his apprehension that a faithful discharge of ministerial duty might not be consistent with his personal safety, has employed his time in our bounds for some months past. This supply, owing to the destitute condition of our vacancies, has been very seasonable and acceptable. A call from the Associate congregation of Allegheny, for Rev. James Rodgers, one of our members, was presented to him at our meeting in March, agreeably to a request of the Presbytery of Allegheny. As Mr. Rodgers declined making a decision between said congregation and his present charge, the Presbytery agreed to refer said call for decision to the Synod. Messrs. James W. Logue, of Guinston, York Co. Pennsylvania, James R. Doig, of Washington Co., New-York, together with Messrs. John Todd and John Patrick, graduates of Jefferson College, Pa., were examined and admitted to the study of theology, and have attended at the Hall during the winter. JAMES RAMSAY, Clerk. T. BEVERIDGE, Moderator. No. 8. The Report of the Presbytery of Albany, which was, on motion, laid on the table. Report of the Presbytery of Albany. Since our last annual communication to the Synod, the cause for which we appear as witnesses seems to have declined within our Presbyterial jurisdiction. This we attribute chiefly to the nature and character of certain decisions, to which the Synod came at its last meeting, in the case of Mr. Stark. Erroneous decisions on the part of the supreme court of any church, cannot fail to prove disastrous in their consequences to the interests of the profession made in that church. Impartiality, integrity and firmness ought to characterize all judicial deeds, and especially those which emanate from the highest judicatory in the church. But it is with the deepest regret that we feel bound to say, that these qualities seem to have been lost sight of at the last meeting of the Synod; and to this cause we attribute the unhappy state of things presently existing among us. And we would earnestly but submissively entreat the Synod, in some way consistent with its dignity and honor, its love of truth and good order, and its high regard for the interests of religion, to counteract the injurious tendency of the decisions of which we complain, and whose pestilential effects we have so sadly experienced. At a meeting of Presbytery in June last, Mr. Stark appeared and claimed the privilege of resuming his seat in Presbytery. This, however, was denied him, because 1st. The Synod had just left him under conviction for the sin of insubordination, which scandal was not purged: because, 2d.-The Synod, after removing his suspension, had again laid him under process for scandal: and because, 3d.—He refused to withdraw his former declinature, in which he had not only declined to be tried by the Presbytery, but in which, also, he had lampooned and slandered the members composing it. But against this decision certain brethren protested and appealed to Synod. Their Reasons, together with the Presbytery's Answers, are herewith transmitted to Synod, in case they should be called for; although Presbytery has received an informal notice that the protesters have concluded not to prosecute the case any further. In the month of July, Mr. James Williamson, a preacher from the Associate Synod of Original Seceders in Scotland, was, upon application, admitted by this Presbytery in the same capacity; and has since been employed, the greater part of the time, in supplying the vacancies under the care of Presbytery. A congregation has been organized, by order of Presbytery, at Fall River, Mass., but owing to the pressure of the times, the prospect there is not so flattering as formerly. At a meeting of Presbytery in September, the Rev. D. R. Defreest was restored to the exercise of the ministry; but owing to his peculiar circumstances, he has not been employed in supplying any of our vacancies. At the same meeting Rev. J. G. Smart demitted his charge of the congregation of Johnstown, which demission, much to the regret of the Presbytery, was accepted. That congregation has since made out a call for Mr. Williamson. Against a decision of Presbytery, ordering Mr. Stark to be supplied with a copy of all the testimony taken on the trial of Mr. Webster, a member protested and appealed to Synod; but the committee into whose hands the Reasons of Protest were placed for Answers, not having reported, the Presbytery is under the necessity of letting the matter lie over for the present. The Synodical Fast was observed in the Congregations of Florida, Albany and Bovina. At a meeting of Presbytery, held on the 21st inst., the Rev. P. Bullions was suspended from the exercise of the ministry and from the fellowship of the church, on the grounds exhibited in the accompanying papers. P. CAMPBELL, Moderator. JAMES MARTIN, Presbytery Clerk. No, 9. The Report of the Board of Managers of the Theological Seminary, which was, on motion, laid on