefore resigned the floor,
simply remarking that "be was decidedly againtit
the Synod and for the complainants."
Rev.. Mr. LILLY could agree neither 'with the
Synod nor the complainants. He thought the
Book provided for two classes of persons ; first,
Church members who did not refuse to submit
to discipline; second, baptized personswho con
tributed to the expenses of the congregation.
and be did not know but that• the language of
the Book was intended to embrace in the first
class, persons who were members by birth and
baptism; for such were not disciplined by the
Session, and hence did not refuse to submit to
discipline. He would sustain the complainants
in part.
Adjourned with prayer.
FIFTH DAY—TUESDAY, May 26
Opened with prayer.
The minutes of yesterday were read and ap
proved.
The Committee of Bills and Overtures re
ported:
That it be recommended that all the churches
and ministers of the Presbyteries of Greenbrier
and Lexington, and other churches in West Vir
ginia South of the Pennsylvania line, be organ
ized into a new Presbytery by the name of West
Virginia, and attached to the Synod of Wheeling;
and that all churches and ministers in other
Southern Prehyteries in the limits of the rebel
lion which desire to change their relation, are
authorized to attach themselves to any acces
sible Presbytery which continues faithful to the
General Assembly. Adopted.
Merrusw NEWKIRK, Esq., of the Finance Com
mittee, reported : That they had examined the
Report of the Treasurer, and compared the state
ment of the accounts therein presented with the
books kept by him, as also the items of interest
received unon the several investments, and find
them correct. as stated. The amount received by
the Treasurer from all sources during the last
financial year, viz., from May Ist, 1862, to May
let, 1863, was $25,672.78 ; making, together
with $7,893.56, the balance in the hands of the
Treasurer from the lest year, the sum of $33,-
566.29, The expenditures during the year have
amounted to $18,517.82, leaving a balance in
the hands of the Treasurer, at the close of the
fiscal year, of $15,048.97.
The Report of the Treasurer embraces the fol
lowing statements :
1. Abstract of receipts and expenditures. 2.
Balance sheet of ledger. 3. The items which
compose the cash balance on hand. 4. State
ment of income derived from bonds and mort
gages. 5. Statement of permanent funds, show
ing a balance uninvested of $3,939.50. 6. Tab
ular statement of investments held by the
Assembly, amounting to $127,387.50. This
amount is all invested in first mortgage bonds,
except $2,000 in a Camden and Amboy railroad
bond, all of which is believed to be perfectly
safe and worth the full amount as above stated.
The Committee being limited by the General
Assembly to bonds and mortgages in making in
vestments, have found great difficulty in obtain
ing such securities, in consequence of the large
amount of capital now seeking first-class invest
ments.
The Committee would suggest that the General
Assembly should allow investments to be made
in such securities as Trustees, Executors and
Guardians are by law in the State of Pennsylva
nia permitted to invest in, which are, the publio
loans of the United States, the State of Pennsyl
vania, the city of Philadelphia, and in bonds
and mortgages. They also present the following
resolutions:
Resolved, That the Trustees of the General As
sembly are hereby further authorized to make
investments. in the publio loans of the United
States, the State of Pennsylvania, and the city of
Philadelphia, and in bonds and mortgages.
WITZREAS, The amount of matter now publish
ed in Abe Minutes of the Assembly has greatly
inareased the expense of the same; and the fall
ing off in t he collections for the contingent fund
leaves this account deficient $4OO, which indebt
edness it ie deeirable should be promptly can
therefore
Resolved, That the Assembly urge upon all the
Presbyteries the necessity of increasing the
amount of their annual collections for the pm
pose of discharging th-e said balance and meeting
the currant expenses.
The resolutions were adopted.
Rev. Dr. TVALLAcn appeared as a Delegate
from the U. P. Church. •
Dr. Yinve.s, front the Committee on the Board
of Education, reported. The report was accept
ed, and put on the Docket.
Dr. CIIEFTER, Secretary of the Board, ad
dressed the Assembly, urging the importance of
sustaining the Board. More ministers are need
ed—men well qualified—and he was happy to
testify to the increased attention on the part of
the Presbyteries to the obtaining ofsuitable men.
Rev. Dr. MAnow, Delegate from the Reformed
Dutch Church, addressed the Assembly. Forty
two years ago the General Synod of the Dutch
Church proposed to the General As.ssembly terms
of intercourse, which .were adopted According
to these, ministers and private members pass
from one Church to the other, on certificate of
membership, as freely as they would pass to dif
ferent particular organizatiouk in their own con
nexion. He also recounted briefly the history of
the Reformed Dutch Church, thanking the Pres
byterian Church for the many pastors and lead
ing men it had afforded them. He thanked God
too, and be could hear his personal testimony to
the great. worth and piety of the many members
of the Presbyterian Church; and that the ?rater
nal relations existing between the two Churches
were growing stronger. •
The Moderator expressed to the Delegate the
kind and cordial regards of the Assembly.
Rev. Dr. WALLACE, of the United Presbyterian
Church, took the stand and expressed his joy at
the friendly reciprocation of counsels and cour
tesies between the Churches. The United Pres
byterian Assembly embraced 60,000 communi
cants, in 7 Synods and 44 Presbyteries.
The Moderator expressed a hearty 'welcome to
the Delegate, and to the body he represented.
