David Goodwillie were, according to directions, presented to him for election. The one from the United congregations of Poland, Liberty and Deer Creek, was accepted. Mr. James Whyte, having accepted a call from the Associate congregation of Salem, was on the 6th of July ordained to the office of the holy ministry, and installed as the Pastor of that congregation. A call from the Associate congregation of Barnet, to Mr. Thomas Goodwillie, as colleague with his father the Reverend David Goodwillie, has been sustained.

In the month of September, Mr. John Russell, a preacher from the United Associate Synod of Scotland, was received by the Committee appointed by Synod for the purpose of receiving preachers from abroad, and has preached in our bounds with great acceptance. From November until May he has been engaged in Canada.

A petition from the united congregations of Stamford, Thorold, and Beaverdam, for one to moderate in a call, has been granted. A like petition from the Associate Congregation of Argyle, has also been granted. A petition has been received from several individuals of York, Livingston county, state of New-York, praying to be taken under the care of Presbytery and to receive such supply as may be thought proper to be given them. This petition has been granted, and an appointment given to Mr. Beveridge to supply in this place, and moderate in a call, according to the petition from the united congregations of Stamford, Thorold, and Beaver-dam; provided Synod may send him again into our bounds.

On petition from the Rev. Thomas Ferrier, the pastoral relation between him and the Associate Congregation of Ryegate, has been dissolved.

In the month of July, a communication from the Rev. James Millar was received by Presbytery, in which he stated that the young woman who had lived with him, had taken an oath before a civil magistrate, that she was with child by him. In this communication Mr. Millar declared his innocence, and desired a meeting of Presbytery as early as possible, to investigate this affair. Presbytery appointed a committee to proceed to Putnam, to make due investigation and report to Presbytery. This case being investigated, and reported by the committee, and considered at several subsequent meetings, Presbytery finally agreed to refer the case, simpliciter, to Synod.

On petition from the Associate Congregation of Putnam, the pastoral relation between Mr. Millar and that congregation has been dissolved. Messrs. Finlay McNaughton, Archibald Whyte, Jr. and William Easton, students of theology, under our care, having spent four entire terms of study, at our Eastern Theological Seminary, and having given to us repeated evidences of talents, theological learning, and piety, we most cordially recommend, that, as early as possible, they may be taken on trials for license.

The state of religion within our bounds is much as formerly. To most of the congregations now settled, there have been respectable accessions. We have, however, still to lament much manifest lukewarmness, and much sinful conformity to the world.

The Synod will readily perceive, from the number of our vacancies, that a liberal portion of supply will be needed by us.

We cannot close this report, without mentioning with feelings of sorrow, our deep sense of the loss sustained by the church in the death of our able, worthy, and much-lamented professor, the late Dr. John Banks. We desire to bow in submission to the Divine will, in this afflicting dispensation; and would unite our prayers with the prayers of the whole church, that our Divine Head may raise up and qualify men for every work in the church-that Zion's interests may still be advanced, and God's name glorified.

Duly submitted by order of Presbytery,

JAMES WHYTE, Mod'r.
JAMES IRVINE, Clerk.

The petition of certain members of the Presbytery of Chartiers was taken into consideration, and after some conversation on the subject, was granted. Whereupon the Synod ordered that the

petitioners, their sessions and congregations and all the vacancies within their bounds, be disannexed from the Presbytery of Chartiers, and be erected into a new and separate Presbytery by the name of the Presbytery of Muskingum; and that the Presbytery of Muskingum hold their first meeting at Cadiz on the 4th Wednesday of August next, at 11 o'clock A. M.-at which time the Rev. J. Walker shall preach, and constitute the said Presbytery: and further, it is ordered that all documents which may then be in the hands of the Presbytery of Chartiers, affecting the Presbytery of Muskingum, be transferred to them.

Messrs. Pringle, Heron and Stark were appointed a committee of arrangements.

Adjourned till 3 o'clock. Closed with prayer.

3 o'clock P. M.

Synod met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with prayer by the moderator.

The minutes of the last sitting were read and corrected.
The following papers were presented and read:

Woe.

REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA.

