ClL)i i
1,4 trian
VOL. XII. NO. 8
R. M. Wallace, W. Ewing. Bider—B. McLain.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE. FROM THIS micErma.—
Miniaters--W. F. Hamilton, R. F. Wilson. Elder
—R. Smith.
REASONS OF ABSENCE FROM FORMER MEET'.
INCR.—Ministers—S. C.• Jennings, J. Martin.
Elder—Thomas Scott.
NARRATIVE FOR NEXT Marrrso.--/Vinisters—
D. H. Riddle, A. McElwayne. Elder—J. Haines.
DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES. --Ministers --- B. L
Agnew; N. H. Gillette. .Elder—S.
RECORDS OF PRESBYTERY OF RICDSTONE.--
Miniders—C. V. MoKaig, R. McPherson. Elder
—D. M'Connell.
RECORDS OF PRESBYTERY OF ORIO.--MißiTieri
—J. Smith, J. Davis. Eider—Joseph Reed.
RECORDS OF PRESBYTERY OF 13LAIR9VILLE.—
Ministers—Alexander Donaldson, J. S. Elder.
Elder—S. McMaster.
RECORDS OF PRESBYTERY OF CLARION.—Mit 2 / 8 -
ters--W. Hunter, A. 0. Rockwell. .Elder—W.
Robb.
Racemes OP PRESBYTERY OF SALTSBIIRG.—
//Univers—S. McParren, C. G. Braddock. Elder
—D. W. Shryock.
The Statistical Reports of the Presbyteries of
Redstone, Ohio, Blairsville, Clarion, and Salts
burg, were presented and read.
The Presbyterial Records of the Presbyteries
of Redstone, Ohio, Blairsville, Clarion, and
Saltsburg, were presented and placed in the
hands of the Committees for review.
Synod then took up a collection of twenty-five
cents from each member, for the Contingent
Fund, and Mr. M'Cartney was appointed. Treas
urer pro tem. •
The Board of Colportage presented their An
nual Report, which was read and committed to
Messrs. S. C. Jennings, N. H. Gillette, and B.
McLain, to report thereon. Following is the
Report:.
PRESBYTERIAN BOOK Rooms, 1
Pittsburgh, Pa., Sept. 1, 1863. I
To the Synods of Pittsburgh and Allegheny :
DEAR 'BRETBREN :—Your Board of Colportage
would respectfully report, that our Capital—in
chiding stook, dues, cash on hand, and furniture
of Rooms is now $3,914.
Our Sales during the past7ear'have amounted
to $5,034, and our profits on the same to $968.
Our expenses have been $683, leaving a net
profit of $275.
Our Indebtedness is $ll4, of which $ll3 are
to our Colportage Fund, while our cash on hand
is $B9l.
Contributions from the churches, during the
past year, have amounted to $1,161.
Donations made by your Board,.to soldiers and
benevolent institutions—including per centage
paid to colporteurs, of whom we have now four
teen in the field—amount to $1,048. Of this
amount, $757 have been given to soldiers alone,
in the form of 2,682 bound volumes, and 90,152
pages of tracts. It is with feelings of gratitude
to God and the churches, that we are permitted
to report our having been enabled to accomplish
so much in behalf of the spiritual welfare of the
brave defenders of the Government which per
mits ue thus to labor, and protects and encour
ages ue in the same.
Compared with that of the preceding year, our
present reports stands, in .
Capita1..........53,914, against 53,639, showing a gain of 5 276
Sales 5,434 4 ; 3,775 " 44 1,259
Profit on sales 956 44 710 " 44 243
Net profits.... 276 " 60 44 " 210
Indebtedness, 114 " 768 " reduction of 654
aash on hand, 891 " 471 " 80
But in the meantime our indebtedness has al
most entirely disappeared, leaving us with cash
on baud above indebtedness to amount of $277.
Your Board feel that it is pleasant to be able to
say that we owe so small an amount ; also, that
in view of the success of the year, we ought to
thank God and take courage.
In conclusion, while we thank the churches
for favors in the- past, we ask of them, for the
future, increased prayer and patronage; also, in
creased contrautiona, that we may have increased
means of glorifying the Master, in doing good to
our soldiers and the humble poor.
The term of membership for which the follow
ing persons were chosen by the Synod of Pitts
burgh, expires with the present Synodical year,
year, viz.: Ministers—Dr. M'Hinney, Dr. Mar
shall, J. M. Hastings. Elders—Samuel McMas
ter, Josiah Manakin, deceased, James B. Law
son.
In behalf the Board of Co'portage of the
Synods of Pittsburgh and Allegheny.
JAMES CAROTHERS, President.
The subject of the Theological Seminary was
t aken up, and the several Presbyteries were
called on to report, by their Committees, what
had been done during the past year ; after which
remarks were made by Dr. Jacobus, Dr. Beatty,
and others; and Synod united in thanksgivings .
to God for his favor to this Institution, by the
liberal contributions of friends to complete the
Endowment of the Fourth Professorship—Dr.
Donaldson. leading the Synod in this service.
On motion, Messrs. Riddle, McKinney, Mont
gomery, and MoDaniels, were appointed a Com
mittee to report on the Subject of the Seminary.
On motion, the Committees in the several Pres
byteries, on the subject of the Seminary, were
discharged.
The Rev. D. D. Christy, of. the Presbytery of
Saltsburg, appeared and gave reasons for late
attendance, which were sustained.
The Rev. Mr. Hartsook, of the United Breth
ren, and Rev. Mr. Evens, of the Baptist Church,
were invited to sit as corresponding members.