The wall between our brethren and us had been
too high to shake hands over; now that wall had
come down greatly. He took this as a premoni
tory symptom of its passing away.
Adjourned with prayer.
. AFTERNOON SESSION.
RIZ
Opened with prayer.
A report from the Committee appointed, last
pear, on the Rome and Foreign Record, was read. No
improvement suggested. The work is good, and
should be circulated. Good writers should con
tribute. It has never paid expenses. A modifi
cation was suggested: use smaller type—take
pamphlet size—this will give the same amount of
matter, and save press-work and paper. It.
might be done on about half the present expense.
Committed.
Dr. BEATTY reported the New Book of Diseip.
line.
Dr. CLARK said the Committee bad made the
work as perfect as was in their power. He pro
posed that, on questions of phraseology, no mem
ber should speak more than three minutes ; and
on a question of principle, not more than fifteen
minutes. The rule was adopted.
The First Chapter was adopted without amend
ment ; also the Second, also the. Third.
The Fourth Chapter was amended so as to re
store the old rule, that is, that no professional
counsel shall be admitted in cases of trial.
The Fifth Chapter was amended 60 as to ex
clude professional counsel, in cases of trial, and
adopted.
The Sixth Chapter was adopted without
amendment..
Concluded with prayer.
SIXTH DAY---WEDNEsaay, May 27
Ipened with prayer. Minutes of yesterday
were read anti approved.
The Committee of Bills and Overtures re
ported several items of business.
Judicial Committee have before them twelve
judicial cases; three had been reported; four
were now presented, all of which but one were
dismissed for informally, and that: one was put
on the docket, and made the third order for
Friday.
A report from the Committee of the last As
sembly, on Church Corporations, was read and
put on the docket. •
Domestic Missions
Rev. Dr. McFAEBEN, of the Committee on
Domestic Missions, reported', - urging that the
Domestic work was not duly appreciated. Wants
are great..
Rev. Dr. JANEWAY, Secretary of the Board,
addressed the House. The Board bad been un
der the necessity, owing to the debt previously
incurred, and to the small contributions from
the churches, to keep down the appropriations
to the missionaries to the low scale to which
they had been reduced in 1861. Dr. J. 'spoke of
the immigration from foreign lands, and of the
natural increase of our population, and hence
urged the need of a large increase of funds.
The Board needed, and could well appropriate
double the amount of last year's receipts.
Comparative as well as real Christianity, re
quired this. We ought not to permit other de
nominations to outstrip us in this work. The
front rank was our appropriate place.
Dr. .DELANCT urged the importance of the
cause. He wanted not only doubled contribu
tions, but a beneficence increased fourfold. .Dr.
D. spoke eloquently of the destitutions of the
South. Previously to the rebellion the wants
were vary great; but_ now, alas! how much
greater. And when we shall have conquered
the rebellion, what demands will there be, and
how urgent. Two distinct Protestant nations
cannot exist between the Lakes and the Gulf;
and the South being impoverished by the war,
we must send to them the Gospel. Four mil
lions of people, subjugated and wasted, will have
their claims.
Rev. A. SCOTT presented the wants of Califor
nia, as a missionary field. In the State there
are no vacancies. There is but one church with
out a pastor. Every man who goes there must
collect and organize a church for himself, and
there are people enough. Hundreds of places
are there, where churches can be gathered, if
the right men slould go. There are but six
missionaries in that large State. Large means
are needed to send out men to California ; but if
good men are stint, they will soon find a support
in the country. -
Rev. Mr. SPEER, of Minnesota, regarded that
part of the country as the sanitarium of the
North American Continent. Invalids hence flock
there. This increases the population who need
missionary aid. Minnesota alio is to be the
great wheat region of the country, and should
have the good seed of the Word.
Mn. Osmonn, of Penna., thought the Board
expended an under proportion of its funds in
the Eastern States.
Mk. GILTNER, of Nebraska City, saw and
knew the wants of the West. He had preached
to the earliest settlers, as the first missionary,
and rejoiced in his labor still. But- be wanted
many laborers. Our sons and daughters from
the East were the immigrants, and the church
and the minister should be there to receive them.
Many of the people of Nebraska are returned
emigrants from Salt Lake, and some of the most
active citizens and Christians are from that
class of people.
Mr. BENEDICT, living on the confines of Con-.
necticut, witnessed destitutions there. Mission
ary work was needed. , ' '
Dr. MORRISON (Moderator) thought that Pres
byteries should be more careful in recommend
ing churches for aid. He had found many
churches receiving aid, that ought to be ashamed
of ic. They , had abundant ability to sustain
their own minister. Much money was wasted
by appropriations to such churches. Presby
teries should withhold recommendations.
The report was adopted, the resolutions being
as follows:
Resolved, That the report of the Board be ap
proved and published in an abstract of the ap
pendix to the minutes.
Resolved, That the Assembly feel themselves
called upon to give thanks to God for having put
it into the hearts of his people to furnish the
Board with the means of liquidating the debtin
curred in former years, which amounted at the
commencement of the year which has now
closed, to something like $5.000 retaining in
the treasury a balance with which to commence
the operations of tha current year.