Our report for the year intervening between the last and the present session of Synod, must bear the stamp, not a little, of mourning, lamentation and The hand of death has been pressing sore upon our members. The removal of our brother, Mr. Smith, in August last, and the more recent and sudden death of Dr. Banks, while they give occasion for near relatives to mourn their loss, have bereaved their flocks of their accustomed, stated enjoyment of gospel ordinances; at the same time that such events have reduced the numbers of acting members of Presbytery very low. Especially when, to this statement it is necessary to add, that at a meeting of Presbytery in August last, Mr. Gordon offered his resignation of the pastoral charge of the two congregations of Guinston and Lower Chanceford, for want of support. Of this resignation, the Presbytery, at their meeting in October, after weighing all circumstances, found it necessary to accept. Of the two remaining ministerial members of Presbytery, one is advanced in years, and the other is in a delicate state of health. The consideration of these things must make it obvious to every member of Synod, that the Presbytery stands in peculiar need of assistance. To provide for the vacancies now under our care, no fewer than four preachers or ministers without charge, would be constantly needed to preserve and cherish them. The Philadelphia congregation would need constant supply; and so would Baltimore, which has since last meeting been organized and Elders ordained in connection with the society at the Thistle Factory; and the prosperity of the other vacancies depends as a mean, on being regularly supplied. Amidst the loss sustained by the death of our Brethren in Presbytery, we have, however, reason to be thankful that our vacancies have been supplied for a number of weeks beyond what we could have expected from the appointment of Synod, by the arrival in our bounds of Messrs. T. Ferrier and James P. Miller, early in April, and Mr. Russell, a few weeks ago.

It seems proper to add, that considering the important station which Dr. Banks filled, as Teacher of Theology in the Eastern Seminary, his removal is the more to be lamented; and the Synod will no doubt see the necessity of taking steps to procure a successor without delay. In the mean time, notwithstanding the bereaving providences with which the Lord has seen meet to exercise us, and which loudly call for serious reflection and deep humiliation, and which, in a special manner, are calculated to impress upon every member of Synod the duty of preparing to give an account of his Stewardship, we are not to cast away our confidence in him who walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks, and holds the stars in his right hand. The man

whose name is the Branch, even He shall build the Temple of the Lord, and he shall bear the glory. That the Head of the church still lives, and is given to be Head over all things to the church, is our comfort and our rejoicing.

It is thought needful to state that Messrs. Smart and Easton are within the bounds of this Presbytery; that they have finished the term appointed for attending the Theological Seminary, and Presbytery agree to recommend them to be taken on trials for licensure.

REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ALLEGHENY. We have to regret the small portion of supply which has fallen to us since. last meeting of Synod. Mr. Samuel McLean only has fulfilled his appointments in our bounds. On receiving information of Mr. David Goodwillie's acceptance of a call in the Ohio Presbytery, who had been appointed two months with us, we thought it reasonable that the Ohio brethren should send us Mr. James P. Miller; and accordingly made application to them, but were disappointed in our expectations, and consider we have ground of complaint.There is the greater cause to regret the small portion of supply, as our vacancies have sustained very material injury. by such frequent disappointments: Besides, from their local situation, at a distance from most of the settled congregations, only one or two of the ministers of Presbytery are contiguous to them, and find it impracticable to supply them, unless very seldom. On these accounts, we earnestly request the reveiend Synod to make such provision for the ensuing year, as will be more liberal, and less liable to disappointments, than formerly.

No such material changes have occurred in any of the congregations under our care as deserve to be reported to Synod. We have the pleasure of informing Synod, that at present mutual harmony and confidence exists amongst the members of our Presbytery; and from this and other circumstances, we entertain favourable hopes of the increase of our numbers, and of their advancement in Christian knowledge, and a conversation becoming the gospel of Christ.

Signed by Order of Presbytery,

JOHN DICKEY, Modr.
HUGH KIRKLAND, Cik.

[The Report of the Presbytery of Chartiers, from its great length is omitted. It will be inserted in the next No. of the Monitor.]

On motion-Resolved, That the publishing committee be empowered to correct such verbal inaccuracies as they may meet with in the papers to be printed.

Resolved, That a part of next sederunt be employed in devotional exercises; the moderator to open the meeting, and two brethren to follow in prayer and praise. The brethren to do so, Messrs. Whyte and Irvine.

The Synod then proceeded to the consideration of the unfinished business of last year's meeting, respecting the "Union in Scotland," when the following motion was made and seconded, "That the Synod proceed immediately to the question, approve or disapprove of said union." After some time spent in discussing this motion, the Synod adjourned to meet again at half past 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Closed with prayer.

Friday, May 26. Synod met, and after praise, was opened with prayer by the moderator. Messrs. Whyte and Irvine followed with prayer and praise.

The minutes of last sitting were read and corrected.

Resumed the consideration of the motion left under discussion at last sitting.

During the discussion, Mr. Irvine wished to have the following question of order considered, whether Mr. James Millar be entitled to a seat in Synod. The reason of bringing this question before Synod was stated to be this, that the Presbytery of Cambridge had voted, at a late meeting, that Mr. Millar was not entitled to a seat in said Presbytery, because they had previously ordered him to desist from preaching until a certain charge preferred against him should be investigated. Against this vote Mr. Millar had protested and appealed; but had fallen from his appeal.After some debate the following motion was made and carried, That it is inexpedient, under existing circumstances, to admit Mr. Millar to a seat in this Synod. This vote was intimated to Mr. Millar; and he accordingly withdrew.