Dr. Beatty appeared in Synod as commissioner
of the Synod of Wheeling, and presented ex
tracts from the records of said Synod on the sub
ject of the union of the Colleges of Jefferson and
Washington, which were read, as follows, viz.:
Naw-lassou, 0., October 19, 1863.
Rev. Messrs. C. C. Beatty, D.' D. and James
Sloan, D.D.
I have been directed by the Synod of Wheel
ing to put into your hands the following copy of
their action in a ease which the paper itself will
exploit", You will please bear this to the Synod
of Pittsburgh, soon to.be in session at Johnstown,
Pa., with the kind Christian greetings of the
body which you represent.
It affords me peculiar pleasure to furnieh the
copy, remembering, as I do, the entire unanimity
and real , gladness'of heart with which Synod took
the action which it embodies. May God prosper
the good work. Respectfully yours,
JAinss BLACK,
Stated Clerk of Synod.
The paper on the union of Jefferson and Wash
ington Colleges, Pennsylvania, was now taken
up, the items thereof considered seriatim, and
unanimously, adopted, as follows :
WHEREAB, The Synod has been informed that
an individual has offered a donation of fifty
thousand dollars, on the condition of a union of
Washington and Jefferson Colleges; therefore,
Resolved, That the members of Synod consider
a union of these institutions'as very desirable for
the purpose of uniting the friends of collegiate
education under Presbyterian influences, and be
lieve that such a union would greatly subserve
the interests of sound learning and religion.
Resolved, That as neither of these colleges is
likely, as ,now situated, to command that general
sympathy and support of Presbyterians in West
ern Pennsylvania, Western Virginia and Eastern
Ohio which seems necessary to the establishment
of a first class institution, and which could be se
cured by a united college, we think no mere local
interest should preveht so important an object;
but that its location in either Washington or
Canonsburg, ought to be submitted to disinter
ested persons to decide it, in reference to the
common benefit of the cause of education.
Resolved, That so liberal an offer should not
be lost by the neglect to act by those who have
the power to obtain it, and we therefore recom
mend to the Trustees of these respective in
stitutions to take early and effectual measures for
such a union as will secure this, And probably
other similar benefactions upon the basis of a
union.
Resolved, That such a united college, with the
increased advantage which it would be able to
offer for a thorough education, would have not
only the undivided- and hearty, support: of this
Synod, but we believe alga the patronage of , other
adjoining Synods of our Church, and we hope
also of other branches of the Presbyterian
family.
Resolved, That copies of this action be trans
mitted by the Stated Clerk .to the respective
Boards of these colleges, as the expression of our
views; and also to the Synods of Pittsburgh and
Allegheny, inviting their cooperation with us in
this object.
Resolved, That Drs. Beatty and Sloan De a
committee to.lay the action of the Synod in the
matter before the Synod of Pittsburgh, soon to
be in session at Johnstown, Pa. - •
A true extract from the minutes.
JAMES BLACK.
Stated Clerk of Synod.
Synod then had a free expression of opinion
and feelings on the subject, to the hour for ad
journment.
Synod then adjourned till 2 o'clock, P. M.
Closed with prayer. •
WEDNESDAY Arranttoox, 2 o'olock.,
Synod met and was opened with prayer.. The
consideration of the subject of the union of
Jefferson and Washington Colleges was resumed;
and after farther remarks it was, on motion,
unanimously
Resolved, That the action of the Synod of
Wheeling be adopted as the action of this Synod.
and that a copy of this action be transmitted by
the Stated Clerk, to the respective Boards of
these Colleges.
On motion,
.72ezolved, That a committee be appointed to re
quest a copy of Dr. Howard:'s sermon, preached
at the opening of Synod, and take necessary
measures for its publication.
Messrs. Gillette and Hunter were appointed
said committee.
Synod proceeded to fix the time and place of
the next meeting, when Greensburgh was ap
pointed as the place, and the fourth Friday of
October next, at 7 o'clock P. M. as the time.
The Committee on Devotions} Exercises re
pot" :
I ht:t this evening be spent in hearing the
..I.itive on the State of Religion; a presenta
t ion of the interests of the Boards of the Church
by Dr. Lowrie, and remarks on these subjects,
under the directien of the Moderator; that one
hour be spent in special prayer to-morrow morn
ing from eleven to twelve o'clock; and that Thurs
day evening be spent in a conference on Revivals
and the Christian Commission, under the direc
tion of the Moderator.
The Committee on the Minutes of the General
Assembly report:
That they have examined them and find
nothing special demanding the notice-a Synod,
with the exception of
let. The action of the Assembly on •the State
of the Country, which they recommend to be
cordially adopted by this Synod; and also,
2d. That Synod call the attention of the
churches under its care to the resolution of the
Assembly, page 55, in reference to the revival of
the Monthly Concert of Prayer far the success
of missions and the conversion of the world.
The Assembly's action was as follows :
"But, on the other hand, it may be well for
this General A,ssembly to reaffirm ' as it now sol
emnly does, the great principles to which utter
ance has already been given. We do this the
more readily, because, our beloved Church may
thus be understood to take her deliberate and
well-phosen stand, free from all imputations of
haste or excitement ; because we recognize an
entire harmony between the deities of the citizen,
(especially in a land where the people frame
their own laws, and choose their own rulers,)
and the duties of the Christian to the Great
Head of the Church; because, indeed, least of
all persons, should Christian citizens even seem
to stand back from their duty, when bad men
press forward for mischief; and because a true
love for our country, in her times of peril, should
forbid us to withhold an expression of our at
tachment, for the insufficient reason that we are
not accustomed to repeat our utterances.