Resolved, That it. would have been still more
satisfactory. if this result could have been
achieved by increased contributions from the
churches, instead of continuing the reduction of
the scanty allowance to missionaries and avoid
ing new fields. We regret to learn from this re
port that instead of an increase there was a con
siderable falling off in the amount received from
the churches, ás compared with 'the •year pre
ceding. The Board acted wisely;;.* have no
doubt, in making the liquidation, of the ;debt an
object of primary concern ; but we can 'find no
apology for (Ile churches ivithholdingl year
of so much pecuniary prosperity, means
which ere needed for the vigoroiis IVOt*Oution
and extension of the work.
Resolved, That it be enjoined an all our Pres
byteries to investigate with great care the necPs
sides of churches applying for aid, and to refuse
to recommend to the Board' any but the really
necessitous. Let a careful watch also be pre
served ever those that. are receiving aid, and
PIESB VIERIAiN BAN N ER.---WEDNESDA Y, JUNE 3. 1 Bti 3.
every effort made to induce them to aim at self
sustentation. And we recommend to Presby
teries in all cases where churches receiving aid
appear to be making no progress in that direc
tion, to send a committee to inquiro into their
circumstances, and ascertain, it' possible, why
they are not advancing.
breotped. That the Assembly once more re
quest the missionaries of the Board to be prompt
in transmitting their annual reports to the Sec
retary as required, that the report of the Board
to the Assembly may show the results of the
year's labor. Also, that they give a new and
earnest attention to the duty of supplying full
and particular statements and narratives as to
the condition, wants, trials arid encouragements
or their several missionary fields, for publication
in the Home and Foreign Record.
Nominations were made to fill vacancies in the
Boards of Domestic Missions, Church Exten
sion, Education, Foreign Missions, and Publica
tion.
Adjourned with prayer
Opened with prayer.
Mr. T. H. NEVIN moved the appointment of a
Committee to have the United States flag raised
over the church. After a few remarks, a motion
was made to lay the motion of Mr. Nevin on the
table. The yeas and nays were called, and the
vote stood, for laying on the table, 90; against
laying on the table, 129; non liguit, 2., .Thedis
eussion was continued for some time, when it
was moved by Dr. J M. Lowrie, that the whole
subject be referred to a committee of seven.
Dr. BEATTY hoped a committee would be ap
pointed. Be did not doubt thtrloyalty of any
man in this house. He loved the flag. It float
ed over his house. His father had fought under
it, for the independence of the country. But he
did not wish it to be raised on a church.* That
was not its place. He claimed that the proposi
tion placed him and others in a false-position.
The previous question was called and carried,
and thb motion' of D'r. Lowrie was carried.
The unfinished business, viz., tbe New Book of
Discipline, was resumed.
The Committee on Correspondence reported a
resohlion desiring that the intercourse with the
Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church abide as
at present arranged. Adopted:
The Assembly spent a half hour in devotional
exercises.
Adjourned till 7- o'clock.
Opened with prayer
The Moderator announced the Committee of
seven, viz.:'Drs. J. M. Lowrie, Bumphrey,
Young, and Browson ; and Messrs. Leavitt,
Clark, and Carter.
The unfinished business was resumed. .
The Seventh Chapter was amended and adopt
ed.
The Eighth Chapter was taken up and dis
cussed for a time.
Adjourned with prayer.
SEVENTH DAY—TnuRsoAT, May.2B
Opened with prayer.' Minutes •of yesterday
were read and approved.
On motion of Dr. GOODALL, the whole subject
of our relations to the country was committed
to the Committee of seven, appointed yesterday.
Rev. Dr. Ngrrs presented the Report of the
Committee on Foreign Missions.
Rev. J. LOWRIE, D.D., one of the Secretaries
of the Board, made a very instructive and cheer
ing statement., considering the circumstances of
the country.
ROBERT CARTER, Eeq., followed on behalf of
the Board, and made some statistical statements.
He spoke feelingly on the necessity which com
pelled the Board to refuse applicants for the
foreign service, when many with an ardent zeal
offered themselves, and when heathen lands cried
for help. That painful necessity was, the want
of funds.
Rev. Dr. Mowatsou (the Moderator) regarded
this as the last opportunity he was to have of
pleading this cause before the General Assembly.
It is easy to pass resolutions. The important
matter is to act. Will the Church go, forward,
or backward'? The cause is declining in Africa.
It has been for years declining in India. Nine
missionaries have been removed•thence, by death
and by sickness, and but four have been sent to
occupy the places. There are ten stations, and
but one man in each ; while some of , them need
really four men—the boys' school, female asy
lum, printing press, translations, conversation,
preaching. It is painful to listen to the ap
peals made for helit—appeals to which the
Church has not responded. A part must be
given up, unless help is sent speedily. The
missionaries die from over labor. The brother
at Lodiena cannot possibly carry on all opera- .
lions. There are young men here who offer to
go and help, but the Church fails to furnish the
means of sending them. -
Must the retrograde movement continue?
The Church is to answer this question. There
is a going back; it must be stopped, and we
must go forward.
Mr. A B. Cosatn offered a resolution that,
relying for support in this our declaration upon
the great Bend of the Church, we humbly call
upon our Board of Missions to go forward, and
pledge ourselves to urge immediate action in this
matter upon our respective Presbyteries, and to
renewed efforts in bringing our churches to a
more efficient cooperation in this noble work.
This resolution was sustained by Mr. Ainalee,
Or. Beatty, Mr. Sheddon, Mr. Bays, Mr. Speer,
and others.
The resolution was adopted, unanimously, the
Assembly rising. While the members were
standing, Rev. John Fleming, by request, led
the Assembly in prayer.
