Minutes of Synod, have greatly increased, and have come from every section of our church, especially The Book of Church Government and Discipline, submitted to the several Presbyteries at your last meeting, has been under our consideration: and while we regard it as preferable in many respects to the one now in use, we could not acquiesce in its adoption as a substitute without some amendments. On those subjects upon which it treats, it is full and explicit, and affords a much clearer light to church courts in the disposal of business, which may come before them, than they have hitherto enjoyed. Yet in the omission of the offences mentioned in our Book of Discipline, as grounds of church censure, we regard it as defective. There is in our view no impropriety in having such offences particularly specified as grounds of censure in the discipline, though this be virtually done in our Confession and Testimony, and We refer particularly at present to strike out some of these offences would materially weaken the hands of church courts in maintaining our witnessing profession. to the practice of occasional hearing mentioned in our present Book of Discipline as ground of censure. This we admit is virtually condemned in the Testimony, but deprive your courts of the authority which the present Book of Discipline affords them, and their future efforts in restraining this practice, will doubtless be weak and ineffectual. We would deprecate the idea of diminishing in any degree the authority under which your office bearers act in endeavoring to restrain this practice; a practice entirely at variance with our witnessing profession, and if any change be made, let such authority be increased. We would also suggest the propriety of retaining the forms appended to our present Book of Discipline and would desire to have them enlarged by adding to them forms in administering censure.. At our meeting in April last, Mr. Scroggs resigned the pastoral charge of WestBeaver, and the whole of his labors are now confined to West-Union and Fourmile, we therefore request as liberal a portion of supply as may in some measure meet our present and rising vacancies. As to the observance of Synod's fast, Presbytery report, that so far as ascertained, it was observed by our members. DAVID GOODWILLIE, Presbytery Clerk. No. 17. A complaint and petition from the congregation of Barnet, in reference to the proceedings of the Presbytery of Cambridge, in the above mentioned cases. This paper was, on motion, laid on the table. No. 18. The Report of the Presbytery of Alleghany, which was, on motion, laid on the table. Report of the Presbytery of Alleghany. The Presbytery of Alleghany reports that Mr. McCarrel has been released from his charge, an event which the Synod will be prepared to expect from our report of last year. A call has since been presented by those congregations to Mr. McAuley, which we have reason to hope will be accepted. The demand for supplies continues unabated, and we are the more anxious to obtain our full share, this year, as the supply of last year almost entirely failed, owing to various providential circumstances. A call was some time since sustained by our Presbytery for the Rev. J. Rodgers, which has been transmitted to the Presbytery of Chartiers, to whose report the Synod are respectfully referred. On the overture of a Book of Discipline received, we have only to state that we have made some progress in examining it, but are prepared to report nothing decisive or particular. J. SCROGGS, Clerk pro tem. No. 19. A paper by the Rev. James Adams, relative to his case as presented in the report of the Presbytery of Miami. This paper was VOL. XV. 2 on motion, referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Anderson, W. Easton and D. Blair. No. 20. A petition from the united congregation of Scroggsfield, Yellow Creek and Glade Run, to be disconnected from the Presbytery of Ohio, and connected with that of Muskingum. This petition was, on motion, referred to the committee of Bills and Overtures. The following resolution was offered, viz: Resolved, That in view of the difficulties in which the Synod is involved, and the alarming evidences of the Lord's displeasure with us, next be set apart for the exercises of fasting and prayer; and that our congregations in this city be invited to unite with us in those exercises. To this resolution a substitute was offered and adopted, as follows: Resolved, That next Monday evening be set apart for prayer and religious conversation, From the adoption of the substitute in lieu of the original motion, Mr. Heron craved his dissent to be marked. Dr. Bruce gave notice that he joined in the protest taken by certain brethren in the forenoon sitting. The term of service of Messrs. French and Murray, as members of the Board of Managers of the Theological Seminary, being expired, it was, on motion, Resolved, That according to a decision made at last meeting, a nomination be now made of members to fill the vacancy. Messrs. French and Patterson were nominated accordingly. The following resolution was offered and adopted, viz: Resolved, That no member of Synod vacate his seat until the Synod adjourn, without permission of the house; and that Synod require of the different Presbyteries where any reside, who may violate this rule, to call such before them to answer for their conduct, and that Presbyteries report accordingly. The protestation of the brethren of Albany Presbytery, mentioned in the minutes of the forenoon sitting, was called up, and, on motion, referred to a select committee, consisting of Dr. Ramsay and Mr. Beveridge. Adjourned till the usual hour on Monday morning. Closed with prayer. Monday, May 28th. The Synod met and was opened with prayer. Members present as above. The minutes of last sitting were read and approved. Mr. H. H. Blair asked why his name was not called on the roll, and claimed his seat. The Moderator decided that he was not entitled to his seat. An appeal from this decision was taken by Mr. Blair, but not sustained. Against this decision, Mr. Blair protested, for reasons to be assigned. Papers being called