" And because there are those among us who
have scruples touching the propriety of any de
liverance of a Church Court respecting civil mat
ters, this Assembly would add, - that all strife
of party politics should indeed be banished from
our ecclesiastical assemblies, and from our pul
pits; that Christian people should earnestly
guard against promoting partizan divisions ; and
that the difficulty of accurately deciding, in
some cases, what are general and what party
principles should make us careful in our judg
ments; but that our duty is none the less impera
tive to uphold the constituted authorities, because
minor delicate questions may possibly be in
volved. Rather, the sphere of the Church is
wider and more searching, touching matters of
great public interest, than the sphere *of the
civil magistrate, in. this important respect—that
the civil authorities can take cognizance only of
overt acts; while the law of which the Church
of God is the interpreter,
searches the heart,
makes every man subject L() the civil authority,
for conscience' sake, and declares that man truly
guilty, who allows himself to be alienated, in
sympathy and feeling, from any lawful duty, or
who does not conscientiously prefer the welfare,
and especially the preservation of the Govern
ment, to any party or partisan ends. Officers
may not always command a citizen's confidence;
measures may by him be deemed unwise; earn
est, lawful efforts may be made for changes be
may think desirable; but no causes now exist to
vindicate the disloyalty of American citizens
toward the United States. Government.
ti The General Assembly would not withhold
from the Government of the United States, that
expression of cordial sympathy which a loyal
people should. offer. We believe that God has
afforded us ample resources to suppress this re
bellion, and that, with his blessing, it will ere
long be accomplished. We would animate those
who are dismiraged by the continuance and
fluctuations of these costly strifes, to remember
and rejoice in the supreme government of our
God, who often leads through perplexity and
darkness. We would exhort to penitence for all
our national sins, to sobriety , and humbleness of
mind before the Great Ruler of all, and to &In
stant prayerfulness for the Divine blessing ; and
we would entreat our people to beware of all
schemes implying resistance to the lawfully con=
stituted authorities, by any other means that'
are recognized as lawful to be openly prosecuted.
And this Assembly is ready to declare our un
alterable attachment and adherence to the Union
established by our fathers, and, our unqualified
condemnation of the rebellion; to proclaim to
the world the United States, one and undivided,
as our country; the lawfully chosen rulers of the
land, our rulers •, the Government of the United
States, our civil government ; and its honored
flag; our flag: and to affirm that we are bound,
in the truest and strictest fidelity, to the duties
of Christian citizens under a Government that
has strown its blessings with a profuse hand."
The following paper was offered by elder Mc-
Daniel and seconded by elder McLain, and
unanimously adopted, viz.:
WuxuxAs, A great increase in the prices of
labor and all the necessaries of life incident to
the times, have taken place within the bounds of
the Synod; and as there has been no correspond
ing increase in the salaries of the ministry ; and
believing that plain justice, to say nothing of the
duty enjoined upon the people of God, •would.re
quire that the salaries of those ministers should
be increased to something corresponding to the
increased expenses of living; therefore;
Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended
to the churches to take immediate action to raise
the salaries of their ministers to such extent as
duty in the premises may require.
Resolved, That public notice be given of the
action of Synod on this subject, by publication
in the Banner, and from the pulpit.
The Committees on the Records of the Presby
teries of Redstone, Clarion, Blairsville, and
Sellsburg, reported. The Reports were accepted
and the Records approved.
The Committee on the Records of the Presby
tery of Ohio, report, That the Records of the
Presbytery of Ohio be approved, with the excep
tion that on page ad, the record with regard to
the licensure of a candidate is defective, in not
using the form in the Book.
,Synod then adjourned till 7 o'clock this
evening.
PITTSBURGH, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1863 WHOLE NO. 580
WEDNESDAY EVENING, 7: o'clock
Synod met, and *as opened as usual; after
which the members engaged in singbag and
prayer.
The Narrative was read, and Dr. Lowrie ad
dressed the Synod on the subject of the Boards
of the Church; and also, remarks . wdre made , by
other brethren.
On motion, the Narrative was accepted and
adopted, and is as follows:
NARRATIVE.-- The excellent usage of our
Church calls for a yearly "Narrative of the
State of Religion" within the Synodical bounds.
The history of, God's dealing wit.h this ancient
and central Synod of the Church would naturally
excite a special interest. No summaries of
Presbyterial Reports can possibly furnish us
with all the.material for such a comprehensive
view as could be desired. It involves the Church
history of io Many pastors, and so many elders,
and so many members for another precious,
solemn, momentous year of our sacred annals.
In this"department of the spiritual life, figures
do not; alwaye present an accurate idea. There
may even Ike a vain boast of figures, or 4 wicked
distrust - of eitiimi when's numbering of the 'maple
may.provokw the Wrath 0f God. And yet, the.
Master has idden us to take note of the fruits,
and so far udge'of' the reality of piety' by its
activity an iftMencitin his service. - ,
The fivqrt abyterial Reports from which this .
Narrative is coninienly hdnipiled, present the gen
eral statements, !stub-we-turn , to the statistics as
presentedin l the-Mintrtes of the General Assem
bly for 1868. , We find Dili Synod numbering a
total in communion of 18;974 ;• of these 840 have
been added„qe...examination dnring the year, and
of these
,again, 371, nearly one-half, within the
bounds of 6ne Presbytery (Ohre). We remark,
(1). What ii.-..;mighty societyy - is this, of nearly
nineteen thousand souls, within a small district.