Mr. Goonifax then offered the following, pre
facing it with a few remarks. He thought it
would yield an annual revenue of $75,000.
Resolved, That our pastors and superintend
ents be urged to endeavor to secure from all of
our Sabbath Schools a contribution equal to at
least one cent per week for each scholar.
The Committee on Correspondence reported
that Rev. Dr. Patterson and Mr. Brown, Dele
gates from the New School General Assembly
were in the House. An order was adopted to
hear them at 4,1- o'clock P. M.
The House resolved, henceforth to meet at 81
o'clock in the morning, and at 2,1 o'clock in the
afternoon.
Adjourned with prayer.
Opened with prayer.
Rev. Dr. CoNomT, from the Committee on
Theological Seminaries, reported. The report
was adopted.
Rev. Dr. BEATTY nominated Rev. Dr. Lyman
H. Atwater for the Chair of Didactic Theology,
in the Western Theological Seminary.
Rev. E. I'. SHIELDS, of New-Jersey, nomina
ted Rev. E. D. Mac Master, D.D.
Hon. Judge LEAVITT nominated . Rev. Dr.
Charles Elliott, Professor of Laiguages in the
Miami University, for the Chair of Biblical Lit
erature and Exegesis, in the North-western
Theological Seminary.
Rev. Dr. A. NEVJN nominated Rev. Dr. Black
wood.
Di. - BEArrr,lrom the Committee on Bills and
Overtures, reported :
Overture No. 10, from the Presbytery of Cin
cinnati. When persons apply for membership,
bringing good certificates' trom other churches
in our connexion, have the Sessioni Ihe right to
reject such applicants, for what they deem good
and sufficient reason ?
The Committee report : One .Session cannot
sit.in judgment upon the action of another, and
a dismissal in good standing should be received
except where immoralities have been committed
or transpired since their dismissal in such
cases, inasmuch as t•hey are under the jurisdic
tion of the Session whose certificate they. bold.
That said Session '
when notified of the member's
detection, should exercise discipline; but in
cases of great inconvenience, because of dis
tance, they may request the Session to whom' he
applied, to receive him, and to have investiga
tion or trial as the case may be.
The Committee aiPO offered the following reso
lution, which was adopted :
Rezolved, That. the General Assembly recom
mend the Second `Presbyterian church of Nash
ville, Term., to the Board,of Domestic Missions,
for an apprppriation if a Sim of not more than
$l,OOO per annum.
Dr. Humphrey, of the Judicial Committee, re
ported the remaining judicial cases. Three of
them were summarily disposed of. The fourth,
being an Appeal front the Synod of Sandusky„
caused much discussion.
At 4* o'clock, Rev. Dr. PATTSRSON And Mr
%town, Delegates from the blew School Assem
bly were introduced to the House. Dr. Patter
son addressed the Assembly. He tendered to
this body and the churches, here.represented the
fraternal regard of the Assembly whose delegate•
be was. The two bodies were similar--the same
name, the same Confession of faith, Form of
Government, and Directory for Fershlp. It was
time, after twenty-five years of separation, that
this fraternal intercourse should be established.
AFTERNOON SESSION
EVENING SESSION
Foreign Minions
AFTERNOON SESSION
They found theuuselvdi progressing toward this .
body. They rejoiced in our progress, Missions,
Sc. They were growing in numbers, and he
coming more and more homogeneous. They ]
hove passed through triols. They now enter
fairly upon the work of spreading the Gospel.
Be said: Brethren, pray for us.
Hon. Mr..
of
presented the Christian •
salutations of the body he represented. He I
hoped for harmony, peace. and brotherly love
between the two bodies, but not a union in one
.1
body.
Rev. Dr. livairmnizy (Temporary Moderator,
regretted the absence of the Moderator, who ha]
been twenty-five years a missionary in India. A
We bad appointed two brethren to attend the
Philadelphia Assembly. This Assembly is a j
great missionary body; and lee hoped that one:
result of this fraternal intercourse would be
united effort in spreading the Gospel. The union
had been too longdelayed. Brethren, pray 8180
for us.
The Judicial case was resumed, and the re-,P
port of the Committee sustained.
A fifth rl)
. eport. from the Judicial Committee wai
offered, andd put on the docket.
The Report of the Finance Committee was\
taken up. The Trustees of the Assenibly were I
authorized to invest money in stocks of the Uni-f
ted States, and of the State of Pennsylvania. .
Assembly occupied a half hour in devotional '
exercises.
Concluded with prayer
In the evening the members attended a meet
ing of the U. S. Christian Commission, which
was an occasion of much interest. That organ
ization was heartily endorsed by speakers ap'-';
pointed by the Assembly.
EIGHTH DAY—FRIDAY, May 29
The Assembly opened - with prayer
Minutes of yesterday were read and approved.,
The name of Rev. --- BAIRD was announced„i
as a Delegate to the Assembly, from the Gener
al Assethbly of the Cumberland .Presbyterians
•
Church.
Overture No. 12—From the Central Presby
tery of Philadelphia, asking the Assembly to de
cide whether in no case of sickness or conversion
however peculiar, the Session of a church is not
at liberty to adminster the Lord's Supper in a
private house.