the table. Report of Board of Managers of the Theological Seminary. The annual meeting of the Board took place on the 29th of March last, at the Theological Seminary. The number of students in attendance during the last session was 24. Their names and grades respectively are as follows, viz. :-Joseph T. Cooper, J. W. Harsha, James Law, Isaac N. Lawhead, John L. McLane, and Wm. H. Walker, of the 4th year. Messrs. Thomas Gilkerson, James Hawthorn, Wm. Smith, and David R. Imbrie, of the 3d year. Messrs. John Bryan, John M. French, Isaac Law, Daniel H. A. McLean, Archibald Reid and George C. Vincent, of the 2d year. Messrs. David Bullions, Wm. J. Cleland, James R. Doig, James W. Logue, John Patrick, John Todd, and Thomas B. Walker, of the 1st year. Mr. Ambrose Bancroft also attended during the latter part of the session. Discourses were delivered by all the students, excepting two, of the 2d, Sd, and 4th years, which were generally highly approven as specimens of Theological attainments. All the classes were examined on the system of Theology, Hebrew Bible, Church History, and the evidences of the Christian Religion, in which they acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of the Board. Those of the 4th year were also examined on the distinguishing principles of the Secession Church, and are hereby recommended to Synod to be taken on trials for license. The Board would take the liberty of stating to Synod, that contributions have been made for several years past, particularly by one very liberal member of our communion, and also by the Female Benevolent Society of the Congregation of Philadelphia, for the aid of several students of Theology. These contributions, amounting to several hundred dollars, have been received by the Professors, and appropriated as directed. As there are usually a number of students who stand in need of pecuniary aid, and as the Board confidently believe there are many members of our communion who only need to be made acquainted with the fact to induce similar contribu tions, they have appointed the Rev. Professor Beveridge their Treasurer to receive any donations of this kind. Although the Synod has a fund for the aid of students, yet it has been the practice to loan out of that fund, on which account but few have availed themselves of it, by which they would subject themselves to a burden of debt. It is not thought necessary to dwell on the circumstances of most young men who are pursuing their studies with a view to the ministry. Nearly one half are obliged chiefly, on entering, to depend on their own resources; several of them enter the study of theology deeply in debt for their collegiate education; nor will the Board enlarge on the reasons why liberality should be manifested in aiding such, until they find this call disregarded. In conclusion, the Board express their high gratification at the prosperous condition of this Seminary, and trust, that, through the blessing of the Churchs' Head, many will here be qualified to enter as faithful laborers the Lord's vineyard. All which is respectfully submitted. By order of the Board, THOMAS HANNA, Secretary. P. S. According to the late organization of the Board by Synod, the term of service of Messrs. French and Murray will expire at this meeting. T. H. No. 10. The Report of Dr. Houston, Treasurer, which was, on motion, referred to the committee on the Funds. Report of Daniel Houston, Treasurer. Daniel Houston in account with Associate Synod. Dr. April 1, Cash, interest from D. Houston, on 1837. Erie land,. 184 80 100 00 8 00 120 00 33 00 '3, Cash from — interest,. 39 60 10 00 24 00 10 00 $978 06 20 00 his apprehension that a faithful discharge of ministerial duty might not be consistent with his personal safety, has employed his time in our bounds for some months past. This supply, owing to the destitute condition of our vacancies, has been very seasonable and acceptable. A call from the Associate congregation of Allegheny, for Rev. James Rodgers, one of our members, was presented to him at our meeting in March, agreeably to a request of the Presbytery of Allegheny. As Mr. Rodgers declined making a decision between said congregation and his present charge, the Presbytery agreed to refer said call for decision to the Synod. Messrs. James W. Logue, of Guinston, York Co. Pennsylvania, James R. Doig, of Washington Co., New-York, together with Messrs. John Todd and John Patrick, graduates of Jefferson College, Pa., were examined and admitted to the study of theology, and have attended at the Hall during the winter. JAMES RAMSAY, Clerk. T. BEVERIDGE, Moderator. No. 8. The Report of the Presbytery of Albany, which was, on motion, laid on the table. Report of the Presbytery of Albany. Since our last annual communication to the Synod, the cause for which we appear as witnesses seems to have declined within our Presbyterial jurisdiction. This we attribute chiefly to the nature