If every member Were animated -by the Divine
life, vigorous and earnest for the Master, doing :
business fog ,Christ, all watchful servants and .
good stewards, carrying this blessed religion
into their 'Axiom -walks of life—the tamer
ploughing, and planting,. and reaping, and buying
and, selling, all to have somewhat more 'Of Sod's
good bounty for cultivating the great field
of Zion in the earth ; and. rso the merchant, and
the lawyer, and the mechanie,und the physician,
all at work for .Tedus, and the children and youth
in their spheres engaged,lor Christ ; :what an
influence would be put forth! Coming now
to this canvass and finding `&bent 20,000 in
our churches, within the Synodical bounds,
solemnly sworn to exalt Sing Jesus in the earth,
to give their suffrage and their sweating toil tor
his cause and 'for . his incoming kingdom, what
splendid results might .not be expected? , But,
(2). With alresh accession of eight hundred and
forty memberswithin the year, nearly a twentieth
of the whole body, who might be presumed upon
as most glawing and lively in their zeal for Christ;
what impulse might we not look for ? What stim
ulant to the previous .membership from this in
coming band, and this experience of God's good
ness! What rekindling of the r fiame of love in
the circles of prayer and benficence I Surely
this is God's gracious token that he has not for
saken us. 'Not more than three of the -Pastoral
charges within, the Synod but report some ac
cession from, the world. In one church, a very
remarkable revival has been enjoyed, and fifty
five are reported as the immediate ingathering,
with others who will yet, doubtless, be brought
into the fold as the result of the good work.- In
another church twenty-three - are reported: ati the
increase upon a total of fifty-two, nearly doubling
the membership. In another case forty-three are
added, where there were only a hundred and
nine ; and in other Presbyteries likewise eneour
aging instate of large proportionate increase are
reported eh visitations of ' God, the -:Holy •
Ghost, are the Futward signs:of much awaken
ing, much prayer and muck penitence, and new
obedience. And the holy fiame is such as ought
to be cherished and diffused, and be marked by
evident results in an enlarged devotion. _But
in other quarters the reports speak discourag
ingly of the prayer-meeting. The spirituality of
the membership is flagging ; worldliness pre
vails. It is rather a day of buying and selling,
and getting gain; wealth pours a golden flood
into the community, and in many quarters mem
bers of the church are inquiring how they can
best invest their surplus funds. And though the
high prices of living call for increased liberality
in sustaining the means of grace, the complaint
is that the disbursement of the'Master's goods in
this direction is not in-proportion to the increased
amount of goods placed in the stewards' trust.
Nay, debtors of five hundred pounds are often
writing fifty ! We find in these Reports no com
plaints from the ministers about their inadequate
salaries, because it is not their habit to complain,
while some may yet be turned aside to secularities
to eke out a deficient allowance. The tithes
which God requires to be brought into the store
house most have rather construed into spiritual
offerings, leaving out of view the temporal, and
leaving the house of God without meat, while
the truly spirithal sacrifice of " praise to God
continually "is not offered. None should for
get " to do good and to communicate," " for
with such sacrifices God is well pleased." The
The-Presbyterial Reports speak unsatisfactorily
to this point, excepting in two of the Presbyteries,
where a larger contribution is noted. Turning
to the Minutes of the Assembly, we find an ag
gregate for the year of $116,053, including con
gregational expenses and miscellaneous items.
A noble sum, indeed. Blessed be God. This
shows an average of a fraction over $6 to each
member, for the total of 'religious and charitable
contribution, including the expenses of the
church worship. Coming to further detail, we
find that for the Presbytery of Redstone, the
average is about $4 per member; Ohio,sl3;
Blairsville, $4 ;, Clarion, $2.50; Saltsburg,s2.7s.
But this average is to be reduced by all
the amount contrihnted by non-communicants.
When there is further deducted from this
total the sum . of 4.1.5,000, raised within
these bounds by a special effort for the West
ern Theological Seminary, the aggregate is
'not all that could have been expected, consider
ing that in 1859, before the outbreak of the
rebellion, the amount was $109,278 against
$116,058, in all, for this year past, with
thirteen hundred additional members to con
tribute. It may be replied that the various
outlays for the war have not been fully reported,
and this is doubtless true. But so, also, the war
itself has very rouolVenhanced the erealth of our
manufacturing. communities, and generally , ht
creased the income of the farmer, while God has
showered of his abundance upon us beyond all
that our terrible public calamity has taken away
of temporal supplies. Besides, it may be con
sidered that in some , of the chnrches there are
many absentees on the field of battle. Yet when
we have made every allowance, it is not to be
denied that a spirit•of larger liberality ought to
prevail in our midst. One of the Presbyteries
reports the crime of avarice as on the increase
along with •the other crimes of intemperance,
Sabbath-breaking and profanity.
Under this head we may call attention to the
Assembly's reports from our Board of Domestic
Missions. Why is it, that there is so marked a
falling off in the , past year's receipts of this
Board, in the church at large ? At a' time when
a noble zeal for our country and for its mainte
nanoe against rebellion takes such strong hold of
the public mind, might it not be expected that
this Board, would be enthusiastically sustained
And yet a decrease of some $14,000 is the result
of the last year's - efforts on this behalf.