The Committee recommended the following:
The Standards of our Church are clear in their
teachings that the Lord's Supper is not to be re
ceived
by any one alone; yet, in oases of pro- ;
tracted sickness or approaching death, when the
desire is very strongly nrged by a member of the
church to enjoy the administration of the Lord's
Supper, a pastor, having duly admonished the
applicant that such ordinance, however a source
of spiritual comfort, is not in such cases an im- ;
perstive duty or a means of salvation, may, with ;
a member of his Session, and such communi
cants as may be appropriately permitted to par
take in such: solemnit) , proceed to adminiater !
this sacrament—a minute of every such act to
be entered upon the records of the Session.
It was enjoined on Presbyteries to use efforts
to increase the Contingent. Fund.
Dr. Coruna. submitted the report of the Corn-
mitten on a proposed union with the NeW School
Presbyterian Church. The report was adopted,
and is as follows :
Resolved, That in the judgment of this General
Assembly, it is not deemed expedient to take at
this time any decided action with reference to a i
reunion of the. New and Old School Presbyterian
Churches.
Resolved, That in the fraternal correspondence
now happily inaugurated, the General Assembly
would recognize an initiative in the matter of se
curing a better .understanding of the relations
which subsist between the two Assemblies, and
the 'means. of promoting that mutual charity and
that just apprehension of the true grounds of
Christian union and fellowship, which may serve
to prepare the way for a union that ehall be har
monious and permanently promotive of the inter-
ests of truth and vital godliness.
Resolved, That as a still further preparative
to such a desirable union, the General Assembly
deem it important—and this in reference to both
these branches of the Presbyterian Church—that
the ministers, elders, and such as hove the care
and instruction of the young, be increasingly
careful to exhibit clearly the distinctive princi
ples of Christian doctrine and Church polity as
held by the Presbyterian Church. That the
ministers of these two branches- of the Church
cultivate fraternal intercourse, a free interchange
of views•and feelings, and in all suitable ways
encourage and aid one another in the appropri
ate work of,t,he ministry; and that the, members
of the one or,the other branch conuedt themselves,
with existing coogregations of either rather than
cast in their influence and aid with bodies whose
principles and form of government are foreign to
their own.
The report was accepted and placed upon the ;
Docket. .• -
This is respectfully submitted to the Assembly
as having been unanimously adopted by the Com
mittee. •
Rev. Mr. BAIRD, Delegate of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, addressed the Assembly.
Be had just come from the meeting of his Assem
bly. It was probably the last vatted assembling
of that body. Be regarded the Presbyterian
Church as their example, with esteem. His
Church followed ours, in its firganization and
means of propagating the Gospel—adopting the
='ystem of Boards, Sze. In the Northern States
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is truly
loyal. Declarative evidence of that had just
been promulgated. The large majority of their
brethren had been driven.from them, (the South
ern portion,) but still they were a numerous
people. Be hoped the intercourse with this As
sembly would be continued.
The Moderator responded, receiving the prof
fered good fellowship most cordially, and wish
ing all blessing upon our brethren.
The Overture from the Synod of New-Jersey
relative to family training, was referred to the
next General Assembly.
The Committee on Mileage reported that tbere
had been paid into the Treasury $212. There
had been $4,429 miles travelled by Commission
ers coming to the Assembly who claim mileage,
which, at q cents per mile, amounts to $210.37,
leaving a balance in the Treasury of $1.68. The
committee recommend that the Trustees be di
rected to draw an order on the Treasurer for the
sum of $210.37, and that he pay it out in sums
as herein stated. '
Rev. Dr Ilicw.ow, from the Committee on the
Annual Report of the Board of Publication; re
ported. The report was accepted.
Rev. Dr. SCHENCK, Secretary. of the Board,
addressed the Assembly.
Mr. CROSBY sustained the report. The accom
panying resolutions were adopted.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Opened with prayer.
.The unfinished business of the morning, viz.,
Report on the Board of Puhlication, was taken up.
After much discussion the report was adopted.
The resolutions are as follows:
1. That the :Assembly approve of the princi
ples eirpressed by the Special Committee, touch
ing the character of the Board's publications, and
commend the, efforts of the Board to furnish
reading more and mare attractive, acceptable
and useful to the Cburch.
2. That the Assembly highly 'appreciate the
faithful services of the Rev. Dr. Wm. M. Engles,
as the Editor of the Board, from the beginning
until•now ; but as in our view the duties of the
Editor should belong to the Corresponding Sec
retary, for the sake of economy and propriety,
the Board is hereby directed to assign these
duties to the Secretary, and to discontinue the
separate office of Editor.
3. That the salary of the Corresponding Sec
retary should constitute his sole emolument for
services rendered to the Board; that therefore
the amount. deposited with the Presbyterian An
nuity Comptiny be withdrawn, and that the
Board is hereby directed to withdraw it,'and to es
tablish this principle in regard to that officer.
4.' That the Board is hereby directed to add
the duties of thp Treasurer to• those of the Super..
intetident of Colpoitage, without any increase of
the present salary of the latter: That adequate
security be, still required for the proper fulfil
ment of his trust; and that the office of Treas
urer, as a dislinct one, be hereby dispensed with.
5. That the Board ie hereby directed 'to assign
the duties of Publishing Agent to the Superin
tendent of Depository, without'ariy increase of
hie present salary., ,
@.
6.. That the Board is now directed to, diseon
tinue the office and salary of Solicitor and to
continue the office and salary of Book-Keeper,
as at present.