for, the following were given in, viz: No. 21. Papers transmitted by the Presbytery of Miami on the subject of occasional hearing. These papers were, on motion, referred to the committee on Bills and Overtures. No. 22. Papers transmitted by the aforesaid Presbytery, relative to an appeal by Messrs. D. Jackson and Archibald Collins, from a decision of said Presbytery in the case of the former of these appellants. These papers were, on motion, referred to the committee of Appeals. No. 23. Papers transmitted by the aforesaid Presbytery in reference to appeals by Messrs. Templeton, Wallace and others, from a decision of said Presbytery, in the case of Mr. Heron, charged with violation of the Synod's rule, respecting the publication of the banns of marriage, These papers also were, on motion, referred to the committee of Appeals. No. 24. A petition by Messrs. James C. Bruce and Wm. Bruce, of the Presbytery of Miami, to be erected into a separate Presbytery. The petition was, on motion, referred to the committee of Bills and Overtures. No. 25 The Report of a committee of the session of Massies Creek congregation, transmitted by the Presbytery of Miami, in the case of the Messrs. Fergusons, brought before Synod last year. This report was, on motion, laid on the table. No. 25. The Report of a committee of the Presbytery of Miami, on the Draught of a Book of Discipline, transmitted by said Presbytery. This report was, on motion, laid on the table. Reasons of protest against the Synod's decision of Saturday, signed Hugh H. Blair, Moderator, and Andrew Stark, Presbytery Clerk, were read; and it was, on motion, Resolved, That said paper, though not admissible in its present form, yet be laid on the table for the use of Synod. The committee on the paper given in by the Rev. James Adams on Saturday, presented a report which was, on motion, accepted and adopted, as follows, viz: Report on Mr. James Adams' Question. Your Committee to whom was referred a paper given in by the Rev. James Adams, report: That the question proposed by Mr. Adams should be answered in the nega tive for the following reasons. It is lawful for an Ecclesiastical Court to suspend for trial when the circumstances of the case require it, and they are the competent and proper judges of the necessity of the measure. The decision of the inferior court ought to be held as valid, till tried and reversed, and their official report, in whatever lawful form given, to be held as sufficient data for the action of the superior court till the case is brought up for trial. As edification requires that a sentence of suspension should remain in force notwithstanding an appeal, till that appeal be issued, and as the standing of ministers is legally known to Synod only through their respective Presbyteries, so they must act on that information till the trial takes place. The request appended to the question is reasonable, and ought to be granted. A. ANDERSON, W. EASTON. The committee appointed on Saturday on the protest of the brethren of the Presbytery of Albany, presented their report, which was read, and, on motion, adopted as follows, viz: The following is a copy of the paper submitted to your Committee: PHILADELPHIA, May 26th, 1838. We, the moderator and members of the Associate Presbytery of Albany, in our own name and in the name of the congregations adhering to us, solemnly protest against the decision of Synod made this day, declaring their constitution "irregular and all their acts null and void, and the body of which the Rev. Messrs. Martin and Campbell are members, to be truly the Associate Presbytery of Albany," and hold this decision null and void, and of no force or effect whatever, just as if it had not been made, and that all the acts and proceedings of said Presbytery are still good and valid. And we appeal to the next meeting of the Associate Synod for reasons to be assigned, and crave extracts. (Signed,) Hugh H. Blair, Moderator, P. Bullions, Andrew Stark, Robert Crookshank, John A. Gilmour, John Edwards. On the above paper your Committee report as follows: That the brethren who have subscribed the above paper have a right to enter a protest against the deed of Synod with which they are dissatisfied, for their own exoneration, if they choose to do so, is not denied. But as the above paper is expressed in such terms as imply a determination on their part to act in as direct opposition to that deed as if it had never been passed, we judge that it is both in the spirit and letter of it, a declinature, and that the subscribers of it should be dealt with accordingly. JAMES RAMSAY, THOMAS BEVERIDGE. From the decision adopting the report, Mr. Heron craved his dissent to be marked. In this he was joined by Mr. France. 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. Mr. D. Blair gave notice that he joined in the dissent entered by Messrs. Heron and France at the close of the forenoon sitting. Papers being called for, the following were given in and read, viz: No. 27. The Report of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, which was, on motion, referred to the committee of Supplies. Report of the Fresyytery of Philadelphia. Several important changes have taken place in our bounds, since the last meeting of Synod. Mr. C. Webster having accepted the can from the 1st Congregation of Philadelphia, mentioned in our last report, and his trials for ordination having been sastained, he was, on the 2d of November last, by the imposition of hands, ordained to the sacred office of the ministry, and installed Pastor of said congregation. The Rev. A. T. McGill having tendered his resignation of the united congregations of Carlisle, Dickenson, and Wheatfield, from want of health, for the discharge of the duties of that location: Presbytery found it necessary to accept the resignation, and dissolve the connection. A second congregation was organized in the northern part of the City of Philadelphia, on the 19th of July last, and they have since given a unanimous call to the Rev. A. T. McGill, which has been sustained. A call from the Associate congregation of Baltimore has been made out for Rev. John