When the public calamity that is upon us is
partly &fruit of the Church's neglect in evangel
izing the land; when now God is "wresting from us,
in immense military expenses, What we failed to
give for the advancement of his Church; when
we are made,most pungently to feel the need of a
true Christianity for the healing of our breaches
and for the,reform of our social institutions, how
is it to be accounted for that our Board of Do
mestic Windom has'reeeived, the last year, such
inadequate support,? If our schemes are defec
tive, or our agencies, or if any of the apparatus
in our system of beneficence needs repair or
alteration, no time should be lost in drawing out
all the energies and resources of the Church for
the work of all our Boards. When we consider
that the average already calculated for our
largest and wealthiest Presbytery is but twenty
' five cents a week, per member for everything
which is reported as Christian charity, including
pastors', salaries and church expenses—even if
we supposed that the non-communicants in the
congregations had contributed nothing ; and
whettive further consider that the smallest aver
.
age is crily about 41 cnts a Reek each member,
even if it were reckoned Chia none but members
had contributed, which is far from the case—is
Chia enough? We claim to have the best appa
ratus for reaching the people and engaging them
in the work of Christ. Our Ruling Elders and
Deacons are the financial agents at hand for
canvassing their respective fields in this work of
beneficence. Are any of these too busy for this?
But is not Christ's business first ? What if every
member of the Church should open an account
with the Master, through these agencies, to, set
aside a suns weekly—" on the first day of the
week, according as God had prospered him "
instead of annually, when the plate comes round;
and then, only according to what he has in his
pocket, or according to the mood in which he
happens to be at the moment?
And again: Have we-,learned the power of
tittles, in this department—the power of little
children to do good by their little offerings; and
the power of the little mites of the widow; and
the wisdom of gathering the fragments, that
nothing remain? Let .us aim at a larger and
more universal charity for the year on which we
have entered.
And this leads us to notice the fact that there
are reported in, the Sabbath Schools: and Bible
Classes throughout the Synod, an aggregate of
10,583 children ,and youth. The Narratives in
this departinent are highly encouraging. Greater
attention is paid to the - work by the churches,
and with a corresponding increase of interest on
the part of the Pupils. ,Whet a noble, army of
the rising generation to be led into battle for
Zing fetus! 'How many of these thousands are
the baptiied children of: the Church, for whom
all the agencies of the pastor, and .the parent,
and the Sabbath School teacher are not too many,
and no one of theeirought to crowd out the
other! First of all,, the. Christian parent has
the sacred - charge to educate'for Christ. One of
the Presbyteries reports alaek of parental fidel
ity in -the, work or Catechetical instruction. If
such parenle - deiolie the sacred charge upon the
Sabbath School teacher, will they take -refuge
behind these, at _the last day of account ?
Never.!. And it is remarked very justly in, one
of the Narratives,"that . this parental infidelity
accounts far much of the vice and abandonment
that prevail, among children and youth in their
communities." Pastoral visitation and Catechet-
Seal instruction by the pastor, are faithfully at
tended to, and an increased engagedness, in the
study-of the Scripture is observed.
It would seem from the Narratives, that In
temperance, .Sabbath desecration, and Profane
Swearing, are on the increase within the bounds
of most Of the' Presbyteries.
A neglect of Family Worship and of Infant
Baptism is noticed in one of the Reports.
And we are adinoiaished, as 'a Synod, that our
Church is making no such aggression and ad
vance as she (might tomake within our bounds.
Other denominations are setting ns an example
by multiplying their henna of worship. Mean-:
While, our members are not Sufficiently drawn
out into active exertion for the cause, and there
is danger lest they drop off; here and there,, at
the call of some fresher, livelier interest, or even
for better accommodation.
Two of the Reports refer to individual in
stances lin which the peace of the churches has
been disturbed by the great questions of the
country. SUch cases, it is hoped,' are few. For
the harmony that BO' largely prevails, we bless '
God. It is well understood in our Church, that
true religion includes a lofty Christian patriot
ism, .and subjection to the powers that be, , !
whether they be our candidates or not,' as
against: a wicked rebellion.' But a spirit ofd
insuberdination is' wide-spread in' the land.
While we pray that the Church may not be
made the tool of political partisans, , nor,be
rent by Mere party politics, we recognize tat
high political platform of the Scriptures which
declares for the maintenance of Government, as
'against msqhorllination and rebellion. "For if
the foundations b'e destroyed, what can the
righteous do ?" We know the song of the angels
was "Peace on earth ;" but Jesus, the Prince of
Peace, also said, "I came'not to send peace, but
a sword." And peace on earth shall yet be had,
if need be, by the sword. Yea, "He that hath
no sword may be called to sell his- garment and
buy one." Is it not the clean record of our
history that Presbyterianism is also a Christian
patriotism, declaring for law and order and rep
resentative governthent in the Church and in the
State? Not "Church and. State," but both the
Church and the State, as the kidred ordinances
of God. We remember the Divine Patriot who
cried out, "0, . Jerusalem, Jerusaletn ;" and
that man after his own heart who said, "Let my
tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I pre
fer not Jerusalem above my chief joy."
In this connexion we record with deep , wino
lion the decease of that faithful co-laborer and
eminent scholar and educator, the Rev. Alex. B.
Brown, D.D., late President of Jefferson College.
His memory is fragrant. He was admired amid
beloved by all. He rests from his labors and his
works do follow hire.
The -Synod records with heartfelt gratitude,
the good hand of God,toward the-Western Theo
logical Seminary within in its bounds ; that by
a speoial effort during the year, over $23,000
bas been collected. which completes the midow
ment of the Fourth Professorship. The Synod,
expresses hereby its thanks to all, those who con
tributed to this noble work; and would note this
as only one out of many rich tokens of God's
favor toward this beloved School of the Prophets.