Resuming the discussion of the motion relative to the Union in Scotland, the following amendment was proposed and seconded: That this Synod pass no definitive sentence respecting the Union in Scotland, but continue to receive into our communion ministers and members, when they accede to the public principles of this church. Before putting the question on the amendment, Synod adjourned until 3 o'clock. Closed with prayer.

3 o'clock P. M. Synod met and was opened with prayer. Members present as above, together with Mr. T. B. Clarkson, minister. Read the minutes of last sitting.

The following papers were presented and read:

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE WESTERN
THEOLOGICAL HALL.

At the close of the session in March, when the Board was appointed to meet, it was found that twelve students had attended, viz. Joseph Clokey and Isaac Baggs, who have attended four years; James White attended three sessions; Wm. Dawthet, Samuel and John Hindman and Nathaniel Ingles, have attended two sessions: James M'Carroll, Nathan Miller, James Templeton, John Wallace and Samuel Wilson, have attended one session. All the students delivered discourses to the great and general satisfaction of the Board; and some of them were examined on the Hebrew Bible, which they read with considerable ease.

The Board agree to recommend Joseph Clokey and Isaac Baggs to the Synod to be put on trial for license.

WILLIAM WILSON.
ALEXANDER MURRAY.

:

REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY OF MIAMI.

Few changes of importance have taken place in the state of our congregations since the last report of Presbytery.

While we find, as matter of lamentation, much ignorance of the doctrines of the Reformation-much instability and unfaithfulness in our witnessing profession of them-much coldness and formality in attendance upon ordinances—and much carnality of inclination in our intercourse with the world; still, we fondly cherish the hope that, in many instances of addition to our members, the Redeemer has seen of the travail of his soul, and that saints have been building up themselves on their most holy faith.

The failure of the call for Mr. D. Goodwillie, from the united congregations of Xenia and Sugar Creek, has left those congregations without an ad

equate quantity of supply; so that Presbytery, in endeavouring to meet in some measure their wants, have been compelled to withhold from other vacancies, aid which their destitute situation demanded.

Some names of vacancies have been added to the Statistical Table: one of which, viz. Limestone, in Washington county, Tennessee, has been long in connection with the Presbytery, and partially supplied by Mr. Kennedy. Of the supply of preaching allotted by Synod, the greater portion has been received. The order for filling Mr. Adams' pulpit during his mission to Missouri, has been fulfilled.

At a meeting of Presbytery held on the 24th of April last, Mr. James Kennedy tendered his demission of the pastoral charge of Salem, which was accepted. This has added another to the number of our vacancies, several of which have been already suffering for want of ability to give them requisite supply. Thankful for the past attention of Synod to our growing wants, we expect as liberal a distribution of the time of the ministers and preachers at their disposal, as the interests of other parts will permit.

On the subject of slavery, Presbytery have pleasure in reporting that some farther steps have lately been taken to put more fully into operation the resolutions of Synod. An examination of members of Presbytery and of Sessions, so far as we have had opportunity, has been instituted: from which it is gratifying to learn that some individuals have made efforts to emancipate their slaves on a legal footing; but on account of impediments thrown in the way by existing civil laws, they have not yet succeeded to the extent desired.

We have found, in general, as far as our examination extended, an increased attention to the moral and religious education of the slaves: but still have reason to fear that in some instances it is very culpably neglected.

Presbytery is more deeply persuaded that this momentous subject, which is annually assuming a more threatening aspect, both in our civil and ecclesiastical relations, requires to be handled with assiduity and perseverance, but with intelligence, caution, and prudence, both in public and private, for the information of our members; many or most of whom we are convinced, are willing to act upon the principles contained in the resolutions; but are unable to act with intelligence and safety.

It is undoubtedly true that there have been and are many well-meant, but illjudged theories on the subject of emancipation, particularly by those who have not had a proper opportunity of witnessing the baleful effects of slavery, nor sufficient means of judging of its actual operation in slave-holding states: while it is just as true, that the acts of our state legislatures, whose constitutions tolerate and countenance slavery, show, that as collective bodies, they love slavery as it at present exists in the United States.

The Presbytery would recommend to Synod the publication of an additional number of the act of 1811, as the supply furnished by publishing it with the Minutes of 1824, has been found entirely inadequate.

The following question has been submitted to Presbytery, viz. "In what manner are Sessions to proceed in the case of members charged with singing verses of human composition and on sacred subjects, in singing schools?"After mature deliberation Presbytery have judged, that as the usual design of singing in singing schools is either amusement, or the acquirement of an art, the practice of singing compositions of any kind on sacred subjects, in singing schools, is immoral in its nature and pernicious in its effects: and as this practice is known to prevail generally throughout the Associate Churches in the United States, Presbytery have agreed to recommend the consideration of the subject to Synod at its present meeting, praying them to take such steps as in their wisdom may seem best, to suppress the evil.

By order of Presbytery,

D. CARSON, Mod'r.

The following students were appointed to be taken on trials for license: Messrs. John G. Smart and William Easton, by the Pres