and character of certain decisions, to which the Synod came at its last meeting, in the case of Mr. Stark. Erroneous decisions on the part of the supreme court of any church, cannot fail to prove disastrous in their consequences to the interests of the profession made in that church. Impartiality, integrity and firmness ought to characterize all judicial deeds, and especially those which emanate from the highest judicatory in the church. But it is with the deepest regret that we feel bound to say, that these qualities seem to have been lost sight of at the last meeting of the Synod; and to this cause we attribute the unhappy state of things presently existing among us. And we would earnestly but submissively entreat the Synod, in some way consistent with its dignity and honor, its love of truth and good order, and its high regard for the interests of religion, to counteract the injurious tendency of the decisions of which we complain, and whose pestilential effects we have so sadly experienced. At a meeting of Presbytery in June last, Mr. Stark appeared and claimed the privilege of resuming his seat in Presbytery. This, however, was denied him, because 1st. The Synod had just left him under conviction for the sin of insubordination, which scandal was not purged: because, 2d.-The Synod, after removing his suspension, had again laid him under process for scandal: and because, 3d.-He refused to withdraw his former declinature, in which he had not only declined to be tried by the Presbytery, but in which, also, he had lampooned and slandered the members composing it.-But against this decision certain brethren protested and appealed to Synod, Their Reasons, together with the Presbytery's Answers, are herewith transmitted to Synod, in case they should be called for; although Presbytery has received an informal notice that the protesters have concluded not to prosecute the case any further. In the month of July, Mr. James Williamson, a preacher from the Associate Synod of Original Seceders in Scotland, was, upon application, admitted by this Presbytery in the same capacity; and has since been employed, the greater part of the time, in supplying the vacancies under the care of Presbytery. A congregation has been organized, by order of Presbytery, at Fall River, Mass., but owing to the pressure of the times, the prospect there is not so flattering as formerly. At a meeting of Presbytery in September, the Rev. D. R. Defreest was restored to the exercise of the ministry; but owing to his peculiar circumstances, he has not been employed in supplying any of our vacancies. At the same meeting Rev. J. G. Smart demitted his charge of the congregation of Johnstown, which demission, much to the regret of the Presbytery, was accepted. That congregation has since made out a call for Mr. Williamson. Against a decision of Presbytery, ordering Mr. Stark to be supplied with a copy of all the testimony taken on the trial of Mr. Webster, a member protested and appealed to Synod; but the committee into whose hands the Reasons of Protest were placed for Answers, not having reported, the Presbytery is under the necessity of letting the matter lie over for the present. The Synodical Fast was observed in the Congregations of Florida, Albany and Bovina. At a meeting of Presbytery, held on the 21st inst., the Rev. P. Bullions was suspended from the exercise of the ministry and from the fellowship of the church, on the grounds exhibited in the accompanying papers. JAMES MARTIN, Presbytery Clerk. P. CAMPBELL, Moderator. No, 9. The Report of the Board of Managers of the Theological Seminary, which was, on motion, laid on the table. Report of Board of Managers of the Theological Seminary. The annual meeting of the Board took place on the 29th of March last, at the Theological Seminary. The number of students in attendance during the last session was 24. Their names and grades respectively are as follows, viz. :-Joseph T. Cooper, J. W. Harsha, James Law, Isaac N. Lawhead, John L. McLane, and Wm. H. Walker, of the 4th year. Messrs. Thomas Gilkerson, James Hawthorn, Wm. Smith, and David R. Imbrie, of the 3d year. Messrs. John Bryan, John M. French, Isaac Law, Daniel H. A. McLean, Archibald Reid and George C. Vincent, of the 2d year. Messrs. David Bullions, Wm. J. Cleland, James R. Doig, James W. Logue, John Patrick, John Todd, and Thomas B. Walker, of the 1st year. Mr. Ambrose Bancroft also attended during the latter part of the session. Discourses were delivered by all the students, excepting two, of the 2d, 3d, and 4th years, which were generally highly approven as specimens of Theological attainments. All the classes were examined on the system of Theology, Hebrew Bible, Church History, and the evidences of the Christian Religion, in which they acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of the Board. Those of the 4th year were also examined on the distinguishing principles of