Though an unusual number of young men in our
region have been diverted, on flair way to the
Seminary, by the urgent calls of the country,
yet an encouraging accession has been made this
term. And the course of instruction is 'com
plete. The Rev. Dr. Beatty-will commence dur
ing the present week, his Lectures in the Depart
ment- of Practical Theology.
The Synod also note, with gratitude to God,
the animating prospect for Collegiate Education
in the scheme proposed, with a noble munifi
. CetICC, by a member of the Synod of Wheeling,
and recommended unanimously by that Synod
and•by this Synod also, for the union of Jefferson
and Washington Colleges, as an Institution of
'the highest order. May the good - work go
forward !
Rev. A. C. M'Clelland and elder Samuel Rea,
or the Presbytery of Ohio, 'and Rev. John N.
Hastings, of the Presbytery of Blairsville, ap
peared and gave reasons for late attendance,
which were sustained. ,'Dr. James King asked,
and obtained, leave of absence from the remain
ing sessions of Synod. .
Synod then adjourned till to-morrow morning
at 9 o'clock. Closed with prayer.
THURSDAY MORNING, 9 o'clock.
Synod met and was opened with prayer.
The Minutes of the last session were read.
The Committee on the Report of the Board of
Celportage reported. The report was accepted,
amended and adopted, and is as follows, viz.:
The Synod have heard with great gratification
the Report of the Board of Colportage. We-re
joice in its prosperity, and usefulness, by the
blessing of God, to our army, to the poor, to our
churches, and to the country. But the salary of
the,Librarian, in view of the increase of the
prices of living, is too small, and he needs help
in the Book Rooms aathe business ; therefore,
.Resolved, That, this very important auxiliary in
promoting the welfare of the kingdom of Christ,
be recommended to the increased contributioni
of churches and individuals who have sustained
it.; and to the serious consideration of such per
connected with our churches as have not as
yet given it any aid.
Resolved; That the Secretary of the Board of
Colportage be required to furnish to the Secre
tary of the 'Board of Publication, at' Philadel
phia, a list of the contributions of the churches
and miscellaneous donations of its funds, to be
reported to the General Assembly by the present
Board, together with its own Report.
Resolied, That Synod proceed to the election
of three ministers and three and elders, to fill up
the requisite numbers of the Board of Col
portage. •
The following persons were elected to fill the
vacancies in the Board of Colportage, viz.: Revs.
Dr. AVkinney, Dr. Marshall, J. M. Hastings;,
.
and elders, Samuel McMaster, Thomas Aiken,
Hugh Lee.
The Committee on the Theological Seminary
reported. The Report was accepted and adopted;
and is as follows
~ With devout gratitude, the Synod, would record
the fact, disclosed in the report of the Faculty
of the Western Seminary, that during the year
past, the Fourth Professorship in that Institution
has been fully endowed. They would also con
gratulate the churches, that in these " perilous
times," such noble benefactions have been made
for this purpose by individuals, which may
prove, under God, a stimulus to others to " go
and do likewise," for this and other forms of
benevolence in the interests of Ch' fist's kingdom.
While the Synod thus rejoice in the comple
tion of the four Professorships, they would earn
estly recommend to the churches their liberal
contributions toward the Contingent Fund, which
alwayis requires support ; and particularly
toward the endowment of Scholarships, by which
great and permanent benefit, at comparatively
small expense, can be secured ; and also toward
the enlargement of the Library.
The Committee on Mils and Overtures, and the
Judicial Committee, reported that no business had
been put into their hands, and asked to be dis
charged. The request was granted.
A paper on the subject of the Christian Com
mission was presented, and after consideration
was, on motion; committed to Messrs MoFarren,
Howard, and Woodend.
The Comtnittee on Leave of Absence report
that they have given leave to Rev. Messrs. R. M.
Wallace, R. Stevenson, J. M'Clintock, A. M'-
Haughey, s— Ewing, R. F. Wilson, G. W.
Mechlin S. IL Shepley, D. H. Riddle, M. W.
Jacobus, S. G. Dunlap, J. Carothers; and elders,
W. Hough. D. W. Shryoelt, 'J. M'Gaughey, P.
Rea ' W. Moore; J.. M'Combs; I. 'Haines 3.
Giffin, J. M. Guthrie, J. Zimmars,., W. S. &id
well, W."McDaniels, F. I: Gardner. Also, that
Rev. H. 0. Roseborough has assigned, by letter,
satisfactory reasons for absence:from the present
meeting of Synod.
Synod then , engaged in devotional exercises
till the hour for adjournment.
An invitation was given by Mr.- Morrell, to the
Synod, to visit the Cambria Iron Works, in this
vicinity. On motion, this invitation , was thank
fully accepted.
Synod -then adjourned to meet at 1 o'clock
this afternoon. Closed with prayer.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, 11 oclock
Synod met and was ciPened with prayer.
The Minutes of the, last session were read
The. Committee to which was committed the
paper on the Christian Commission, reported.
The Report was accepted and adopted, and is as
follows, viz.:
WILERT.A.S, The U.. 8. Christian Commission is
doing much to promote the temporal comfort and
spiritual welfare of our soldiers ; and
Whereas, It is understood that some of our
pastors are willing to spend some time in the
army, under the direction of that noble institu
tion, provided their pulpits be supplied in their
absence ; therefore,
Resolved, Ist. That we earnestly recommend to
all our churches to contribute frequently and
liberally in money to aid them in their work of
faith and labor of love, and in hospital stores to
be distributed under their direction.