7. That the Board be directed to put the Peri
odicil Department under the charge of one indi
vidual; making him responsible for that Depart
ment, he furnishing clerk and assistants ,at• his
own - expenee; and that he be allowed a salary
not Pxceeding thirteen hundred dollars ($1,300)
per annum
8. That the first sentence of the Resolution of
the Asseinbly of 1842,(Digest, p. 421,) is hereby
revealed; and the Board is directed to proceed
on the principle recommended in the Report of
the Special Committee• with. such chatizes as
their wisdom may suggest; still keeping in view
this one matter, that no further accumulations of
capital from their business, except as set forth in
that Report, are expected by the Assembly.
9. That the Assembly now approves of the
theory of Colportage, as expressed iu the Report
of the Special Committee: That the Board is
hereby directed to consider carefully the matter
of District Superintendents of Colportage; the
suggestions of the Conimittee respecting the em
ployment of Colporteurs; and that this whole
matter be renewedly commended to the confi
dence, liberality, and prayers of God's people.
10. That the Board be directed to *discontinue
payments for matter furnished to the S. S. Vis
itor, until they can be made from the income of
the paper : That communications b i g invited from
the Church at large, or selected from various
sources ;. and that efforts be made to make this
paper lees expensive to the Church.
11. That the Executive Committee be directed
to publish the whole Report of the Special Com
mittee, in the Annual Report of the Board.
The reoommendatiln of the Committee was
also adopted, relative to the Howe and Foreign
Record, viz.:
That after the completion of the present vol
ume, the whole edition he issued in a pantphiel
form, (withabovers similar to the pamphlet edi
tion already issued,) at the same price as the
newspaper edition ; and that advertisements of a
k nimble character, enough at least to pay the
dditional expense, of the pamphlet form, be
allowed to fill the spare pages of the cover; sub
ject to the discretion of the different Secretaries,
of whose Boards this pamphlet is the organ.
With respect to the expense to the Boards of the
Rome and Foreign Record, the Committee recom
mend : That this be rather increased, by en
larged gratuitous distributions, than diminished
by restricted circulation.
Judge LEAVITT moved that $75 he paid to
Rev. Dr. J. M. Lowrie, for extra labor in writing
the. report..
Dr. LowaxE, opposed the aPpropriatien.
A halt hour was occupied .in devotional exer
cises. Adjourned.
• The evening was occupied in hearing an ad
dress by Rev. Dr. HALSEY, of Chicago, before
the Presbyterian Historical Society, of which
this Assembly is one branch.
rotfgitriit!'t :',.-•'§-.attntt
PITTSBURGH, WEDNESTIATANE 3, 1863.
Election of Professors.—We are pleased
to state, as the result of the 'General As
sembly's election on ,Monday for Theolog
ical Professors, that Prof. LYMAN H.
ATWATER, D.D., of Princeton College,
was chosen to fill the vacant chair in the
Western Seminary; and that Prof. CHARLES
ELLIOTT, D.D, of Miami. University, was
elected to the vacant professorship in the
Seminary of the North-west.
The friends of those institutions respect
ively, as well as Presbyterians generally,
have reason to rejoice in the excellent se
leotions just made by the Assembly.
NEW SCHOOL ASSEMBLY.
In our last week's issue, we gave a brief
report of the first three days' proceedings
of the New School General Assembly now
convened in the city of Philadelphia.
Monday, the 25th inst., was devoted
mainly to the reports and addresses of dele
gates to and from corresponding bodies;
the report of the Standing - Committee on
Foreign Missions; the consideration of the
progress of the missionary work among the
Indians; and the discussion of a report of
the Judicial Committee.
A large portion of the morning's session
of Tuesday was occupied with the reading of
a detailed account of the moneys received
from the different churches throughout the
country for missionary purposes. From
this list it appears that not more than one
half the churches contribute anything for
this work. It was, , therefore; thought
probable that, with proper exertions, the
contributions might be increased a third
more than at present, and perhaps the 'sum
of $75,000 could be raised annually for
missionary work throughout the world..
One of the daily papers furnishes the
following. notice of the reception in the
afternoon, of the Old School delegate :
" Rev. Dr. Tustin', from the Old School
Presbyterian General Assembly, proceeded
to address the body. The substance of his
remarks was that the bisection of the
Presbyterian Church, which took place in
1837, no longer existed. he severed parts
are now reiinited, and he now came before
this venerable body bearing the olive branch
of peace. Loud applause, a demonstration
very unusual in such bodies, followed these
remarks.
" Mr. T. M. Harper (layman) followed to
to the same effect, and with great accept
ance. •
"A letter was read from Judge Shars
wood, announcing his inability to be present
with his co-delegate.
" The Moderator DOW rose and, in touch
ing but hearty terms, expressed the recipro
cation, n the part of the Asseinbly and
himself, of the fraternity expressed. by Dr.
Tustin. Both associations were alike true
to the cause of religion and loyal to the
land that protected it. Again was heard
loud applause throughout the church.
"On motion of Rev. Dr. Skinner, the
whole assemblage then arose and sang, with
intense fervor, the hymn :
" Blest be the tie that binds
-Our hearts hfehristian love.' "
The principal event of Wednesday's ses
sions was the discussion and adoption -of
the report of the Committee on the State
of the Country. The report contains a re
iteration and confirmation of the previous
patriotic action of the General. Assembly,
and urges strongly upon every citizen the
support of the Government, as a duty re
quired of him by God.