the Secession Church, and are hereby recommended to Synod to be taken on trials for license. The Board would take the liberty of stating to Synod, that contributions have been made for several years past, particularly by one very liberal member of our communion, and also by the Female Benevolent Society of the Congregation of Philadelphia, for the aid of several students of Theology. These contributions, amounting to several hundred dollars, have been received by the Professors, and appropriated as directed. As there are usually a number of students who stand in need of pecuniary aid, and as the Board confidently believe there are many members of our communion who only need to be made acquainted with the fact to induce similar contributions, they have appointed the Rev. Professor Beveridge their Treasurer to receive any donations of this kind. Although the Synod has a fund for the aid of students, yet it has been the practice to loan out of that fund, on which account but few have availed themselves of it, by which they would subject themselves to a burden of debt. It is not thought necessary to dwell on the circumstances of most young men who are pursuing their studies with a view to the ministry. Nearly one half are obliged chiefly, on entering, to depend on their own resources; several of them enter the study of theology deeply in debt for their collegiate education; nor will the Board enlarge on the reasons why liberality should be manifested in aiding such, until they find this call disregarded. In conclusion, the Board express their high gratification at the prosperous condition of this Seminary, and trust, that, through the blessing of the Churchs' Head, many will here be qualified to enter as faithful laborers the Lord's vineyard. All which is respectfully submitted. By order of the Board, THOMAS HANNA, Secretary. P. S. According to the late organization of the Board by Synod, the term of service of Messrs. French and Murray will expire at this meeting. T. H. No. 10. The Report of Dr. Houston, Treasurer, which was, on motion, referred to the committee on the Funds. Report of Daniel Houston, Treasurer. Daniel Houston in account with Associate Synod. Dr. April 1, Cash, interest from D. Houston, on 1837. Erie land,.. interest,. '3, Cash from 184 80 100 00 39 60 10 00 24.00 10 00 $978 06 The undersigned, committee of the Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary, have examined the above account of the treasurer, with the accompanying vouchers, up to this date, and find it correct. May 15, 1838. JAMES RAMSAY, No. 11. A memorial and complaint from the Rev. D. Stalker, which was, on motion, laid on the table. Adjourned till the usual hour. Closed with prayer. 3 o'clock, P. M. The Synod met and was opened with prayer. Members present as above. The minutes of the forenoon sitting were read and approved. The following papers were given in and read, viz: No. 12. A memorial from the congregation of N. Argyle, remonstrating against the proceedings of the Presbytery of Cambridge, in the case of their Pastor the Rev. Duncan Stalker. No. 13. Complaint and memorial from the congregation of Cambridge, in relation to the proceedings of the Presbytery of Cambridge, in the case of their Pastor Dr. A. Bullions. No. 14. A memorial from a minority of said congregation of Cambridge in relation to the same subject. No. 15. A complaint and petition from the congregation of Ryegate, in relation to the proceedings of the Presbytery of Cambridge, in the above mentioned cases. All these papers were, on motion, laid on the table. No. 16. The Report of the Presbytery of Ohio, which was, on motion, laid on the table. Report of the Presbytery of Ohio. At our meeting in July last, a call from the congregation of Cross-roads, for a part of the time, of the Rev. William Douthett, which had been transferred to us from the Presbytery of Shenango, was presented and accepted, by which his charge has been greatly enlarged. At our meeting in September last, Mr. James Patterson was ordained to the office of the holy ministry, and installed in the united congregations of Yellow-creek, Scroggsfield and Glade-Run. By this means, three of our principal vacancies have been settled. Last fall, Mr. William Cleland was examined and admitted to the study of Theology, and has attended the last session at the Seminary. We would take this opportunity of respectfully suggesting to Synod the necessity of taking some means to encourage young men of piety and talents to devote themselves to the ministry of the gospel. It must be evident to all, that the present number of candidates for the ministry is insufficient to supply the increasing wants of our church. Ever since our existence in this country as a church, the demands for faithful men to labor in the vineyard of Christ, have been numerous and urgent, and which we have never been able adequately to supply. Of late years, these calls |