Resolved, -2d. That we recommend to those of
our ministers who, by age, infirm health, or any
other cause, are disqualified. for laboring in our
camps or hospitals; to_ supply the pulpits of those
who may engage for a time in this great and
godd work. '
The Committee on . Reasons for Absence from
Former Meetings, reported. The 'Report was
accepted and adopted, and is as follows, viz.:
The Corrunieee on Reasons of Absence from
Former Meetings of Synod report, that Revs.
Wm. Ewing, C. G. Braddock, S. P. Kinkaid, S.
G. Fairchild, AD., Wm. Jeffery, D.D., 1. Mc-
Pherson, and Thomas Martin, have assigned
satisfactory reasons.
They would also report that Revs. A. M'-
Gaughey, J. Martin, W. Smith, D.D., J. J.
Marks, AD., John M. &fifth, S. Fulton, J. K.
Kirkpatrick, and S. P. Bollman, have assigned
no reasons for absence from the two former
meetings.
The Committee-further report that Revs. B. M.
Rerr,l. P. Fulton, Wm. Cunningham, Wm. Mc-
Michael, Win. P. Moore, and S. M. Graves,
have been absent for one year•withont assigning
reasons.
On motion,
Resolved, That this Synod approve of the ob
ject of the Ashmun Institute, in the education of
colored youth for the ministry, under the care of
the New Castle Presbytery, and recommend it to
the patronage of our churches.
Resolved, That the receiving agents in the city
of Pittsburgh be requested to publish monthly in
the Presbyterian Banner the contributions of the
churches for the several Boards of the Church.
Resolved, That the spiritual interests of the
young is so important that it should be kept
most vividly before the mind of the Church.
Resolved That pastors be recommended to keep
this subject before the minds of their respective
charges, by unremitting efforts from the pulpit,
and in other ways.
The Treasurer presented the following report,
which was accepted and approved:
T. M. HASTINGS, Treasurer, in account with the
Synod of Pittsburgh:
Dr.
Balance in treasury frin last year, $24.07
Collections at present meeting, - 29.00
To Stated Clerk for transcribing Minutes, $ 8.00
44 Permanent rlerk,
44 Sexton's fee,
" Fuel, light and stationery,
Balance on hand, $30.22
Synod then adjourned till 7 o'clock P. M.
Closed with prayer.
THURSDAY EVENING, 7 o'clock
Synod met and was opened with prayer
Synod then had a conference on the subject of
Revivals of Religion and the Christian Commis
sion, logether :with devotional exercises.
Resolved, That so much of the action of the
last General Assembly as is necessary to set forth
the sentiment on the State of the Country, which
we affirm, be published in. connexion with the
Minutes, and read from our pulpits.
On motion,
Resolved, That our churches be directed to take
up a collection for the Christian Commission, on
the Thanksgiving Day appointed by the Presi
dent.
_ On motion, the thanks of Synod were tendered
to the pastor and members of the Methodist
Episcopal church for the use of their house of
worship during our sessions;.and also to the
oitizens of Johnstown for their generous hos
pitality in the entertainment of the members,
and likewise to the managers of the Pennsyl
vania Railroad for excursion tickets to the mem
bers in going to and returning from the place of
meeting.
On motion, the editor of the Banner was re
quested to publish the Minutes of Synod.
Synod then adjourned.
Concluded with singing, prayer and the apos
tolical benediction.
Genius and Religion.—We do not speak
lightly when we say that all works of intel ,
lect which have not in some measure been
quickened by religion are doomed to per
ish or to lose their power; and that geni
us is preparing for itself a sepulchre when
it disjoins itself from the Universal Mind.
Religion, justly viewed, surpasses all oth
er principles in giving a free and manifold
action to the mind.
THE wicked are with Christians on the
threshing tioer,hut they shall not be with
them in the garner.
$53.07
4.00
5.00
5.75
$22.76
W. B. M'ILVAINE,
Permanent Clerk
TB.E PRESBYTERIAN BANNER
Publication Office
GAZETTE 1313110/INOB, 84 F 17713 BT., PlTTsmoit,
IqUIARILPULty SOUTH-Wens COP.. 07 7TR AND ONANTNNI
ADVERTISEMENTS.
TERMS IN ADVANCE.
A Square, (8 112163 or less,) one inaortion, 60 emu; tea
Subsequent insertion, 40 cents; each line beyond Watt, 6 ate
A Square per quarter, /4.00; each tine additional, ES cents
A REDUOITION made to advertisers by the year.
ROSINESS NOTIVES of tux lines or lees, 'Lod each ad
&dome line, 10 meta.
REV. DAVID lIPICINNEV,
PROPRIETOR AND PIIRLIEIRER.
EDROPEIN CORRESPONDENCE.
Fruit of the Barnet Conference—Evangelical Con
ference al.Perth—Earl of Cavan and .Brownlow
North—Scottish Evangelization Society--Evan
gelical Alliance—DiecusSion as to Lay Evangelists
—Protestant Emancipation iA Austria—Lord
Bussers Speech—The Cabinet and the &el m
kasas—The Times Money Editor vs. The Leader'
14rritere and the Government—Lord Russel and
Slaveholding Confederacy—Reasons for Americ 274
Forbearance—Mr: Summer's Speech—An Ameri
can Proposal for Prayer—The Terms of Peace—
The Divine Arbiter.