G. Smart, (late of Albany Presbytery,) presented and accepted; and on the 2d inst. he was installed as Pastor of said congregation. A call has also again been given to Rev. A. T. McGill, from Carlisle and branches, and sustained, and in connection with the call from Philadelphia, was presented, and the call from Carlisle accepted. A call for Mr. David Thompson, from the united congregations of Huntingdon, Boalsburg, and Newton Hamilton, has been made out and sustained, and is herewith transmitted to Synod for presentation. Messrs. James P. Smart and Wm. Y. Hamilton having been appointed in our bounds to be taken on trials for license, were, after delivering the exercises assigned them, and undergoing the customary examinations, licensed to preach the everlasting gospel; the former on the 19th of July, and the latter on the 14th of September last. On the overture for a book of discipline, Presbytery report:-that, inasmuch as there are in that overture some expressions ambiguous, some subjects deficient, and some things entirely wanting, it be recommended to Synod to recommit it. Though Baltimore and Philadelphia are thus, in the good providence of God provided for, we have yet several important vacancies on our list, and a due proportion of supply is solicited. Presbytery would beg leave to suggest the propriety of urging upon all the ministers in our communion, the duty of frequently calling the attention of our congregations to the evils of popery, and the danger, to both our civil and religious liberties from the rapid increase of this "mystery of iniquity." Kespectfully submitted, WILLIAM EASTON, Presbytery Clerk. No. 28. A memorial from a portion of the congregation of Massies Creek, declaring their adherence to the protest of their pastor, the Rev. James Adams, and requesting the appointment of a commission of Synod for the trial of Mr. Adams' case. This memorial was referred to the committee on Bills and Overtures. No. 29. A representation from Mr. A. Anderson and others, complaining of certain alleged inaccuracies in the printed minutes of last year. This paper was referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Heron and Martin. No. 30. A protest against the Synod's decisions of Saturday and this day, signed H. H. Blair, Moderator, and Andrew Stark, Presbytery Clerk, and declining the authority of the Associate Synod as now constituted, and appealing to the first free and faithful meeting of the Associate Synod. Whereupon, certain resolutions were offered to issue the case respecting the protesting brethren; and after considerable discussion, said resolutions were referred to a select committee, consisting of Dr. Bruce and Mr. Miller. Said committee were instructed forthwith to retire, and to bring in a resolution issuing the matter. While the committee were withdrawn, the following resolution was offered and adopted, viz: Resolved, That the calls reported by the several Presbyteries be presented to such candidates as are present in Synod for acceptance. Calls being reported for, Mr. S. McArthur, from the congregations of McMahon's Creek and Belmont, in the Presbytery of Muskingum, and of Mercer, Springfield, and Rocky Spring, in the Presbytery of Shenango; it was, on motion, Resolved, That Mr. McArthur have his choice of Presbyteries. Mr. McArthur made choice of the Presbytery of Muskingum. Consequently, the call from McMahon's Creek and Belmont was presented and accepted. The call from the congregations of Huntingdon, Boalsburgh, and Newtown, Hamilton, reported by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, for Mr. D. Thompson, was, on motion, referred to the Presbytery of Chartiers, for presentation. Paper No. 31 was read, viz: The Report of Mr. Wm. Y. Hamilton, on the Western mission, This report was, on motion, referred to the committee on the Funds, and is as follows, viz: Report of Western Mission. BRETHREN-Your missionary arrived at Unity, Randolph County, Illinois, the first sabbath of December. The Synod's Fast was observed on the third Thursday of this month, the time appointed having past. Having remained in Unity and its vicinity six sabbaths, he proceeded from thence to Mr. John Walker's, Elkhorn, from thence to John Gracey's, Sugar Creek, Madison Co., and from thence to Clark and Mackay's, Shoal Creek, Bond Co., remaining in the two former one sabbath each, and in the latter vacancy two sabbaths. He then proceeded to Apple Creek, Green Co., where he remained during the remainder of February and through the month of March. Travelling becoming difficult, he concluded to spend the remaining month of April again at Unity. Little can be said in addition to what has frequently been laid before Synod, respecting the necessity of Preaching in the Far West, that necessity still continues, particularly in some places, the labors of an ordained minister are much needed. Emigration is rapidly directing its thousands to the West. The growing facilities of this country, and the embarrassments of the East, contribute to render it the spot towards which many are directing their steps. But there is a lack of the word of truth. Every species of delusion, from the subtle heresies of Arminianism to the wild extravagance of Mormonism, seems to have sprung up in the Far West as a fruitful soil. Here increasing Infidelity and Romish abomination are exerting their influence to deceive, if it were possible, even the elect. With respect to the prospects of the Secession Church in these parts :-Unity, in Randolph Co., will probably soon sustain a settled ministry, and there are numbers elsewhere, for whose sake, doubtless, it is the duty of the church to obey the injunction, "preach the gospel to every creature." To accomplish the ends for which our church has in God's great name displayed her banner, may the King and Head of the church pour upon us the spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind, that, under its reviving influence, the wilderness and solitary place may be glad, and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose. Respectfully submitted to the Associate Synod in session, by WM. Y. HAMILTON. |