Thursday was occupied mainly with the
reports of committees and the celebration
of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.,
The greater part of Friday Was takeii up
with the consideration' of the cause of
Home Missions. The overture from the
Sinai of the Reformed Dutch' Church,
(which „u-as objected to as seeiningly inim
ical to the interests and dignity of the New.
School Assembly,) was, on the same day
disposed of, after a good degree of exciting
discussion. It was . . finally agreed to open
a correspondence with the Synod, aon
terms according to those existing with
other bodies," and• a Commissioner was ap
pointed to carry on the correspondence.
Saturday was spent in. an excursion to
Atlaptic City, by invitation of ehe Direc
tors of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad.
'The Eclectic Magazine.
The June number of this excellent monthly
will be found.rich in interesting and instructive
matter. Those who' have been regular readers
of the **tie cannot . well do withoutit. For
sale by Ife . ury Miner. Fifth atresi Dittahoz r'.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1563.
THE NEXT PLACE OF MEETING.
The city of Bosfon, Mass., has been ap
pointed as the place of meeting for the
next General Assembly. This is as near
to one extreme of the land as New (Mears
was to the other. Presbyterianism is not
so strong in the Northern capital as in the
Southern, but it is good seed to sow in ei
ther, and possibly the colder soil may yet
prove as fruitful as the former. It is not,
however, with the view of proselyting that
the Assembly goes to Boston. That would
be a sorry thought. But there is in Bos
ton and its vicinity a fine field of useful
ness» Notwithstanding all the Christian
influences. there put forth, there. are still
myriads of people unconverted; and the
prospect is, that religion being presented
in a varied form, might have attractions
for some who never yet perceived its beau
ty nor yielded- to its power. Evei7 new
church which is started with energy, finds
its converts ; and our own presenting truth,
as we believe, in its excellence, its chil
dren are sons and daughters of the Lord
Almighty. It is then our duty to spread
its influence; and our Evangelical breth
ren in the East will be pleased to see us
accomplish some work which they.find that
they cannot of themselves fully accomplish.
Our doctrines and order have their adapta
tion to minds which are not attracted by
Congregationalism, Episcopacy, Method
ism, or the Baptist peculiarities. A few
members of the Assembly speak of the
delicacy of the proposal to meet where we
had not families enough in our own con
nexion to entertain the Assembly, as though
it would be casting ourselves upon the con
strained hospitalities of others; but they
were met by the most ample assurances,
that the brethren of the Evangelical
churches there would rejoice in the oppor
tunity of manifesting their Christian cour
tesy.
The First Presbyterian church of Bos-
ton is a society of moderate strength. It
owns one of the finest church edifices in
the city. ' It is served now by Rev. Dr.
DELANCY, who was, when our National
troubles commenced, Secretary of our
South-western Committee of Missions, in
New Orleans, and who hopes yet to be per
mitted to return to that field of labor. Dr.
DELANCY assumed the debt of that church
($27,000) and is collecting money to liqui
date it.
The Presbyterian church of East Boston
is also a respectable society. - Then there
are thousandb of persons in the city and
its surroundings, of Scotch and Scotch-
Irish origin, who have still their family
attachments to our doctrine and order, and
who demand our care. It may also be a
benefit _to Boston to know more than it
does of Presbyterianism ; and it can hard
ly be otherwise than useful for our Assem
bly to see the Yankees at home. Our min
isters and elders will certainly , not love
them the less for it. - We do not consider
Boston to be exactly the centre of creation,
but there is in that city a literature, re
finement, sociability, and evangelism which
it may be well for our people to see- and
know. We trust that in the good provi
dence of God, there may be a full Assem
bly in Boston, and that the Spirit of the
Lord may be there.
At this writing, the first three days of
the Assembly have closed. The meeting
has been very harmonious. The Modera
tor presides with great dignity. The order
of the House is all that could be desired.,
The debates are able and dignified. The
devotional exercises are earnest. God's
Spirit is present.
CHURCH EXTENSION.
The 'order of the day-for Saturday fore
noon was, Church Extension. The Report
submitted by the Board, shows a slight in
crease over the previous year's work; but
still it comes immensely short of the needs
of the field entrusted to our care. In every
country, churches are needed, but in ours
the need is peculiar. In the older-settled
parts, the edifices were mostly adapted to
suffice only for a few years, being built by
congregations which were poor. Now the
churches'need renewal, and the congrega
tions are still poor—poor not because of in
activity, but becanse of removals. The
hive may send off vigorous swarms, and
yet be feeble—feeble from the very amount
of its inerease in producing. So it is with
many a church. Hundreds of sons and
dan. c ,hters have been there borne and nur
tured; but they are gone to new. homes,
to form new churches. Hence the old
congregation, still feeble, needs help . to re
new its temple, and the congregation new
ly formed, in a new country, also has its
need for aid. This subject receives but a
small portion of .the consideration it de
serves. A comfortable edifice' is an indis
pensable to worship. There can De no suc
cess in extending Zion, without churches.