LONDON, Oct. 3d, 1863
THE BARNET CONFERENCE has begun to
reproduce itself. This is one of the signs
`of tbe times, encouraging and hopeful—
the gregarious tendency, coupled with prac
tical and philanthropic issues steadily kept
in view, and not a mere sentimental ex
pression of mutual regard and love. Meet
ings of the same character (on a smaller
scale) to that held at Barnet in the month
of August, have since been held at Bristol,
at Clevedon, and at Perth. In the early
part of September, the ancient city of
Perth was the scene of a confluence which
would, as has. been truly said of it, "have
been a matter of intense astonishment had
not the Church of Christ been gradually
prepared to expect it by the events of the.
last few years. Reference is here made
to the:revivals of religion which have ta
ken place, which necessarily brought true
Christians more closely together.
The Perth meeting consisted of 1500 to
2,000 persons, including young people. It
was convened chiefly through the influence
of Mr. Macdonald and Mr. Gordon Fur
long, two well-known evangelists, and the
latter a gentleman of good family. A
goodly number of the upper class in Scot
land are fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
—among whom Lords Aberdeen and Kin
tore, and a number of retired officers of
the army and navy, are prominent There
are also a goodly number of ministers who
are thoroughly in accord with these godly
laymen. Among these is the Rev. J. Mil
ne, of Perth,.wbo was the intimate friend
of Robert MeCheyne, and whose-hospital
ity, zeal, piety, unction, as well as the bles
sing which has rested for years on his min
istry, I am acquainted with.
At Perth—while letters of apology from
those unable to attend, including Lords
Roden and Radstock, Captain Trotter, Drs.
Horatius, and Andrew Bonar, Rev. oodie
Stuart, Rev. Mr. Spurgeon, and others—
the Earl of Cavan, Robert Baxter,
Esq., of
London • Rev. W. Pennefather, of Barnet;
Rev. Mr. Wilson, of the Established
Church, Perth ; rownlow North, Esq.,
Mr. Donald Matheson, Rev. Mr. Davidson,
Rev; H Prestonjee, a Hindu evangelist,
and others, took part. The whole proceed
ings-were conducted in the atmosphere of
prayer, and had a powerful influence, Ist,
in increasing the personal holiness of God's
children ; and, 2dly, in the quickening
and, conversion of sinners. Mr. Milne, of
Perth, relates that he is discovering in suc
cession, ""cases of awaking, conversion and
confirming," as the result of Mr. Brown
low North's address.
Mr. Pennefather quoted the words of
McCheyne: 16 You may see on the hills of
Scotland, when a storm is threatening, the
shepherd wending, his way to the distant
hills, to gather the sheep around him, to
shelter them from the tempest under some
Mighty crag." " Who can - tell," said Mr.
P., "but that the Lord sees trial coming?
Who that looks on the world, but must see
the seeds of trouble ? It is not for me to
say what is coming; but the Lord whose
wondrous ken grasps the future as well as
the past, is gathering his sheep.' Such
thoughts are not unfamiliar to reflecting ,
Christians either here or on the Continent
of Europe.
The Earl of Cavan, a pious Irish noble
man, told the story of his own conversion,
in a very humble spirit, and with an evi
dent reference to mere profession, " head
knowledge," and spiritual apprehension of
the truth as it is in Christ. . He was pre
siding at one of the meetings, and some
one had spoken of " the head knowledge
of the people of Scotland." He therefore
remarked as follows :
" The mere head knowledge of the truth
is not confined to Scotland; you find it in
England and Ireland too. It is a good
thing to be acquainted with the Bible—to
attend* means of grace—to offer prayers;
but these are the outward observances of
religion; and if we have not Christ in the
heart, they will not give us peace. Anoth
er speaker spoke of doing, in his natural
state, what he thought right, and I thought
to myself of what I bad been doing before
I knew the Lord. - I have never related
the circumstances of my conversion to half
a dozen people, nor would I now, but from
a simple desire to glorify my gracious God,
and to make it beneficial to some who may
be going the same way. I was very correct,
attending places of worship, and hoping by
my regularity in such things to gain God's
favor, and to work out a righteousness of
my own—not knowing the righteousness of
God by faith in Jesus Christ. I frequent
ly attended the week-day services, and kept
the saints' days, thinking it very wicked
for people to go hunting and do other
things 011. those days, which I thought quite
right to do myself on other days. But
twenty years ago, while travelling in Switz
erland, it was my privilege to har a Gos
pel minister. I have not the slightest rec
ollection of what he said, but his text from
God's own Word, ' Except your righteous.
ness shall exceed the righteousness of the
Scribes and Pharisees,' etc., came home to
my heart; and it pleased God to show me
that all my own righteousness was filthy
rags. I then counted all things loss, and
all my good works but dung, for the excel
lency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my
Lord. God knows that for twenty years I
have hardly mentioned this to any ono, but
I cannot help thinking that many are build
ing on a sandy foundation, and will sink
into misery except their eyes are opened.
Oh, see if your religion be only outside
show, or if with the heart you believe that
Jesus died for, you personally."
Mr. Brownlow North dwelt strongly on
communion and fellowship with God as not
promised to frames and feelings, but to pa
tient, plodding obedience. Then Comes
the promise -to, the lover of Christ, the
commandment-eeper : "We will come
and make our abode with him."
THE SCOTTISH ETANHELISTIC ASSOCIA
TION, which has been founded with a defi
nite purpose of preaching and teaching
Jesus Christ among professors, and also the
outcast population all over the country, and
which takes special heed that none who
are not sound in the faith, shall- engage in
the work, is doing much good in the North
of Scotland among the English-speaking