• The total reoeipts by the Board, for the
last year, were $19;225.22 ; and. the actual
expenditures were $9,474.93. The bal
anee in'the Treasury per previous report,
was $10,756.29. The balance.now on hand
is $20,506.58. There are, however, un
paid' liabilities, being appropriations sub
ject to call as soon as the buildings are
completed; $14,172-66; leavinz. an unap
propriated balance of $6,333.92. These
amounts seem to be large in the hands of
the Treasurer. But it would be wrong , to
appropriate money- which the Board has
'not got; and wrong' also to pay out the
money before the work of building the
house is finished; The calls for aid how
ever, being very numerous and pressing,
we think the,Board might safety and prof
itably encourage churches by pledging all,
or nearly all, the'money it has. One thou
sand, or, at most two thousand dollars,
would be sufficient to retain, of unappro
priated funds. The most economical and
fullest use of the funds given, -will enoour
age-the-churches to give the more. bounti
fullY. The Treasurer's statement .sliovis a
great: economy; our remark hence applies
only to the unappropriated balance_
The Report of receipt , . i ron ,
leaves mitt the name of Piush er .,l,.
though we had given nothing ;
our donations, as appears by credit: t ,,
Presbyteries, were 8710.90.
Synod which, as per statement by Pre,,h,_
teries, gave only $375.80, has credit
$1,081.88. These mistakes may be e „,_
reeled before the report is mailed to
churches. ,
It is painful to find that
total of 36% churches,
2900 Northern churches '
even a dollar to this fi
loudly demanded..
DISABLED MINISTE
The interest manifested
for superannuated and
and for the helpless will
ministers, was, in this
been in many precedi
praise-worthy. Rev.
D.D., presented an able
the contributions from th 4
the last year bad been
those of any previous yr
there had been more bec
There had been also um
aid, and all had been fawn
and a balance still remained
WI
This subject was first made
she Assembly at Pittsburgh, iri
elders have always taken the
discussions; and there is no sl
elicits more fervent addresses.
work has languished. The plan ak
in 1849, and which still is continued,
have the churches take up annual
tions to meet immediate demands;
receive bequests and donations to be ii
ed as a permanent fund, of which only
interest shall be used. The money is
to the Trustees of the General Assero
and is appropriated on the recoromm
tions of Presbyteries. Two years ago
few benevolent persons proposed to
JONES to give him a salary if he would di
vote his energies to this cause. This heir
told to the Assembly, the Doctor was ap
pointed its Superintendent. Since then
the work has been prosecuted with energy,
and with fair indications of success. Tt is
well worthy of the love and benefaction of
the churches, and deserves to be favorably
remembered by those who, having served
themselves from their wealth as long as
wealth could be made to serve them, would
then distribute it others.
The principle upon which this claim
rests is, that the minister consecrates him
self to the Church, in her spiritual services,
without any arangement for the accumu
lation of gain It is for a support, from
year to year. This snpport he needs while
he lives; and the Church which he has
served in his youth and vigor, should con
tinue the support to the extent of his
needs, when he becomes old and feeble.
The claim is first upon the particular con
gregation which reaped the benefit of his
labers; then upon all the Church connex
ion ; and when the whole arranges to meet
it, the particular congregation being re
lieved,-is enabled to call and sustain anoth
er servant of Christ to continue to them
the ministrations of the Word.
DOMESTIC MISSIONS
This Board is steadiry putsuing its work.
Next to the Board of Education, it is the
most important of all our benevolent en
terprises. A man who provides not for his
own, is worse than an infidel. Our whole
country is our own. It is "the field "
which the Lord of the harvest has entrust
ed to us. The whole world is the field be
longing to the whole Church of Christ;
and the' United States are the portion of
that field which is specially entrusted to
the General Assembly. We say specially,
because we recognize our duty, in common
with others, to send the. Gospel to the hea
then ; while in these States we find our
own' household.
The discussion on this subject possessed
more than usual interest. The ap2eal to
the Assembly on behalf of the South, was
affecting. And well may we be 'urged to
be largely ready with men and means.
The war will end; and end as we trust in
the full restoration of the Government in
every part. But then we shall find a coun
try wasted ; •wofully wasted. Its fund for
seminaries, colleges,• education, missions,
all lost by investments in Confederate
loans. Agriculture, planting, business of
every kind, prostrated. The people poor,
and alienated in their feelings. They will
need all the kindness of. the deepest and
the highest charity, and laborers and tunds
beyond all that has yet been witnessed.
Let the Church be ready. If the erring
churches will come, back to the fold they
must be administeredeto .with all care and
cheerfulness. If they should choose to be
a separate body, we must still lend a help
ing hand in accordance with their needs.
The past must be forgiven and buried.
'lle Gospel must furnish us with the limi
tations of love.
FOREIGN MISSIONS.
The discussion of the subject of Foreign
Missions was unusually interesting. The
greatness of the, 'field, the urgency of the
wants, and the assurance afforded by God's
Word, of ultimate and complete success,
afford topics such as . the Christian orator
delights to seize. The presence of Rev.
Dr. MORRISON, who has had twenty-five
years of experience, and who made use of
the knowledge acquired in actual mission
ary life, added greatly to the interest of the
occasion._ The Doetor told us of what he
had seen, and heard, and felt. His infer
ences and counsels sprung from a real
knowledge. Will the enthusiasm of the
occasion vanish like the early cloud ? Or
will ministers and elders gohome, preserv
ing it fresh and glowing, and make it to
light up every - Presbytery, and to animate
every church ?
It is painful to know that our foreign
work has been declining for some time;
that its falling: of the last year has been
MIZEI
of our OV!,i"
contributed
A reform iF
1 n_
ESE
J ri ,
MI
ME